Xavier Cold (Hard Knocks #2)(45)
I take a deep breath. Being a part of a group in this scenario is better than being in a fake relationship with Rex.
I clear my throat. “So, I just walk into the ring with Rex and Deena and stand there? Is that all I do?”
“For now,” Vicky replies coolly. “Feel free to improvise if you think something will strengthen the plotline for the rivalry between X and Rex. We need to get the fans excited about an epic showdown between the two.”
“Got it,” I answer solemnly. “Anything else?”
She eyes me over the top of her glasses for a moment and then shakes her head. “That’s it. You may go.”
Without another word, I hop up from the chair and race through the door, relieved a little that I won’t be kissing Rex tonight like he threatened, but I still have this looming feeling that I’ve only temporarily escaped it.
Chapter 20
Anna
My cell vibrates, alerting me to a new text, so I quickly check the message folder.
Pearl: Your costume is ready. Come see me to get fitted.
My heart sinks when it doesn’t end up being Xavier responding to my earlier attempts of reaching him. I know we’ve been bickering a little, but he’s never gone this long without contacting me. The last time I heard from him was last night when he responded with the message that he was going to bed.
I fully expect him to call me before I go out solo on my first show, but so far, he hasn’t, so I decide to try him again one more time.
Anna: Checking in. Hope you’re all right. Super nervous about the show tonight. Would love to hear your voice before I go out there.
I stuff the phone into my back pocket as I head down the long hallway in an attempt to find where Pearl is set up backstage.
“You lost, Anna?” Brian’s voice cuts through my thoughts as I pass by him, half-dazed.
I grimace. “Wardrobe?”
“Come on.” Brian motions with his hand. “Pearl’s set up right down the hall.” He casually tosses the championship belt over his shoulder as he walks with me. “How are you holding up without X being around? Anyone giving you any problems?”
Rex’s and Deena’s faces both immediately come to mind, but I decide to keep my run-ins with them to myself. “It’s been tough without Xavier, but everything has been fine. I’ve had no issues.”
“That’s good.” Brian raises his eyebrows.
I can tell he doesn’t exactly believe me, but with me giving him nothing else to go on, he has no choice but to roll with what I’ve told him.
As long as I remain strong, Rex’s and Deena’s words are only words, and they can only do damage to me if I allow them to. If I let Brian in on them harassing me, he’ll report it to Xavier and get him all riled up, causing him to do God knows what when I can control the situation by remaining levelheaded. If Xavier gets involved, knowing his temper, all hell will break loose, and I can’t allow that to happen since he’s already on thin ice when it comes to his job at Tension. Mr. Silverman doesn’t seem like a man who gives many third chances.
As soon as Brian and I round the corner in the hallway, Pearl comes into view. She doesn’t get an office to set up, like most of the other behind-the-scenes people do. Instead, she simply has her sewing machine propped up on a folding table with a couple of suitcases of fabric next to her.
“I’ll leave you to it. Good luck out there tonight, Anna. Try not to stress too much. Filming Tension on the weekends is never televised, so they’ll save all the crazy stunts until Tuesday when the show is live to the world,” Brian informs me.
That’s why I don’t have to kiss Rex tonight. Vicky and Rex are saving that for when it’ll be on live TV, and X will be sure to see it along with the rest of the world.
Brian notices the expression on my face, which I’m sure is a look of horror, and then he pats my shoulder. “You’ll be fine. Don’t panic.”
I take a deep breath, resolved to keep my anxiety to myself the best I can. “Thanks, Brian. I appreciate the words of encouragement.”
“Anytime.” He starts to turn away but holds in his tracks. “Liv wanted me to invite you to dinner at the house Monday since it’s our day off. She’s making meatloaf.”
I smile. “Sounds great. Thank you for the offer, but I actually have plans. I’m from Portland, and I’m meeting a friend from home that night.”
He nods. “No worries. I’ll let her know. She didn’t want you spending the day alone, so she’ll be happy to hear that you’ve got family close.” He takes a step back. “Catch you later, Anna. Break a leg tonight.”
“Thanks,” I call down the hall after him. Then, I step up beside Pearl. “You wanted to see me?”
After a few adjustments, the outfit Pearl designed on her sketchpad in the hotel room is the exact outfit that’s on my body right now. It really does fit my personality, and it’s not too far of a stretch from what I would actually wear—jeans and a T-shirt—except this outfit is skintight and made of some sort of spandex material.
“Looks good,” Pearl says while appraising her work. “We’re all finished. Let me know if you have any problems with the outfit tonight, and I’ll make changes if needed.”
“All right. Thanks, Pearl.”