Page 51 of Deck the Hauls

EMILY

Mihira and I huddled by the heaters, sipping our wine. All the trestle tables and goods that had been set out at the Christmas market on the weekend had been packed away, leaving a large space for the cast and crew to mingle.

I glanced around the barn. There was no sign of Dana yet. I hadn’t seen her since we’d spent all evening at the market on Sunday and then traipsed out in the dark to check the trap. It felt a lot longer than three days. I’ll have to get used to it, since I’m leaving tomorrow.

The Red Tractor Farm’s café staff were walking around with platters of food. A tray of mini sliders floated toward us, bringing with it a scent of savory goodness. I popped one in my mouth and the flavorful pulled pork exploded in my mouth. Delicious.

Mihira peered out of the barn window into the late-afternoon sunlight. “No sign of snow at the moment. My weather app says it’s going to start falling around midnight. I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely planning to be tucked into bed by then.”

I chuckled. “Yes, I’m exhausted. I’m planning to take the 8 a.m. train back to the city tomorrow morning, so no late night for me.” I scanned the crowd again. Still no Dana.

There’d been some grumblings in the cast and crew about the fact that the wrap party was on the evening before Thanksgiving. In response, management had changed the start time to 4 p.m. so people could drop in before they drove, flew or took a train home for the holiday. I was lucky home was only two hours away by train.

“I’m planning to take the 8 a.m. train too.” Mihira dabbed her mouth with a napkin.

“Oh, great! I can’t wait to get home. I’m planning to eat my body weight in turkey, lasagna and pecan pie.”

“I am holding out for my bed. The mattress at the bed and breakfast was horrendous. But despite that, I’ll miss this.” Mihira waved her hand around. “I can’t believe filming is already all over.”

“Same.” I took another sip of wine and placed the empty glass on the windowsill.

The past few weeks had flown by. And despite the questionable script and some of my costars’ acting, and Phillip’s threats hanging over my head, I’d had the most fun I’d had in years. God, I love acting. Who knew when I’d get to do it again? I had nothing booked—not even the corporate voice-overs I detested. I should call Brittany again and see if she had any leads.

“At least we don’t have to wait long for it to air,” Mihira said.

Due to the rushed production process, The Christmas Tree Farm would air in just over two weeks. Fingers crossed that would bring some new opportunities.

A hand tapped my shoulder. Dana. My chest filled with warmth. I turned, smiling⁠—

Oh.

I forced the smile to remain on my face.

“Austin, hi,” I said.

Austin handed me a glass of champagne. “Cheers! Sorry, Mihira. Is it okay if I steal Emily away? There’s something I wanted to discuss with her.”

“Um.” Mihira looked at me. “Sure.”

Before I’d had a chance to fully register what was happening, Austin’s hand was on the small of my back and he was leading me away to the far corner of the barn.

He stopped, standing slightly too close to me. I stepped back. My heart rate picked up.

“What is it, Austin?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. We’re in public. You’re safe.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with you, Emily,” he said, his voice low.

“Um, yes. It’s been great.” My eyes darted around the barn. Shouldn’t Charles be giving a speech about now? And where was Dana?

“I hold a lot of sway with HolLove, you know. They love me. I’m booked for five movies next year.”

“Oh, that’s great!” I said with as much enthusiasm as I could muster. Where was he going with this?

Austin stepped forward again. I inched back, my heels hitting the wall behind me.

“They haven’t cast all the leading ladies yet. I could put in a good word for you, pull some strings, so we could work together again.” Austin reached out, brushing hair behind my ear, and it took all my effort not to flinch. “I think we’d make a great team, both on and off the screen.”

My heart pounded in my chest. “Thanks for thinking of me, but I don’t date colleagues.”