I slip off my shoes and walk to the bed, collapsing face down.
“They went well,” I mumble into the comforter. Closing my eyes, I let the stress of the day slide off me. I was so nervous about starting with a new company, but all in all, things went well.
“I brought you some rice noodles and pork. It’s on the counter.”
‘Mmm—love you,” I say, but don’t get up because I’m too comfortable.
“Of course you love me. I’m awesome. It must have been a terrible blow when you found out I’m straight.”
I snort at the much-repeated joke. For the next few moments, the soft purr of the air unit and the rustle of Kiet turning pages is the only noise in the room.
“Did they choose someone to play opposite you?” Kiet asks, jolting me out of a light doze.
“Not as far as I know.”
“Anyone you liked for the part?”
Definitely, and I’d been sure to tell Tida that when she asked. A couple of the guys who auditioned that day were fair, but only one of them threw me into the scene the moment he opened his mouth.
“Yeah. He’s new, though. I don’t know if they’ll give him the part.”
Kiet grunts. “Everything will work out, don’t worry. I have a good feeling.”
“You and your feelings,” I say, drifting off to sleep again.
I wake to the chime of my cell phone. Fumbling for it on the bed, I glance around and realize Kiet has left.
“Hello?” I mutter, then roll over and give a proper greeting when I realize I’m speaking to P’Tida, the producer.
“We’ve made our choice for Atid. His name is Rama Sathianthi. He’s the same actor you mentioned to us. We agree that he completely outshone the others and believe you have great chemistry with him. I have arranged for the two of you to meet for lunch tomorrow during your break from classes to get to know each other a little before the first workshop on Saturday. My assistant will text you the location.”
“I’ll be there. P’Tida, I want to thank you again for taking a chance on me.”
“No need. Bright Productions will soon regret not standing up for you, believe me. After seeing you and Rama together today, I am very optimistic. Get some rest. Rama’s new to this and will need your guidance.”
She disconnects, and with a sigh, I fall back onto the bed. Rama Sathianthi. I had my doubts when I first saw him, so quiet and serious sitting at the table studying the script. But when I pulled him in front of me to have our picture taken and he relaxed into me, and I later saw the photographs posted on the site, I had to admit we looked good together. I’ve never experienced that kind of chemistry reading with another actor, either. For the first time since all the bullshit with my ex-co-star and Bright Productions, I’m excited about a new project.
My heart skips a beat when Rama walks into the cafe.
All night I worried that I’d imagined the connection I’d felt with him, but when he greets me with the wai and a soft-spoken “Sawasdee-kraap,” the feeling flares again.
He gracefully folds his slender body into the chair and nods to me politely. In a short-sleeved T-shirt and dark jeans, he looks even more handsome than he did the day before.
Suddenly, I’m at a loss for words. Something about him—something more than his obvious good looks—mesmerizes me. Gathering myself, I greet him properly and say, “Congratulations on getting the part.”
The warm smile that breaks the reserve on his face steals my breath. “Thank you. I was surprised, to be honest.”
“You shouldn’t be. You were amazing.”
The arrival of the waitress, an older, stern-looking woman, snuffs the animation from Rama’s face, and he picks up his menu.
While he’s perusing the choices, I say, “Rice and fried pork, please,” and hand the waitress my menu. Turning my attention to Rama, I study him as I didn’t have the time to do the day before. His lightercomplexion is set off beautifully by the silky darkness of his hair, a lock of which has fallen onto his high, aristocratic forehead. His lips are lush and look soft, and when I remember I’ll get to kiss them, my heart skitters. But when he looks at me after ordering, it’s his eyes, slightly rounded and a deep, bottomless brown, that really grab me.
When the waitress leaves, Rama looks relieved. Perhaps he’s uncomfortable in social situations. I know that some actors choose the profession because it enables them to escape their shyness and become someone else, and I wonder if this is the case for him.
“P’Tida wants us to become acquainted before the first workshop. Since this is your first time doing a bl drama, do you have any questions for me?” I ask.
Rama’s thick, straight brows lower and he puckers his mouth in thought.