As Zach and I headed out we walked past the sandwich cart, I pointed at it with my free hand, "Want a sandwich?"
Zach shook his head, "Do you?"
Wrinkling my nose, I shook my head no too. The only days I ever ate cart food was the days we had the 15 minute breaks, even then I usually had something in my bag I packed from home. Other days when we have longer I go to a nearby bakery and eat sandwiches there with some other crew, or if my dad wasn't busy and he came to set, I'd eat with him.
"Hey Zach," one of the makeup assistants said, "Buddy why don't we hit the executive lounge? You can get us in!" He winked letting some of the glitter from his eyelashes fall, he was wearing black skinny jeans and a metallic silver shirt that shimmered with each word spoken.
"He's got plans." I said, tightening my grip on Zach's hand. The assistant gave me a twisted look but fuck him. I didn't always stick up for Zach but this wasn't the first time I've heard a crew member ask Zach for a favor to get in somewhere, or for screen time or even a full paid vacation. These people have no concept of respect? Earning your own money?
Zach smiled at me, pulling my hand closer to his side, although we hadn't walked much closer to the exit when Ashley intercepted us. "Need any help with your fan mail? I have a free hour, I could start on yours, I mean I do Tina's."
"No, thanks though." Zach didn't even show an ounce of emotion to Ashley.
As we took another step forward there was anther crew member coming our way, Zach's hand still in mine I turned us away from the main exit and to a side door.
On the seven minute journey, that led us to the coffee and tea shop, Zach didn't let go of my hand, I had to lengthen my steps to keep up with his speed and long strides. I ordered a pumpkin spice, I know typical, tea latte for myself and a large black coffee, Zach paid for both of us before I could even finish saying his order. As Zach walked away from the register, I requested in the black coffee they add mint chocolate flavored creamer. I wonder if Zach will guess this one. After we got our drinks and just stepped back outside, a set of breaks squealed on a minivan and about eight people, maybe more as more cars stopped, swarming around us talking all at once to get Zach's attention. They all recognized him of course. Zach really wasn't paying attention to them, he tossed his stir stick in a nearby trashcan and turned in the direction back to set, seeming oblivious to the dozes if gazes glued to him. I put my hand on his bicep, stopping him, "Aren't you going to say hi? Shake a few hands?" I asked quietly. Zach shrugged slightly and shook his head no, "Most girls get annoyed when I leave them for fans."
I rolled my eyes, "My friends are your fans too, only in Hollywood world tho," I winked, "If I was a fan I'd be annoyed if you couldn't spare three minutes though."
"If you were a fan?" Zach cocked an eyebrow at me.
I rolled my eyes again, suppressing a grin, "Go!"
Zach turned to the group, "Hi!"
The group fell silent and one brave kid, probably around ten, stepped forward and held up a napkin and a pen. Zach whipped out a sharpie from his jean pocket and didn't even hesitate to sign several autographs, shook hands, took pictures, and chatted with everyone about a new movie, staring college and balancing an acting career with school. Once Zach had met everyone and everyone got what they wanted - picture, autograph, both. I held up my phone to my ear as if I was getting a call, "Mr. Goode, you're needed back on set."
Zach sent me a smile of relief, tuned to the crowd waved and said goodbye, leaving behind a wowed group of fans.
"That was cool."
Zach's left hand found my right hand and laced his fingers with mine, "What was?"
"What just happened!" I said, "They recognized who you were, recognizing your talent, and then you made them so happy!" I smiled up at him, I squeezed his hand that felt so big in mine, "Good job!"
Zach's sweet smile turned into a cocky grin, "So you think I'm talented? But I hear you're not a fan?!"
I just grinned and shrugged my shoulders, he had heard enough praise, for now. As we walked back, Zach's steppes slowed as we got close to the warehouse, "We should get something to eat."
I checked the time on my phone, we still had a hour and a half of break left, that's plenty of time to go out. Or even go home and eat any left overs Mom may have in the fridge. "Okay! I'll see you back in set then!" I started to walk in the direction of my car but Zach was not letting go of my hand.
He rolled his eyes, "Let's get something to eat, together."
"The press will mob you, I mean I could get take out and bring it back to your trailer?"
"If I'm not at home or on set I'm stuck in my trailer. I spend so much time in there." He pouted. He took a sept closer to me, "I don't even have to get out of the car!"
I sighed, he'd won the argument, "Come on, the Audi's windows are tinted anyway."
As we climbed in my car I joked, "You should wear a wig and sunglasses!"
"People don't bother me as much as you may think" he said as he clicked his seatbelt on.
"I know but not a very popular area for big starts to be, like some small town in Virginia? People will definitely notice. But I get it, people don't usually approach. I've dated actors during assignments, I'll never date an actor for real."
"I don't like dating actors either."
"That leaves you actresses, if you go both ways." Zach shot me a look.
"Haha." he fake laughed dryly, ouch.
"Soo...where do you want to go for lunch?" I asked as I put the car in reverse to get out of the parking spot.
"I don't know.." he let out a long sigh.
Left hand on the steering wheel, I reached out with my right hand and touched his arm, "Are you alright?"
He took my hand in his and started rubbing small circles on the back of my hand. "Stress I guess, also slight confusion and having to hold back more than I want to."
"Hold back?"
"Yeah...if we are drunk together sometime soon and I haven't slipped yet, I'll probably let it slip if I'm drunk."
"Uh...interesting...stressed? About spy life and Hollywood life?"
"Always. And I'm not supposed to tell you yet but my dad and Abby woke up this morning to a bomb on their front porch, my dad work up earlier than usual. He went to see if the news paper had been delivered yet and say the bomb. He was able to diffuse it within thirty seconds of finding it but if he work up six minutes later...oh god I won't want to think about that."
"Oh my god..."
"I didn't want to tell you here or now but obviously it's been on my mind. But hey, all the fun things we've done so far has been a nice distraction. While they're working on finding out who sent it I can't do anything but worry so it was nice to be distracted with you today."
I was still speechless so I just nodded my head in a yes motion.
"Gallagher Girl?"
I finally locked eyes with him, here we are sitting in the parking lot talking about real lives while playing a fun fake one. "It's scary how sometimes you get so caught up in normal life things, and you forget spy life for a second, until something like this happens."
"Gallagher Girl, let's go home for a bit, Chef Boyardee never sounded so good."
I cracked a small smile, nodded my head yes and I drove us in the direction of home. On the short drive there Zach knew I was upset so he babbled on about what's happening on set, how the other female lead, Emily, hasn't showed up yet so any scenes she's supposed to be in they're pushing them back. He went on about how Garrett is a douche bag, and cocky and after me, Garrett needs to learn to keep it in his pants. Zach went on about how he hates he has a party boy reputation but it's honestly not how it is, he's just a flirt but has only taken one girl home one night for a little fun but he can't date anyone ever because...spy.
"Well here we are..." I said as I pulled into the massive garage.
"Oh and Gallagher Girl?"
"Hm?"
"I loved the mint chocolate creamer."
"How did you guess that so perfectly?!"
"I had a feeling it was not just mint and I remember you saying you used to practically get half coffee and half Thin Mint creamer in your cup when the Girl Scout creamer first came out in stores. But also...Spy." He winked as he got out of the car.
For our lunch instead of some gourmet food, Zach heated up a can of Spaghetto's and he headed himself up a can of Chef Boyardee mini raviolis. Along with some Sunny D and cinnamon Teddy Grams. I know it was a lunch for elementary schoolers but sometimes the classic go-to's are the best to make you feel better. After talking and laughing my phone alarm went off, signaling we should head back to set.
Putting out bowls in the kitchen sink Zach looked over his shoulder at me and said, "You know Gallagher Girl, this has been one of my favorite days working. Thank you." I just grinned back. I think I like Zach, no I definitely have a crush on him. But I can't ever tell him. We can't ever date. Not only because spy life, but he has a famous reputation in Hollywood, I'm some nobody, super famous people can't date nobodies.
Back on set I stayed away from the Boom and helped with makeup. I was laying out makeup brushes on the counter when a large warm hand laid on my right hip, the hand felt slightly smaller than Zach's. So, spy instincts kicked in, I grabbed the wrist of said person and quickly turned around and so did their wrist, close to a sprain.
"Ouch hey...Cammie." It was Garrett. "Remind me to never upset you." He rubbed his wrist as if I nearly broke it. Not with that movement. Garrett took a step closer, into my personal space, ew.
"So...why are you trying to kiss Zach's ass? He's a cocky, playboy, asshole. You're just another pretty, innocent face."
"I'm not trying to kiss his ass." I answered evenly and firmly.
"Hm so you want something? Is it money?"
"Nope and nope."
"Then what is it? I'm more attractive, I'm rich too, if you're into cocky ass hole guys then I can do that. Although I thought ladies liked the sweet ones."
"Garrett, I'm sorry but for I'm just an assistant that Zach calls for. There's nothing that he wants with me and there's nothing I want from him."
"So why won't you be my personal assistant then?"
"Zach got first dips I guess, you should have showed up on set the first day instead of going to Hawaii for the first two weeks of filming."
After Garrett sulked off, I went back to organizing make up stuff and people watching around me. Ashton was lugging two chairs over to the back corner, "What's he doing?" I asked Powder.
"There is a reporter coming later, she's interviewing Tina, Zach, and Emily."
"Hmm I haven't met Emily." Emily was the supporting actress booked to play Zach's long lost love, I hope I like her more than Tina... it wouldn't take much.
"I haven't met her either." Powder said.
"Hey!" Ashton called, "Do you mind helping me? What's cozy? These chairs and this area is supposed to be cozy for the interview."
I walked over and turned the chairs around so they were facing one another, Ashton moved a small coffee table in the middle of the chairs. I went to go fetch some blankets to toss over the side of the chairs. The personal assistant to their directors came over, "Emily goes first, she is fair to light tanned skin, dirty blonde hair, this royal blue blanket over the white cushioned chair is complimentary to her. Tina goes next," the assistant places an olive green blanket on the coffee table. "Swap ohh the blue blanket for this one, Tina has platinum blonde hair, tan skin and very green eyes. This blanket is complimentary to her. Zach goes last." The assistant pulled a very dark blue, almost black and red blanket from the ones in my arms. "Zach has dark brown hair and blue uh and grey eyes. This blanket is complimentary to him."
Ashley walked up and interrupted the conversation, "When is Emily getting here?"
The assistant looked a bit annoyed, "She should be here, I need to work with Andrew in the cutting and clothing department to fit her for her dress." His left eye began to twitch as he walked away in annoyance.
"Cam?" The assistant director called, holding a roll of red tape.
"Oh, I got the blocking done today." The actors were blocking today to I had to come in early and stick tape to the floor, marking where they'd be; one color for Zach, one color for Tina, and one color for Emily.
Ashley quickly snagged the tape from the assistant director and stomped over to the set, putting slightly bigger pieces of tape over the already marked floor. The assistant director just looked at Ashley, rolled his eyes and moved on to something else.
A new woman walked onto set, I knew sets are always a rush of people but is relatively a small cast and I knew most of the crew. This woman, I've never seen...Nope, I do recognize her. It was the woman who was on the online video with Garrett when he made shit up about Zach. I let a little frown show on my face, I was expanding an actual news crew, not Cosmopolitan. What was his agent thinking? Zach does not want this, all they're going to ask is about his latest fling, what girls are pregnant with his baby, and what products are in his hair to make it look small soft.
Zach stood by the coffee cart, looking bothered. "Let me." I said as I walked over to make his coffee for him. I whispered, "So I take it you know about the interview?"
"Yes," he let out a sigh, "It's getting old being asked if I have a girlfriend, and would I date a fan, why not act forever - why go to school."
"I can imagine it gets old real quick. I'm
Sorry..."
"There's nothing you can go about it." Zach took a long sip of his coffee and walked over to get the interview over with. Zach offered the reporter some coffee, she declined and for straight to it.
"Here we are on set with the hottest start in earth, Zachary Goode. Zachary. Your fans are dying to know. Boxers or briefs?"
