Page 25 of Scoring Destiny

“No biggie. Just an issue on the set. The wedding dress for the scene they’re shooting tomorrow got damaged. I need to figure out a way to either fix it or replace it.”

I nod, suddenly a little tongue-tied. “I, uh, didn’t realize you worked in the movie industry.”

“I went to NYU and wound up with a job right out of school. I did an internship in L.A. and they really liked my stuff—I’ve had work ever since.”

I nod again, trying to decide what to do.

Apologize or just say good night and leave it alone?

She’s going to be here until Christmas.

I need to apologize.

“Hey, listen. I wanted to, uh, apologize for before.”

She doesn’t say anything, watching me as I struggle to articulate what I’m trying to say. “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. Even if you were involved with Reid romantically, I shouldn’t have immediately decided you cheated on him.”

“Apology accepted.” She nods. “I get it. Your ex cheated on you so you’re projecting. I will say, though, you can’t go through life making everyone you meet pay for what she did. It’s not healthy.”

This is the second time today someone has essentially pointed out that I need therapy.

“I know,” I say, clearing my throat. “I’m working on it. Anyway, I just wanted to clear the air. I was a jerk, and I’m sorry.”

She smiles, and I’m momentarily as swept up in her now as I was the night we met in New York.

I really need to keep my distance before I do something dumb.

“Would you want to get a drink next week?” I ask quietly.

She hesitates. “I’ve got a lot going on,” she says cautiously. “I’m working on Dusty Peaks and a show on Broadway, so I’m flying back and forth. But, uh, maybe another time?”

Damn.

“Of course,” I say right away. “No worries.”

“Take care, Cash.”

And just like that, she’s gone.

I’m such a dumbass.

Chapter Ten

Maya

The days after the party are long. The wedding dress fiasco shouldn’t have been a big deal—it’s not like the show doesn’t have a budget. But there are parameters. The character is wearing her late mother’s dress, which was from the 80s, and finding something that looks like it comes from that era was difficult. I found one and altered it, of course, but instead of being the quick fix I’d hoped, it actually took me all day Monday so now everything is a day behind.

I’m not the one who damaged the original—that was someone in the cleaning crew who’s subsequently been fired—but I’m responsible for the costumes so the shit trickles down to me. Luckily, after nearly five years in the industry, I have pretty thick skin.

I watch as Lacy Fontaine, one of the stars of the show, walks down the aisle in the dress. She looks great. The scene is shot with no issues, and by tomorrow, this whole thing will have blown over. Probably.

“Hey, a few of us were going to get something to eat,” Serena says to me. “Want to come?”

“Who’s going?” I ask

“Me, Lacy, and Allora.”

“Who’s Allora?” I don’t recognize that name.