Unwritten

“Here you go.” Garrett appears, setting half a dozen bottles of beer in front of us. “Hey, Zoey.” He smiles, recognizing me. “All these for you?”

I laugh. “I can hold my own, but we’ve got work tomorrow.”

Blake grins. “Ha, no, these are for the others. We’re over in the corner,” he says, nodding across the room. “Put whatever you want on my tab, then come join us. It’s a fun crowd.”

What?

Blake gives me an easy smile, picks up the tray and heads over to the booth—where I can see our director, Dash, and a couple of other people from the movie sitting around, talking together. Blake slides in, cracking some kind of joke, and they all laugh.

My heart falls. I don’t understand.

I watch Blake, frantically thinking back to this afternoon. Want to grab a drink tonight? he asked. Isn’t that universal code for a date? I thought it would be just the two of us, cloistered in a dark romantic corner somewhere together, not joining a whole gang, kicking back after work. Co-workers. Buddies.

Friends.

I turn back to the bar and slump down with a groan.

Way to misread the signs, Zoey.

“That sounds like a two-shot kind of problem.”

I look up. Garrett is back. He sets up a shot glass and pours me a measure of bourbon. I manage a smile. I know him through Tegan: her fiancé is brothers with Garrett’s wife’s sister, or something like that. Everyone’s connected somehow in a small town like this. Either way, I’m glad to see a familiar face—especially one offering alcohol in a time of need.

“I think we’re way past booze,” I sigh theatrically, but I knock back the drink all the same.

Garrett laughs. “Talk to me when you’ve barely slept in two days because of a crying newborn.”

I can see the shadows around his eyes. “That’s right,” I remember. “How are Carina and little Sawyer?”

“They’re doing great.” Garrett beams with pride. “But man, I can’t wait for that kid to sleep through the night.”

I laugh, “Give him a couple more months.”

“I hope.” Garrett glances at my empty glass. “Booze didn’t do the trick? How about a double burger and fries?” He ups the ante.

“With extra fries on the side,” I agree.

He gives me a sympathetic smile. “Coming right up.”

He disappears into the back, but I stay sitting at the bar a moment longer. I feel like such a fool! Of course it wouldn’t be so easy. Despite our kiss on New Year’s, Blake hasn’t said or done a single thing to make me think he’s interested in me like that—yet. Maybe I’m just kidding myself, trying to kick-start a crush that’s better left forgotten.

And maybe this is the universe telling me it’s not worth the risk.

I swivel back around on my stool, and catch Blake staring at my legs.

Hmm. Maybe I shouldn’t count myself out just yet…

I take my drink and walk across the room, taking my time when I feel Blake’s eyes on me again. “Hey,” I greet the table with a smile. “Room for one more?”

Blake gets up, and quickly pulls another chair over, beside Dash. “Thanks,” I smile, taking a seat. “I’m Zoey, by the way,” I add, introducing myself to the others.

Blake coughs. “Oh, yeah, I’m sorry. Zoey’s a friend of my kid sister,” he explains. “This is Dash, Becca, Trey and Jake,” he says, nodding around the table. I recognize our director, plus the head of lighting, and two of the supporting cast.

“Great to meet you guys.” I try not to feel a sting at the juvenile way Blake introduced me. “How do you think the first day went?”

“Great,” Dash nods. He’s hotter up close, with a surprisingly muscular physique. I always thought directors were geeky film school guys, but Dash is tall and broad-shouldered, with the dark ink of a tattoo creeping from under the sleeve of his old black T-shirt. “The scene went great—after Lila’s wardrobe change,” he adds with a grin.

“I’m sorry,” I wince. “Did I screw everything up?”

“Don’t even worry,” he laughs. “The truth is, I never liked that dress for the character. It was kind of slutty, but Lila insisted.” He rolls his dark eyes. “You have to pick your battles with her.”

“Good to know.” I file it away for future reference: Lila doesn’t seem to have many fans on set. “How did she wind up getting cast?” I ask curiously. “I’ve only ever seen her in things that are more…”

“Sexy? Action chick?” Dash finishes before me.

“I was trying to be polite,” I giggle, “but sure. This part is quieter, really introspective and romantic. I honestly didn’t picture her when I read the script.”

Dash gives me a rueful look. “You and me both. I had half a dozen really great actresses read, but they weren’t big enough names to get us financing. Blake here helps a lot, but to really sell this thing, we needed someone who’ll get us press, too.”

“Lila certainly has a talent for that,” I note, thinking of all the dozens of tabloid articles about her latest rock-star fling or bikini beach vacation.

“Hey, don’t get me wrong,” Dash adds quickly, “I think she’s a talented actress. Or, at least she would be if she stopped focusing on if her hair’s out of place, or the camera isn’t shooting her best side. We’ve just got to push through the bullshit. I’m sure she’ll warm up once we really get going.”