Page 28 of Secrets in the Deep

How many times had he made her redo yesterday’s scene? So many she’d lost count. At least they’d been able to refilm the river crossing scene without any problems.

“I still can’t believe someone put marine grease on that rock,” Faye whispered, cutting into Emily’s thoughts. She looked back at her friends.

Preston lifted a shoulder like it was no big deal. “Probably some local kid who wanted to mess with the set.”

Faye rolled her eyes. “You sound like Roscoe.”

“Well, he’s right.”

“I thought at least the local sheriff would put more effort into finding out who did it.”

Preston laughed. “The guy who showed up with donut jam on his shirt? He only had lunch on his mind.”

Faye leaned forward. “How are you feeling, Emily?”

Howwasshe feeling? Not good. Not only had marine grease been on the rock, but there’d been a tear in the harness. That was why it had snapped. But no one, particularly law enforcement, seemed to care enough to find the person who did it. “There’s not much I can do. They assume it was a prank, and we have to keep filming, so that’s what we’ll do.”

Did she feel kind of sick about it? Yes. Was she going to hold up production over it? Absolutely not. That would prolong her time here in Deep River, with Ryan.

Larry had apologized a million times.

She just wished she knew how it had happened.

“Okay, new topic.” Faye clapped her hands. “Apparently this place has the best pancakes in the world.”

“So why didn’t you order any?” Preston lifted a brow.

“Because not all of us can eat whatever we want and remain a size two.”

“You’re a size two?” He scanned her body.

Faye whacked him on the shoulder. “Stop being a dick.”

“She’s right, you’re being a dick,” Emily agreed.

“Got to have a thick skin in this industry.” He slicked back his hair as if there wasn’t a mountain of hair spray keeping it in place.

“Oh, is that why I haven’t made it?”

Emily frowned at Faye’s question. “What are you talking about? You’re a working actress.”

Faye rolled her eyes. “Not the leading-role kind.”

“Jealous?” Preston smirked.

“Yes.” Faye didn’t even try to lie. “And I’m not ashamed to admit it. I’m sure half of America is jealous of Emily’s career.”

Emily swallowed. It was true, so many people would love to be where she was. Cue massive guilt for not appreciating what she had.

Preston scoffed. “She only got this role because Jilly Hopkins is in a coma.”

They obviously didn’t know she’d been offered the role first. Mentioning it might make things worse though, so she didn’t.

“Right, so I got turned downtwice,” Faye huffed. “I was hoping Roscoe would at least consider me for the part. Especially after I was so nice and chummy with him.”

Silence slipped over the table, because yeah…the comment was a bit heartless.

Faye frowned. “What?”