Page 17

CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

ANNALISE

I find a quiet space on set for lunch and sip on my protein shake. I always get a little nostalgic on the last day of filming. It’s impossible for me not to become emotionally invested in my projects. I grow to love the character I’m playing and the world I’m living in. It’s always sad knowing it’s about to end. A good film grows on you and becomes part of who you are. There will be many other projects in my life, but I’ll miss this one.

Hell, I’m even going to miss Simon. The jerk has grown on me. Ever since our truce, he’s been decent. When his head is in the game and he’s not being an ass, he’s actually really talented. I never planned on putting in a good word for him with my “uncle” Bobby, but I just may. I suppose he deserves it, as he held up his end of the bargain. He hasn’t been annoying me, and his effort has been incredible. This movie feels special. I can only hope it’s well received.

I check my phone to see if my mom has messaged back but nothing. I don’t think I’ve had one conversation with her since I’ve been in Michigan. She’s been impossible to get ahold of. Even my father, who has an opinion about everything, has been a ghost since news of Jaden and I broke. The last time I saw him was at the Italian restaurant.

Tapping her name, I wait for the ringtone. I’m in shock when she actually picks up.

“Mom. Oh my gosh, I’ve been trying to get ahold of you forever.”

“Oh, Anna, hi. Sorry, just been so busy.” She sounds winded.

“Why haven’t you called or messaged back? You’ve literally been ignoring me for a month,” I say. I realize I don’t have time to get into this now as I only have about ten more minutes of break left, but I have to say something.

“I’ve been busy, Anna. You know how it is.”

“I’ve been busy, too, Mom, but I’ve called. I just don’t understand. Is this because of Dad?”

She scoffs. “No. Don’t get me wrong, the way you treated your father was unacceptable, but I simply have a lot going on. That’s all.”

“So Dad’s still mad?” I toss the rest of my protein shake in the trash can.

“Can you blame him? You humiliated him. You ran out on him after all he did to set everything up for you. And then ignore him?”

“You haven’t even heard my side, Mom.”

“I know.” She sighs. “But now is not the time. I have a spa appointment. I have to go.”

“Mom!”

“Yes?”

“Today is my last day of shooting, and then I’ll be back. We’ll get together.”

“Sounds good, Anna. Have a good last day. Chat soon.”

Before I have a chance to respond, I hear a click, and she’s gone. I stare at my phone’s screen, bewildered.

Miranda rounds the corner. “Anna, there you are. You’re wanted in makeup, and you have a visitor.”

I push my conversation with my mother to the back of my mind. “Oh, he’s here? Great.”

Jaden’s wearing a fitted black T-shirt and jeans. His hands are in his pockets as he looks around the set.

“Hey, you.” I lean forward and give him a small peck on the lips for show.

“Hey.” He scans my body. “You look very 1970s.”

“Good.” I grin. “Then our costume department knows what they’re doing.” Raising a hand, I tousle his damp hair.

“Practice ran a little late. I showered and came right over.”

I take his hand in mine and give it a squeeze. “Perfect timing. We’re getting ready to do our last scene, and if all goes well, we’ll wrap today. You can just hang out here. There are tables of food if you’re hungry. If you need anything, just text Miranda.”

“I’ll be fine. Have fun.”

“I will.” I give him another kiss and retreat to the makeup chair.

Once filming starts, I’m transported to a 1970s boardroom where a brilliant woman defends her appointment to CEO of a major company. I channel what it must have felt like to be the first woman to do so. I imagine it would’ve been terrifying but infuriating to fight so hard for something I deserved. To have to prove time and time again that I’m more qualified than any of the men sitting around me. Chest out, voice strong, I deliver the monologue as if I was personally the one who made this company what it is. My voice quivers with a pent-up rage that the role deserves.

We film for hours, and it’s so fun. The time flies by. My favorite scenes to film are the emotionally charged ones. In order to give the performance the film deserves, I have to truly get lost in the character, and that’s my favorite thing to do.

When the director cuts and says it’s a wrap, the entire cast and crew cheer. I hug Simon and all the other actors on set. There were moments in this project when I wasn’t sure how it’d turn out, but I believe it will be an incredible movie.

Jaden is all smiles as he waits for me with open arms. I lunge into his embrace, and he hugs me tight. “You are amazing. Fucking chills, Anna. God, that was good.”

“Thank you.” I melt into his hug.

“I’m so glad I got to see you in action. Thanks for the invite. It was really cool seeing all the pieces come together.”

Arms still around his middle, I lean back to see his face. “I’m so glad you liked it.”

“It was great. I can’t wait to watch it in the theater and see how it all comes together.”

I nod. “Yeah, it’s fun to see the final edit. I guarantee that scene will have some dynamic musical score playing in the background and a mix of close-up shots and full frame images to capture all the emotions happening in the board room.”

“Do you have any say in the edit?”

“No, not as an actor. If I was a major producer or the director, I would.”

He drops his arms from my waist, and I take a step back. “I think you’d be really good at one of those roles.”

I shrug. “Someday. It’s definitely on the bucket list. Come on.” I extend a hand, and Jaden takes it. “I have to get changed.”

I lead Jaden through the studio and the back lot to my trailer.

Miranda is already waiting inside. She’s on the sofa amid a pile of Crane hockey swag.

“I can’t believe it’s our last night here!” she groans as we enter.

“Tell me about it,” Jaden agrees. “That went fast. So what’s on the agenda for the rest of the night?” He turns to me.

“Well, we’re going to have a big cast and crew farewell dinner. Then, Miranda and I will head over to the arena.”

Jaden nods. “Good. Mrs. Appleton told me she was bringing you an apple cake as a parting gift.”

“Aw. She’s so sweet.” I turn my back to Miranda, and she helps me unzip and unsnap everything. I shimmy out of my wool suit, leaving me in my bra and underwear.

Jaden holds up his hand. “Geez, Anna. I’m leaving.”

“You don’t have to leave.” I chuckle. “It’s no different from a swimsuit. Plus, if you’ve seen my movies, you’ve seen me in less.”

“You’re so weird.” Jaden shakes his head. “You go from slightly prudish to strip tease city.”

“Hey,” I protest. “I am not a prude, nor am I teasing anyone.”

“I said slightly prudish, and I’ll be the judge on the latter.” Jaden raises a brow.

Miranda tosses my clothes into the hamper. “She’s like that. Super intense until she’s not. In the rare moments when she lets her guard down, she’s much more chill.”

I point my finger toward Miranda. “You are supposed to be on my side.”

She laughs. “I am, but does that mean I’m supposed to lie?”

“Whatever.” I turn my attention back to Jaden. “So everything is set up for tonight?”

“Sure is. Penny came through once again. A car will pick you two up after your dinner, and you’ll be in the suite for the game. Afterward, we’re celebrating at the team’s favorite bar. It’s a private party with extra security and a guest list. So you shouldn’t have to worry about anything. It will be a great time.”

“I can’t wait,” I say.

“Me either,” Miranda chimes in.

Jaden motions toward the door. “I’m going to head out before you take any more clothes off and let you get ready for your dinner. Thanks again for the invite today, and I’ll see you tonight.”

“Sounds good. See you then.”

He gives us a wave and quickly exits the trailer.

“Are you still going to pretend that nothing is going on between you two?” Miranda crosses her arms and narrows her eyes.

“There’s not.” I smile. “I promise.”

“Anna, you could cut the sexual tension in here with a knife.”

“That is so not true,” I scoff. “There was no tension, sexual or otherwise.”

She looks toward the closed door. “You know, sometimes, when I see you two together, I forget that it’s all fake. It seems real.”

“We have a great rapport, for sure. He’s become a true friend, and I enjoy hanging out with him. That’s all you’re seeing. You know I have no interest in dating anyone right now. And even if I did, it wouldn’t be Jaden. He’s not my type. It would never work.”

“If you say so.” She rolls her eyes.

“I know so.”

“Go shower.” She flicks her hand toward the bathroom. “We have places to be.”

I laugh. “You’re just bitter we’re leaving Michigan. Who knew you had a die-hard Cranes fan hibernating inside you all these years.”

She sighs. “Yeah, I really am going to miss it here.”

“It sounds like we’ll be going out with a bang, at least.”

“True. Now, go… I was serious about that. We have to leave for dinner soon.”

“I’m going!”