Method(89)

“I should have called you sooner. I’m sorry. Something isn’t right.”

“I know.”

Tears imminent on both our parts, we collectively get in the car and sigh. She’s the first to speak. “He’s nailing it. Really, I’ve never seen him do better. It’s unreal. But instead of being proud of him, I’m almost embarrassed at this point.”

Though Nova and I are friends, I’ve rarely ever abused that friendship to get information…until he took this role.

She looks me over. “How are you?”

“Not good,” I confess honestly.

“Can I be honest with you?”

I frown. “You know you can.”

“He’s on time to set every day, there’s no issue there but…”

“But what?”

“Okay, like normally he stays in character, and I get that, it’s his way, but he’s so, I don’t know. He’s on a rampage. I mean this guy is Nikki fucking Rayo.”

“What is he doing?”

She bites her lip. “He’s not talking to me. He’s not even using me. When I talk to him, it’s like he stares straight through me. He’s drinking, a lot. Partying with the crew at all hours but not saying much. And when he does, he’s constantly pissed off, destructive, and just outright fucking rude to me and to everyone who shows concern.”

“Is he paying you?”

“Yeah, I pay all the bills, so we’re safe there. But honestly, right now, I’m unsure if I even have a job.”

She pulls out of the terminal and sighs. “If he won’t even work with me, what am I here for, you know? Leann is constantly calling because the fucking crew won’t keep their mouth shut about what’s going on. I think it’s purposeful to help promote the movie. He won’t even address the PR shitstorm he’s causing.”

“Take the night off.”

“No, he’ll be furious,” Nova says, navigating us out of the airport.

“Or he won’t notice,” I say pointedly. “Nova, I’m so sorry. It’s been no better at home.”

“You think this is about Blake?”

“I know it is.”

“I’m worried about him,” she says, her eyes filling. “I think he’s gone off the grid.”

“Or it’s just good acting,” I try to remind her, more furious than I’ve ever been. Nova is Lucas’s most valuable asset.

“What should we do?”

I shrug and let out a heavy breath. “I guess we’ll know in a few weeks when filming wraps.”

“It’s never been this bad,” she says, shuddering.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t know what else to say.”

“It’s my job, I’m just at my wits’ end with him.” She glances over at me.

“Do you want to drop your stuff at the hotel? I got you a key card to his room.”

“No, let’s get to the set.”

“Okay,” she says, taking a few turns that lead us to a long stretch of road.

“I’ll be honest. I don’t know if I can keep working with him if this is going to be the new norm.” She sniffs, wiping a tear from her face. “He’s scaring the shit out of me.” I take in the fading El Paso skyline and turn to face her from my seat.

“Nova, you have to trust him. He would never hurt you.”

“I’m trying. I just don’t know if I can at this point,” she says, leaning up on her seat, searching the road to look for the turnoff. “I’m really creeped out.”

“If you want to look for something else, I’ll understand.”

“I’m under contract with him. I’ll finish it out. You said things are bad at home?”

“I don’t even know how to explain it.”

“Well, if it’s anything like it is here, I wouldn’t blame you if you kicked rocks for a while.”

“What does Wes say?”

“He’s being tolerant because he’s too happy with the results.”

“It’s that good?”

“So good, incredible,” she says honestly. “And, God, I wish it wasn’t. I don’t want to encourage this shit. This is not Lucas.”

“I know,” I say softly. “It’s Nikki.” We share a mutual look of disdain over the seat.

“You know what’s sad? I’ve seen this before, not to this extent, but similar and I’ve heard the stories too. It’s like once they decide to let it take over, there is no limit to what they will do. Whatever it takes to keep it authentic. But, never, would I ever have expected this from Lucas.”

“That’s the point.”

“Without totally throwing myself under the bus just in case I still have a job, I think the whole thing is ridiculous.”

“But it’s the best he’s ever done?”

She grips the wheel tight in frustration. “Yes.”

“So what scene are they on?”

She visibly pales and glances over at me. “It’s like you’re cursed.”

Of course.

“Listen, I know technically Lucas is your employer but if he’s not listening to you anyway, I’m giving you the night off. Take it.”