Two weeks later Matt found himself reshooting the scene for publication. This time with full cast and crew watching, judging his poor Dr. Reid.
Even harder than considering "everyone" was knowing that Shemar was just off stage, arms folded, shaking his head slowly, and looking slightly disgusted. On screen and off the man was his best friend and the embarrassing feelings of "coming out" were doubled.
He'd told Shemar ahead of time, of course, about the internet poll and the unofficial type casting, and he'd been just as outraged as Matt himself. And was very sympathetic about what Matt was going to have to do in future scenes. But behind it all Matt knew Shemar wasn't as open as he seemed. Shamar loved women and believed that all men should—as did Matt really, but he didn't have the same disagreeable outlook on the subject as Shemar. Matt was worried that even though he was being contractually obligated to kiss men, if Shemar wouldn't cool off their friendship unconsciously.
This time, at the end of the scene when the over-achieving newbie went for his unscripted peck, Matt dodged it. The effect was still there and it worked for the scene just fine, and saved him for at least one more day.
"Cut."
Almost as the director yelled it, Debbie was there, patting Marco on the shoulder, "That was good! Great job from you, Rioux." She turned to Gubler, "Matt, not as intense as last time, what happened?"
"I don't know, just a lot of people this time I guess…."
"You're an actor Gub', act."
"Right." He smiled, hiding the internal eye-roll, "next time will be better."
"Good." With that she bounced off stage.
Matt made to leave, when a hand reached out to gently grab his arm. "We can practice, if you want?" Marco suggested.
"You think I should go over the lines with you?" Matt tried to clarify, becoming very put out.
"No, you're great at lines, man. You've been doing this forever— if anything I could take lessons from you! But you seem really nervous about the kiss, and I'm sure your character tightens up at being touched and kissed, but I don't want to freak you out."
"So what, you want to practice touching me?"
Rioux laughed quietly and looked away, "Well, why don't we start with something simpler. Like this, just talking, you seem nervous right now."
Agitated, not nervous. He thought but didn't say, instead he smiled, "I appreciate it, Marco, really, I do. But if it's all the same to you, I'd like to keep our on screen relationship purely on screen."
"I understand. No pressure. Just thought I'd help."
Matt walked away briskly, purposely trying not to stomp. What nerve!
Sorry to give you such a short chapter after so long a wait, but it's for the greater good, I promise. Thanks for reading! XOXO