Page 29 of Flowers To Give

“It’s an industry thing,” Clark informs him, “On set, you say ‘morning’ no matter the time until it’s after lunch.”

Jeremy shakes his head, training his eye on the butterfly making its rounds, “That’s not a thing.”

“It so is. Ask anyone!”

Jeremy’s not convinced, shaking his head, “You ain’t gonna make a fool outta me.”

“Well, you don’t need my help with that.”

Jeremy reaches over as quickly as he can and is able to slap Clark’s arm. The actor yelps out melodramatically, “Ow! That really hurt!”

“Shut up,” Jeremy pretends he’s not amused.

“You’re so mean,” Clark pouts and then in another breath asks, “Can I bum a cig?”

Sighing, Jeremy pulls out his case and tells him, “You really gotta start buying your own.”

“But then I won’t get to ask you for yours,” Clark bats his eyelashes at Jeremy.

The expression makes his heart patter as he hands a cigarette over. Frustratingly, Jeremy’s encounter with Merle had little alleviation on his crush on Clark. He pulls out Jeremy’s zippo but Jeremy doesn’t ask for it back, secretly liking the idea of Clark carrying around something of his.

“So,” Clark exhales smoke, “Excited to put in some more hours on Sunday?”

Clark is referring to the practice run production wants them to do over the weekend. It’s mandatory in order to prepare for the upcoming beach scene. They’re supposed to meet atthe ranch’s private beach on Sunday with the rest of the horse wranglers to race the thoroughbreds across the shore. Jeremy is sarcastic as he replies, “Thrilled.”

“At least we have all of tomorrow off,” Clark points out, continuing, “Did you hear? Eneki’s taking some of the cast and crew snorkeling tomorrow.”

“Yeah, he invited me,” Jeremy decides to light his own cigarette with matches from the resort, “I don’t think I’ll go though.”

“Makes sense, I can’t really imagine you swimming with the little fishes.”

“Thanks?” Jeremy’s confused by the comment.

“Just an observation,” Clark sips at the cig more, steadying a restless Haukea before casually adding, “The owner of Kualoa Ranch is giving me and some of the other big wigs a private tour of the ranch tomorrow on horseback. Want to come?”

Heart in his throat, Jeremy is careful to keep his face relaxed as he accepts the invitation, “Sounds cool.”

“Great,” Clark looks away, tacking on, “And afterwards we’ll grab dinner and drinks.”

“Oh, I can’t,” Jeremy clears his throat, “I have plans later.”

“Pfft, okay. Yeah, sure,” Clark blows him off, thinking Jeremy’s joking, and continues on, “I’ll make reservations at-”

“No, really,” Jeremy insists, looking over to Clark, “I’m busy tomorrow night. But I can do the riding tour.”

“Uh, can’t you just reschedule whatever it is? What could be more important than hanging out with me?” Clark huffs, putting out his cigarette.

Looking away, Jeremy sucks in a good amount of tobacco before answering him as casually as he can, “I have a date.”

“No you don’t,” Clark laughs.

“Believe what you want.”

“Okay, say you do,” Clark muses, “What about Barry, hm?”

Jeremy sighs, “I told you, Barry and I are casual. I haven’t even talked to him in over a week.”

There’s no response from Clark so Jeremy looks over. Clark’s just staring at him, brow furrowed. Jeremy instinctually shuffles Kau away a couple paces, asking defensively, “What?”