Sunlight peeked through the curtains as Josh's eyes fluttered open. He rolled over to pull Maya into him but as he rolled he met nothing but air. He was confused for a moment until he remembered that she had to leave early to get back to the city for a scene she had that day. Knowing he had to leave for the city himself, he pushed through his exhaustion and got ready to leave. Before he knew it, he had his bag slung over his shoulder and was on his way back to the studio lot. He had a bit more wiggle room this morning so he took his time. Sitting in the back of the car that was taking him back to the city, Josh tried looking over his sides for that day.
Truth be told, he was tired. He had been working non stop since they started rehearsals over a month ago. All he wanted was a break and a day in so that he could spend time with Maya. His conversation with Alexis from the previous night helped eased his nerves a little but nonetheless he was still dreading telling Maya about the kiss. Towards the end of the journey Josh felt his phone ring in his pocket and hurried to answer it before he missed it. Reaching down to grab it, he caught it just in time to hear Maya's sweet voice enter his ears. No one could wipe the smile off his face as soon as he heard Maya. "Hey, I didn't want to wake you up when I left this morning. I figured I'd just call you when you might be on your way. Are you close?"
Josh switched the phone to his other hand as he looked out the window as the city skyline started to come into view. "I am indeed. But how are you feeling? Does your arm hurt or anything like that?"
In the back of his mind, aside from the Cassie situation, Josh was still furious about the photographer putting his hands on Maya last night. Who did that guy think he was? What made him think he even had the right to touch her? Bringing his attention back to the phone call, he listened to Maya's answer. "I'm fine. I promise. I'd tell you if anything was wrong." From the other side of the line he could hear someone moving to go speak to her. "Hey listen I have to go, but let's talk tonight okay? I want to hear what you have to say."
He shifted nervously in his seat. "Yeah sure."
"Alright love you, bye."
"Lo-" The dial tone cut him off as Maya had already hung up. Slouching over, he let out a deep breath as he prepared himself for tonight. Tonight he'd tell Maya that he and Cassie kissed.
.:.
It was quiet on set as the camera rolled. Maya was in the middle of a scene with another actor who was playing her father. Although they were nearing the end of filming, they were filming an earlier scene in the movie. Dressed from head to toe in the nicest looking clothes, Maya sat up straight, trying to maintain good posture. "Chloe," her scene partner said as he set a napkin down on the table. "I need you to think with your head just this once. I gave you your chance, despite my own convictions, and let you dance in college. There is no need for you to try and pursue it as a career. We agreed you'd come and work for me once you finished."
Maya effortlessly portrayed her frustration, allowing it to be communicated easily. She was talented, but couldn't see it herself. "I know Dad but I only went to college for you. I wanted to start auditioning for companies right out of high school." She reached across the table and eagerly held his hand. "Just give me the rest of this summer. I know I can do this. I just need you believe in me for once."
"Fine. But at the end of this, if nothing comes of it, you're working for me. End of discussion."
"And cut!" The scene ended and Maya smiled at her partner, complimenting his work. She stood up and walked to her chair on the side of the set and sat down, reaching for her water to take a drink.
"Good work!" Cassie's shrill voice entered Maya's ear as she closed her eyes, upset that her peace was being disturbed.
Deciding to push through her feelings she turned to Cassie and smiled. "Hi Cassie. I hope you're having a good day."
"Oh I am!" She pulled a chair next to her and plopped down, her white skirt flying up with her. "And I had an even better night. We missed you at the bar, where'd you go?"
"Josh and I decided to do our own thing."
Cassie faked a pout and gave a dramatic sigh. "That's too bad. We had a lot of fun. I hate to see Josh missing out. I mean it's not like you would've been able to get in anyways right? So he probably would've just stayed with you."
What is her problem? Maya turned her head and set her bottle down with force. "Yeah he would have. Because he's my boyfriend. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a scene to do. Because I'm the star of the movie, remember?"
Maya stood up and smirked as she left Cassie in her wake. If she wanted to play dirty, Maya could too.
.:.
Josh and Maya stood next to each other in this gorgeous cathedral ballroom. Fourteen foot high ceilings, with all these beautiful details throughout. From the detailed columns to the thousand of arches, it was breathtaking. Maya's skin was adorned with a creme fabric that draped around her body, following her curves. It all came together to form a dress that hugged her body in the right way. Josh wore a creme shirt that matched Maya's. It exposed his chest, showing off his pectoral muscles and on his bottom half he wore these light wash jeans that covered his long legs.
Maya felt around and grasped Josh's hand as he did the same. They smiled at each other and looked ahead at their director, taking in his notes before approaching the scene again. Everyone around them shuffled as they prepared for another take. Maya intertwined their fingers and squeezed his hand as the cameras began to roll. "What are you thinking?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Josh looked down at her and smiled softly, remembering he had the next line. He pushed a hair behind her ear. "Nothing."
Maya cocked an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
Josh nodded and licked his lips. "Yeah. I've got something else I want to do right now."
Josh pulled her chin up with his hand and kissed her lips gently. Her lips folded into his as they kissed for what felt like an eternity. Yet, it still wasn't long enough. They pulled apart and leaned their foreheads against each other. "We should probably rehearse," Maya breathed, the cool mint of her breath hit Josh's nose.
Nodding his head, Josh brought her hand up to this side with their hands still intertwined. Music began to play softly in the background as the slow instrumental filled the space. The pair swayed with the music before Josh gracefully lifted Maya as they danced. Dancing in sync with the music they fell deeper and deeper for the other person, if that were even possible. The scene ended with a quiet moment between the two as they took in each other's presence. "And cut!"
Gage brought them out of each other and back to the world around them. It was their last scene of the day and Josh was instantly reminded of what he had to do. It was like the love in his eyes that was just there moments ago was replaced with dread. "Hey," he whispered to Maya. "Let's talk inside my trailer."
Maya looked up at him with big blue eyes and nodded slowly. "Yeah okay." Her nerves were starting to get to her. Josh led her away from the set back to his trailer. He led her inside and closed the door behind them softly as she walked into the middle of the room and turned to face him. Her long hair framed her face as she concentrated on Josh. Tracing his body, analyzing his movements, all while paying close attention to his face. He paced for a moment before taking Maya's hands into his. "You're scaring me."
"I don't mean to do that." Josh traced her face with his thumb before kissing her lips once more. His face contorted into anguish as he felt the words rise in his throat. "Cassie and I kissed."
Maya's eyes turned dark as she remained silent, not moving a single inch. Her heart dropped to her feet as the words left Josh's mouth. Her throat was dry like the desert, so she swallowed so that she could speak. "You what?"
"Cassie came into my trailer yesterday and kissed me." Maya's eyes began to gloss over, never breaking contact with Josh's. What she couldn't understand was how this happened. Her silence was scaring the shit out of Josh. He started to vomit out words trying to explain himself. "And I was going to tell you yesterday but then that shit happened with the photographer and you were upset so I didn't get a chance to tell you and then this morning you already gone and-"
Maya held up a singular hand after pulling her hands away from Josh and silenced him. "Don't." She shakily pointed a finger at him, trying to fight her tears. "Don't try and excuse you not telling me right away. Because you should have the second you walked into my trailer that night."
"Maya I don't care about her at all. I drew a line and she crossed it. I don't love her! I love you."
At this moment Maya's tears began to fall. She knew he didn't love Cassie. That wasn't the issue. "What did you do after she kissed you?"
Josh's eyes were big as he was ready to plea with her. "I pushed her off and I went to straight to you."
"Then if you could leave the trailer after that happened, then why couldn't you leave when she entered?"
Truth be told, Josh didn't have an answer for that. He didn't know what to say. "I-"
"Exactly. You're the one who said that we needed to communicate. And I've been trying. You know how hard it is for me to talk openly with anyone about things but I've been doing better for you. For us Josh!" Maya's face was starting to stain with tears as they rolled down one after the other on her face.
Josh placed his hands on her face as she continued to cry. He rubbed the tears away with the pads of his thumbs, hating the fact that he was the cause of them. "I'm so sorry. Maya I love you so much. Baby please just stay here and we can work through this. I'm going to fix this." He started to cry himself, pressing his forehead against hers and kissing her lips furiously until she kissed back. "Maya please," he whispered. "I love you."
Maya sniffled and kissed him gently, taking in every last second of it. Holding the hands that cupped her face. "I know," she whispered. She was still furious but she couldn't deny her feelings. "But you shouldn't have been in that position to begin with."
"Maya-"
Maya closed her eyes and winced. "I need some time to think. Just give me a few days to myself. Please."
Josh's heart broke at the words but he understood. He released his hands from her face and backed away. "I understand." Maya wiped her face and walked around him to leave the room but Josh grabbed her wrist. "I love you."
Maya took a deep breath and looked back at Josh through tear filled eyes. "I know. I love you too."
