February 2018, Malibu

I hurriedly got out of the water and took the towel from my assistant, shaking the water then patting myself dry.

"Oh wow that was good!" Katy said as she approached me. There was a huge grin on her face.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "You think? It's fucking freezing out there." I replied.

"That's why it was one take only" she giggled as I ignored her. "Unless you're pissed coz I didn't call for a second one! Aha!" she continued to tease as she tagged along while I walk back to our guest house.

The crew was set up in a rental house for the whole shoot schedule. It was your typical small beach house, you would think at this size I could at least bump into Kristen once, but no. Apparently, it's not that easy.

I was still burning for her, my skin is prickling from the kiss we just shared. I have to get my thoughts down unless I want to embarrass myself in front of everybody by going after her like a mad man.

"Where you going? Don't you guys want to see the clip first?" Katy complained, waving her clipboard around.

"No. I'll pass for now." I mumbled as I go up the porch. I needed a cold shower, the beach didn't suffice. I wouldn't be surprised if that kiss managed to bring the water temperature up.

After a good shower I changed into casual clothes. We're staying over for the night so we could get a good light for tomorrow's shoot again.

It was the first time we had to stay in, and the days for shooting was dwindling down. Only a couple more shoots and this will all be over.

I realized I was very adamant at the start to not do this at all, then after seeing her, all I ever wanted to do was win her friendship. I want to be able to make her laugh and smile again. I asked myself if what this was going to lead to. I couldn't even fathom what direction this was gonna go. I was just hoping that I won't fuck up this chance again.

Whoever thought I was going to get another chance? I keep thinking about her these past few weeks and I can't help but notice how she tries to hold back. I don't blame her. I just wish she could open herself a little more to me.

I don't even know what I'm getting myself into again. I'd probably play this step by step and take it from there.

"Do you know where Kristen is?" I asked a gofer.

"Err...last time I saw her she was at the porch drinking beer" He shrugged then went on his way.

I made my way through the throng of busy people around the family room. It was all tech set-up and such, and there was also your random rambunctiousness here and there. You'd expect that from Katy's crew, as I said, manage to turn everything into a party. This night was no exemption.

I glanced around for her but I knew she wasn't here, it was that gut feeling again. Somehow the pull was stronger now that I need to talk to her.

I went through the glass doors and onto to the porch, only to find some couple making out at the corner. Lucky them. She wasn't here though.

I sighed and grabbed a fresh beer from the bucket just inside the door, popped it and walked pass the porch, down to the beach.

And there she was.

"Hey." I called to her.

She looked back surprised. She could probably only see my silhouette so I introduced myself. "It's just me Rob."

I heard a little laugh. "I know."

"I was looking for you" I said as I slowly sank down and sat beside her on the sand.

"What's up?" She asked after she took a drink from her beer.

"Nothing, I just wanted to keep you company" I answered with a shrug, and offered her a smile when she glanced at me.

"I'm not that lonely" She smiled.

"Would you rather be alone?" I asked hesitantly. Please say no.

"No" she grinned. "Thank you for keeping me company."

I was quiet for a moment and just sat there taking her in. She was here sitting and smiling next to me.

I remember thinking back in London before this project started that she could be disagreeable the entire time and make it really hard for us. How can I even think of her like that? Kristen would never be like that, even to people who aren't worth her time. She was probably the most professional and kindest person I've ever met and I doubted her. I frowned. I've known her since she was 16, I've loved her for so long, and still I managed to think she was capable of something unfeeling.

"You're awfully quiet lately..." She murmured. "I'm not used to it that much." She continued as we both stare at the lapping waves a few feet away from us.

"I know..." I answered. "I'm not used to it too."

"What do you mean?" She asked quietly.

"Remember when we used to talk about everything and nothing?" I smiled, reminiscing. "We laugh about the most random stuff...agree on the craziest things..." I continued.

"...disagree about something but still find a way to end up agreeing..." she mumbled with a laugh.

"Yeah." I guffawed as I remember trying to make a stand against what we were having for dinner but still gave up coz I can't cook anything anyway.

"Oh yeah indeed...I had you wrapped around my finger." She giggled as she made a circling gesture with her finger.

Until now, Kristen. Until now.

"You like that don't you?" I gave her a wink and hooded look.

"Shut up!" She laughed out loud and pushed me away and I can't help but laugh with her. The giggle was infectious.

After a few seconds we quieted and minded our beer, but there was smile on our faces now.

"You know earlier...I thought it was going to be really hard for us to..." I started saying.

"...to kiss?" She cut me.

I coughed a little trying to cover an awkward sound.

"I promised to do this." she continued on a serious tone. I glanced at her and she looked at me. It was when I knew the conversation took some serious turn now. "I promised to Katy and you, I gave you my word...and I know there's just so much history. Kissing me might be the last thing you'd ever want to do anyway. I still would like this to be a good thing for us. A good thing to remember about us. I never do things half-heartedly Rob and I know these past few weeks you could be wishing you were somewhere else with someone else...and..."

"Hey...hey hey..." I tried to stop her emotional rant, turning to her and securing her in my arms. Hugging her while she continued to talk.

"...I'm sorry that you were forced to do this. I promise to make it easier and before you know it, it will be over. You don't even have to see me again. I swear Rob." I hear a sob and her voice faltering. "I'm sorry."

My blood ran cold, my chest hurt. I hugged her to me a little tighter as if I could stop those tears. It seems I'm just pretty much good at making her cry all the time.

"You're wrong..." I whispered.

"What?" She mumbled through my shirt.

"I very much like..."

"KRISTEN!"

I stopped in the middle of my confession and turned to her assistant who was coming towards us.

She hastily removed herself from my arms, wiping her eyes and stood up sensing the urgency.

"What's wrong?" Kristen exclaimed as she wobbled upright. I stood up immediately to steady her.

"Kristen! You wouldn't believe the surprise for you!"

Apparently, we mistook her assistant's excitement for worry.

"What is it?!" She insisted asking as the other girl drag her back to the house. I just followed quietly behind them. Dismayed with the chance that passed. Maybe I'd try again soon. We still have two days left here anyway.

"Ma...ma!" I hear a baby's voice. Aaaah. What a lovely surprise indeed. Katy came out to the porch greeting us with Thomas in her arms.

"Thomas!" Kristen cried out and happily took Thomas, hugging him tightly and showering him with kisses. "Oh God! I missed you! Who brought you here? Where's Nana Jules?" She continued and glanced inside the house to see if Jules was caught somewhere. I smiled at the picture they make.

"Hey Hon..." A familiar voice said just right beside me.

There walking up to us from the side of the house with his leather jacket on and a beer in his hand was no other than Nicholas.