Page 44

My face is in flames, and my ears are burning. I fall all the fucking time on the ice, but this is different. I glance at Leigh and Bobbi, but because of the lights on the stage, I can’t see their faces. I bet they’re both glowering at me, though.

“Yeah, I’m fine. You know me, I like to make an entrance,” I joke.

Trina laughs. “That was some entrance.”

“It’s these pesky shoes.” I take one of them off and show Trina. “Tell me, why would anyone make heels this tall? It’s like this designer hates women.”

Trina’s eyes widen a bit, and then the corners of her lips twitch upward. Did I say something I shouldn’t? Oh hell. This is going as bad as I predicted.

I fidget on the couch. I know I should try to appear relaxed, but I can’t be at ease. I’m sweating, and my hands are clammy. Jesus, I need to calm the fuck down.

It’s just an interview, Keanu. You’ve done countless press conferences before.

“Thank you so much for joining me today.”

“Thanks for having me, Trina.” I smile tightly.

“Congratulations on landing one of the most sought-after roles in a movie in years. I understand you had some tough competition.”

Jesus, did Leigh? I know she was cast as the lead in a major movie, but when she prepared me for this interview, she didn’t mention how hard it was to get the part. I thought they’d just asked her to be in the movie, and she’d said yes.

“Yes, all those ladies were extremely talented for sure. I’m just ecstatic that I can bring the character to life. It’s an amazing script,” I bullshit, because what else can I do but improvise?

“And you get to work with Cameron Crawford!”

Cameron Crawford, Cameron Crawford… I know Leigh mentioned him, but I’m blanking now on what she said.

“Right. He’s amazing!” I reply with extra enthusiasm.

“And very attractive.” Trina chuckles. “Women across the globe want to be in your shoes, me included.”

Ugh. This topic is making me nauseated already. “I guess he’s cute, but I’m mostly impressed by his acting skills.”

Trina looks at her cue cards and mumbles, “That’s what she said.”

The smart thing would be to let the comment slide, but I’m irritated. Why does Trina think Leigh will be into this Cameron guy?

“Come on, Trina. Give me some credit. I can have a professional relationship with a costar without catching feelings.”

Trina arches a brow, and the wicked gleam in her eyes tells me I fucked up again. Leigh is going to kill me.

“Right… but you did date a costar before.”

Hell. She didn’t even have to lay down the trap. I built it for her and walked right into it. I’m a fucking idiot.

“True, and thanks to that colossal mistake, I’m far less likely to let it happen again.”

“Are you saying you regret dating Nick?”

I should say fuck yes, but that might make Leigh come across as a spiteful shrew. “Not at all. It’s all part of life, isn’t it. Making mistakes and learning from them.”

“Hmm… true. It’s such a pity that things didn’t work out, though. You were such a cute couple. Is there any chance things could rekindle between you two?”

I glance at Leigh again, but even though I can’t see her face, I know she isn’t looking at me. She and Bobbi are staring at a newcomer to the studio. I follow their line of sight and spot a tall man with dark hair standing on the other side.

Motherfucker. It’s Nick. Leigh was right. Trina Tucker is a snake. My irritation turns into anger.

I turn to Trina. “I’m afraid that ship has sailed. I’m no longer single.”