“So soon?” I ask.
“It won’t start filming until the fall, and it will be next year before the season airs. The fans are dying for it.”
Excitement bubbles in my chest as I realize I’m being presented with a way out of working for my father. And an opportunity to work with Pravat again.
“Yes, I’m interested. Thank you.”
“Excellent. I’ll be speaking with your manager later today, so I’ll give him the word. Please contact me upon your return to Thailand. October, correct?”
“Yes, around the tenth.”
“That will be perfect. We hope to begin filming soon after.”
Disconnecting, I send a brief message to Ace, my manager, letting him know I’ve agreed to a second season ofMy Doctor, My Love.
When I finish, I follow the sound of Alex’s laughter to the living room where he’s having coffee with Pete. Pouring myself a cup, I sit down with them and tell them about Tida’s call.
“That’s terrific!” Pete enthuses.
I nod. “I’m very pleased.”
Noticing my swim trunks, Alex asks, “Going for a swim? Wish I had the time to go with you, but I have a rehearsal in a couple of hours.”
Pete makes a face. “They’re going to rehearse the kissing scene.”
Rolling his eyes, Alex takes his boyfriend’s hand and squeezes it. “You know you’re the only one for me, babe. And we’ll probably skip the kiss during rehearsal.” He glances at me. “It’s not like it’s all mapped out like Rama’s were with Pravat.” I laugh. I’d told them all about New directing our kisses.
“It’s good to see you laugh,” Pete says solemnly.
“Come on, I haven’t been that bad, have I?” I ask.
“Pretty bad. I’ve been worried about you.”
I shake my head. “I just want to do a good job at this internship and then go home.”
“Have you ever thought that if you do too good of a job, you’re only getting yourself in deeper? What if the company wants to keep you?”
“Father wants me at home,” I say. “And if I don’t do well, it’ll make him look bad.”
I eat a couple of pieces of toast and head for the pool, which is empty this time of the morning. After swimming a dozen laps, I stretch out on a lounge chair and let the sun dry me off as I scroll through my phone. Seeing Pravat’s unanswered messages from the day before, I bite my lip and give into the urge to text him.
P’Tida called me about season two.
I tilt my face to the sun. A few minutes later, my phone pings with a message.
What did you tell her?
I smile, thumbs flying over the keyboard.
That I would do it, provided I get paid more than you.
In reply I receive a gif letting me know exactly what Pravat thinks of that. My laugh rings out in the quiet morning air.
I almost drop the phone when it rings in my hand.
“Hello?” I answer.
“I’ve missed talking to you.”