Settling into the seat, I tuck my backpack at my feet. Since Rama’s family home is located just outside the city, he’s the last to be picked up, and when he climbs into the van, the scent of him—a mixture of something herbal with spicy undertones—settles over me.
We smile at each other.
“Your estate is lovely,” I say.
“Thank you. I’m thinking of getting my own place soon in the city, though. It’s not very convenient to be way out here.” When we’re underway, he suddenly touches my arm and leans close to speak in my ear. “Do you think I did something wrong at the workshop?”
I pull back to look at him. “No. Not at all. Why do you ask?”
He bids me to lean in again. Obviously, he doesn’t want anyone else in the van to hear. “P’Tida hasn’t had me sign a contract yet. From what I’ve heard, most everyone else has.”
Surprised, I don’t immediately answer, and Rama continues, “She told me she’s pleased with me, but I thought she would have had me sign by now.”
“Don’t worry. She’s just busy. I’m sure she’ll have you sign before this trip is over.”
Rama still looks concerned. “I think it’s because I’m new. She’s afraid I can’t do it.” He glances at me. “What if I can’t? I mean, I think I can, but I don’t have any experience kissing a man. I think P’Tida’s waiting to see if that’s going to be a problem.”
“So, you’ll show her it isn’t and that will be that,” I say confidently, hoping it’s true. I’m already growing comfortable with Rama, and I want to see him succeed.
He meets my eyes. “The idea doesn’t bother me, but I’ve never done it before, so how can I know how I’ll react?”
Glancing over his worried face, I say, “There’s only one way to find out.” It’s a bold move, but if he can’t handle a soft kiss in the back of a dark van with no one paying attention, there’s no way he’ll be able to handle one under bright lights in front of cameras and crew. Better to know now than to have him lose face in front of the producer and director.
Slowly, I lean forward, bringing my lips close to his. When he doesn’t move—only stares at me with deep, dark eyes—I gently press my mouth to his. Soft and pliable, his lips give with only the slightest amount of pressure.
Withdrawing, I smile. “There. Now you’ve gotten that over with. You did great.”
Cheeks turning pink, Rama ducks his head and chuckles. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Turning to the window, I catch a glimpse of my reflection, noting Rama isn’t the only one who looks flushed.
We share my ear buds, listening to music on my phone, and after a while Nahm passes back some snacks. Aran has fallen asleep, head lolling onto Tait’s shoulder, unbothered by the occasional jerk of Tait’s arm as he plays a game on his phone.
When Rama drifts off, I wrap my arm around him so he can rest his head on my chest. After a while, Tait puts his game aside and turns slightly in his seat, smiling when he sees us.
“I can already tell this drama will be a lot more enjoyable for you than the last one.”
“Just about anything would be,” I say, “but, yeah. And I guess you’re pretty comfortable.” I gesture to him and Aran.
Tait grins and nods. They two of them have appeared in a lot of bl dramas together over the years and are the best of friends.
We chat quietly, another hour slipping by with the gentle rocking of the van and Rama’s comfortable weight against me before we pull up to the modern beach-front house. I wake him with a gentle shake of his shoulder. Opening his eyes, he stiffens, looking alarmed, and I hesitate, wondering if perhaps I overstepped by offering myself as a cushion. But then he sees me and his features soften with a smile. Pulling away from me, he stretches.
“I can’t wait to get into a soft bed,” Aran mumbles, digging out his bag from underneath the seat.
A little stiff from sitting so long in the same position, I have to agree with him.
Outside the van, the night air is breezy and cool, and a full moon floats above the rustling palm trees as we walk toward the house. Unsurprisingly, Tida has put Rama and me in the same room. Rama’s looking at his phone, so I take the adjoining bathroom first.
When I come out in my pajamas, I find Rama has already changed into his. He scoots past me, toothbrush in hand, and I crawl underneath the covers.
“Nervous about tomorrow?” I ask when we’re both settled in the queen-sized bed. Outside the open window, the waves crash against the shore.
Rama sighs. “A little. Mainly because I’m afraid I’ll mess up the photo shoot. I have trouble relaxing in front of the camera.”
“The shots at the audition were great.”
“That had to have been a fluke. Normally I don’t photograph so well. Oh, I need to ask you something. Once I sign the contract, I’ll need to find a manager. Any advice about that?”