Page 7 of Crash

“Have you seen my double-sided tape?” one young lady calls out.

“Is the set ready? If so, get it in position. This is not a rehearsal, people.”

I can only assume that is the producer barking out those orders. My search continues until I spot Tessa bent over with her ass on display.Like I said, not boring.She rises back up, extending her arms as far as they will reach then bends backwards. Our eyes meet, and she pauses all extending.

“Oh, Austin. You made it,” she says, embracing me.

Her smell is intoxicating, but the rapid beats of her heart pressed against me is what captivates me the most.

“I had to come support you.”

Our hug breaks, and we stand there passing glances at each other with shy smiles. She bites her bottom lip and goes to speak when Courtney interrupts.

“Hey, Austin. Did you have any problems getting in?”

“Uh, no. They had a separate check-in for VIPs.” I flash my badge for emphasis.

“Oh, yeah. Tessa, these are for you.” I hand her the items I picked up at the store.

“Sour gummy worms. My favorites,” she gushes.

“Courtney said they would help you calm down. Or, at least that’s the hope.”

She smiles and looks admirably at the flowers. “These are beautiful, Austin. Thank you.” She kisses me on my cheek.

The heat rises on my face. “You’re welcome. Good luck out there tonight.”

Courtney smirks at us both.

“Tessa, honey. We need you in position. Darius is already on stage,” the director says.

“See you after the show,” I say, as she is rushed to the platform.

She bites and licks her lip. “See ya.” Her eyebrow raises slightly as she walks away.