Chapter 52: Chapter 52

Ana blinked her eyes. The mid-morning light intruded her bleary vision. Damn, what were the chances to begin this day with so much agony. She groaned, burying her face deeper on her pillow. A soft, unfamiliar fabric met her skin. She nuzzled it, a second too late to realize the dreamy scent it exuded.

Eric's jacket from last night.

And all at once, the disastrous events played like a pitiful movie in her head.

How stupid could someone be, letting her first date gatecrashed by her own friend (even by some misplaced concern)? And later managed to provoke said date on the way home, ending the night with so many mixed feelings—none of those were good?

Apparently, she was that someone.

She cursed at herself, pounding her hands and feet on the bed. Shit, how embarrassing. She wouldn't be surprised if he avoided her because of their disastrous date.

But he obviously had a good time, right? He laughed and made jokes. He disclosed some important thing about himself—his dream and hope. It wasn't that bad.

She scoffed, recalling Eric's rigid demeanor at the end of their date.

Yeah, tell yourself that, Thompson.

She got up, propping her back against the headboard. Without thinking, she brought his jacket to her nose, smelling the comforting scent the hell out of it. She liked his scent. Would he find it weird that she had hugged his jacket while sleeping? Ana decided that what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Not to mention it had helped to chase away her bad dreams.

The sound of incoming text snapped her out from the daydream. She scrambled around, finding her phone on the night-stand.

I've bought your favorite waffle and tea from Rosemary's. It's a bribe, babe. Tell me all about your date later. Kx

Well, she's in for the shock, Ana mused humorlessly

Thank God Kate wasn't on schedule today, because Ana still didn't know how to do if she met him on the set. But then, she still had to give his jacket back.

She checked her phone again, half expecting to see Eric's message, to no avail. There were some discount offer announcements from local groceries, and a text from José. It seemed that he and Phil had made it to his home together.

At least someone had a good time, despite everything.

Ana ambled to her bathroom, feeling utterly drained. The pale-faced harridan with bird-nest hair greeted her in the mirror. Jeez, how could Eric ever say that she was beautiful? He would have a coronary if he looked at her like this. She snickered at herself. Hah, imagine what he would be if she woke up beside him in the morning.

Not that it would become reality, though.

Ana roamed to the kitchen. She was just pouring a hefty amount of orange juice into a glass when Kate's shrill voice came up from the front door.

"I'm home!"

She rolled her eyes. "It would appear so."

Grinning from ear to ear, Kate put down what Ana assumed was her breakfast, before sliding up to the stool and giving her an expectant look.

"What?"

"Oh, don't be coy, Ana," she took a deep breath and Ana knew it was the beginning of her inquisition. "How was last night? Did you two have a good time? Did he bring you home? Did you kiss? Oh my God, tell me!" her tone grew higher.

Oh, boy. Here goes. "It was a great night until it wasn't."

"Huh?"

Ana tried to prolong the inevitable by unpacking her breakfast. It all looked delicious. Hmm, Kate really knew her well.

"This is great, Kate. You want some?"

"I'm fine. So? What do you mean until it wasn't?"

Ana was sure if Kate wasn't in love with acting and modeling, she would make a tenacious reporter. She cleared her throat.

"We kinda had an argument—disagreement—in the end. I asked him why he liked me."

"And what did he say?"

"I forget the exact words, but… he said I'm special to him." God, even after last night Ana couldn't stop the blush covering her face when she recalled his intense gaze and the sweet words.

Kate gazed at her silently for a moment. When she finally spoke, there was a slight anticipation in her voice, "And what did you say?"

Ana exhaled loudly, "I said that he only saw me as a challenge."

"What?!"

"Don't screech! Honestly, Kate," Ana huffed in protest. "No one wants to hear you shrieking like some kind of banshee."

Kate scrutinized her. "Are you serious now, Ana? You told him that?"

"Yeah," she mumbled.

"Ana," Kate sighed. "I looked at you for the past few weeks, and I know you two had this," she waved her hands, "this chemistry between you."

"What chemistry?"

"Like sometimes he was a reason for your smile after an agonizing day at the set."

Ana frowned. "I did?"

"You totally did."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I know the guy might come on too strong, but this past week, I found you grinning like a loon whenever he popped up to my trailer for you. Coffee, texts, his attention… they all made you smile."

Ana didn't know what to say to that.

"Look, do you mind if I ask why? Why are you so hell-bent on refusing his intention?"

"I was afraid, okay? I don't want to jeopardize my work atmosphere," she pursed her lips. "And you once said that no one in this industry is serious enough in having relationship, and the last thing I want is messing with my work when he decided I'm not worth the shot."

"You are worth more than you know, Ana. And I know I said that to you long ago, but I was immature back then. I still am, now, in a way, But anyway," Kate pointed her finger at her, "you're worth it."

She scoffed, "No, I'm not. I'm just plain Ana."

"See, your lack of self-esteem is getting in the way again! What did I tell you? You're beautiful, Ana, and anyone would be very lucky to have you. Do you like him?"

This is the question she was afraid to answer. Because if she did, then her feelings would out in the open.

And she would become vulnerable.

Kate sensed this, so she gave a reassuring smile at her. "Your eyes said enough. Give him a chance, so you'll know."

"The thing is... I don't even know how to. It's always been me for as long as I remember."

Kate folded her arms on the bar, nudging her chin to Ana's direction. "Eat your breakfast, girl."

"Yes, Mom," she muttered but scooping the waffle anyway.

"You want to know what I think?"

"No, if it involves me and sabotaging my free day."

Kate narrowed her eyes. "I think you should text him. See if you can tell him your concerns regarding this."

"No," she snapped. "Why should I?"

"I don't know, because you look miserable as sin?"

"Gee, thanks."

"Seriously, Ana, text him. Don't leave him hanging," she hopped down the stool.

"Why are you so wise all of sudden?"

"I've always been wise. You just outshone me in that department. But sometimes, even hero needs a reminder," she winked. "I'll be in my room, babe. Levi sent me a really interesting casting notice. I have to consult with him."

"Okay, tell him I say hi."

She blew a kiss before shutting her door, leaving Ana in an exasperated sigh.

Should I text him?

Truthfully, she wanted to know his reaction after last night. He hadn't sent her his usual morning greeting, so she didn't know what to expect. It didn't need rocket science to know he was upset.

However, it wasn't like she could ask if he was okay all of sudden. Think, Ana, think. She needed an excuse to text him, but what?

Of course! His jacket!

Ana bolted to her bedroom. There she saw her phone on the bed under his jacket. How fitting.

Biting her lip, Ana started typing thoughtfully.

Hey, Eric… No, too casual. Good morning, Eric. Too formal. Hi, it's me, Ana. Weird.

Come on, Ana, you were an English major. Surely you can muster some words. She tried again.

Hi Eric, it's Ana. I wanted to thank you for last night, and let you know that I still have your jacket with me. Text me when I could return it to you? A

She waited. Fifteen minutes later, she convinced herself that he was too busy to check her text. She washed his jacket to distract herself from arising anxiety. While she was at it, she decided to wash all her clothes from last week. Perhaps it would do her good to prepare lunch, too? Oh, she needed to finish her cold tea and put the plates on the dishwasher.

His reply came through when she wiped clean the kitchen counter for the fifth times.

Good morning, Miss Thompson. You can either send it to my hotel room or meet me tomorrow before my shoot. Say, 10 am? C

She couldn't help but grin at the prospect of meeting him again. But anxiety took the better of her. What would she say?

Tomorrow sounds perfect. I'll meet you at your trailer. A

I'll see you then. C

She suppressed the urge to throw her fists in the air. It was just a friendly meeting, Thompson. Don't read too much into it.

She stood there with clenched fists, feeling déjà vu as she studied his trailer's door.

There was no sound from inside. In fact, the basecamp was quiet it fueled her uneasiness.

Did she knock or did she just put the jacket here? If she knocked, she didn't want to risk becoming a blubbering mess like she was whenever he was near. If she didn't… well, she would always be trapped in 'what-ifs'.

Don't back out now, Thompson. Face it head-on.

She was just about to knock the door when a feminine voice materialized from behind her.

"Hello there. You want to meet Mr. Miller, too?"

She turned her head so fast she felt a whiplash. There stood Emily Wright, the female lead who acted as Jane. Ana had a delight of talking with her about Jane's personality and she admired her talent which brought the perfect, brave young governess to life.

"Miss Wright."

She smiled at her. "Why don't you knock the door? Go ahead."

Ana returned her smile shyly, attempting to do just that, when the door opened and Eric stepped out.

"Emily," he smiled, and as if an afterthought, he looked at Ana. The smile morphed into a grimace. "Miss Thompson, what are you doing here?"

Ana was frozen to the spot.

It felt like he just slapped her.

Fuck. It hurts.

Did he forget? Had he seriously forget, or deliberately making her uncomfortable and uninvited? Ana didn't know. But she already shut herself down.

Gathering her courage, she mustered a thin smile, "You forget easily, Mr. Miller. I came to return your jacket."

"Oh, yeah, of course," he forced a smile. "Do you want to come in?"

Ana glanced at Emily, who smile at her encouragingly. Somehow, she didn't find that smile reassuring. "Um, no. I see you're busy here."

Oh no, did her voice faltered just then? They mustn't know her turmoil. She had to be natural. Her fake smile had to be convincing, even if her cheeks hurt.

"Here's your jacket, Mr. Miller. Thank you."

Eric looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he just nodded at her.

"I'll see you around."

Ana didn't know the rest of that meeting. She vaguely remembered saying goodbye to both Eric and Miss Wright, before she turned and walked away.

Risking herself, she glanced at them for the last time before taking a turn to the set.

And she saw him led her into his trailer. She saw their easy smiles. She saw an amazing couple.

She had shielded her heart too long, that when she let her guard down, she was reminded of how vulnerable it was.

And she didn't want to be hurt again.