Fauxmance (Showmance #2)(86)

“Okay, this is bizarre,” I said as I approached.

“I know,” Damon agreed. “The set designers have done an amazing job. By the way, there’s someone who’d like to meet you.”

He led me to a dressing room that read ‘Alicia Davidson: Lead Actress’ on the door. I sucked in a deep breath for courage while he knocked. A voice called for us to come in.

Alicia sat having her makeup done. She wore a dressing gown, her scarlet hair in hot rollers. With her bright eyes, full lips and curvy figure, she was the womanly ideal every girl wished she could be. I’d tried with Elodie and learned an important lesson; you don’t need to be perfect or incredibly beautiful for people to accept you. You just need to be yourself.

I had more friends now than ever, and all because I’d started to accept myself. I understood my issues and worked every day to be braver, to push myself further than before.

Today was a clear example of that. The old me might’ve declined the invitation to come on set and be a part of the filming. She would’ve stayed home and fretted over it.

As soon as Alicia saw me, she gave a wide, friendly smile. “You must be Ellen. I’ve been dying to meet you in person.”

Her makeup artist stood back as she came and embraced me in a hug. “I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for a role like this. Sasha is an icon and I’m beyond grateful that you chose me to portray her.”

Well, it hadn’t been just me, but I didn’t bother to correct her. I was too much in awe of her presence. She definitely had that rare quality, that thing that made her stand out as a star. We were starkly different, and yet, we’d both been with Julian. In a weird way, that made me feel less intimidated, like we had something in common.

“It’s so lovely to meet you,” I squeaked. “I’m a big fan of everything you’ve been in.”

“Oh stop, you don’t have to say that.”

Damon cleared his throat. “We’re filming a scene with Sasha and Toby today. The one where she pitches the story about male escorts. You can stick with me if you’d like to sit in on it.”

I nodded. “Yes, I’d like that.”

Alicia gave me another hug. “Go on. I’ll see you later. Maybe we can grab lunch sometime?”

Lunch with Alicia Davidson? I gulped. “Sure.”

She beamed at me. “Okay, great.”

When we neared the set of Toby’s office, I saw a familiar face and my entire body stiffened. My heart thrummed, threatening to beat its way right out of my chest. I’d thought the time apart had made me stronger, that travelling had built my confidence, but as soon as I laid eyes on him, I was anxious as a school girl. Butterflies took charge of my insides, held me hostage.

Julian stood chatting to David, with what appeared to be a tiny dog under his arm, its fluffy tail wagging. He had a dog now? Maybe it belonged to someone else.

I swallowed back my nerves as I approached. “Hi again, David. Um, hello, Julian.”

At the sound of my voice he turned, and for a second the air left me. I’d almost forgotten how beautiful he was. He’d cut his hair a little, but it was still long enough to grab hold of. His eyes sparkled as he gazed down at me. “Ellen,” he breathed. “It’s so good to see you.”

His friendly demeanour caught me off guard. I’d worried he might be standoffish, cold, and aloof. But he was as warm and amiable as he’d ever been. There was an intensity behind it though. The way he stared at me, seeming to drink me in from head to toe. Pleasurable tingles skittered down my spine as I endeavoured not to melt under the fervour with which he took me in.

I tried to speak some words. Any words. It took great effort. “It’s good to see you, too.” Heartbeat, please stop fluttering. My attention went to the dog, its cute little eyes peering up at me. “Who’s this?”

Julian gave her fluffy head a ruffle. “This is Sheila. She was penniless and living on the streets, begging fishmongers for scraps just to survive, so I took her in, spruced her up, and now she’s living her best life.”

“I thought you got her from some girl whose dog gave birth to a litter,” David interjected.

“Hush, David, my story is far more interesting and dramatic,” Julian scolded playfully. “I’m sure Ellen can appreciate that, being a writer and all.” His handsome eyes seared me and I flushed.

How did he do that with just one look?

“Well, she’s adorable.” Swallow. Cough. Try to act natural. “H-how long have you had her?”

“Just a few weeks. She was a poop machine for a while there. It wasn’t pretty. But now she’s excreting less frequently, which is a relief to all involved. Rose has been helping me clean up. I’m pretty sure I owe her some sort of luxury hamper at this point to say thank you.”

I gave a soft laugh, nervous flutters encapsulating me at his proximity. It was odd how we could spend so much time apart, yet chat like none of it ever even happened. Well, he could. I was having a little more trouble. “This is your first dog, right?”

He nodded. “It’s been a learning curve. We’ve been on the outs a few times, but now we’ve come to an understanding.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

We stared at each other for a long moment, while someone from wardrobe grabbed David. Julian didn’t leave, instead he stayed and just…gazed at me. I swallowed tightly, eyes wandering over him, his angular jaw, bright hazel eyes, sculpted lips. I couldn’t help it. He was just so freaking beautiful. I wasn’t sure how I survived all this time not having his face to gaze at. His attention wandered from my eyes, down my nose, and to my mouth before rising back up again.