Take One

Chapter 1: Start of Something

Mira

“Didn’t I tell you to bring the oximeter?”

“Uhm…”

My hands are sweating while I’m fidgeting from where I’m standing. I forgot the oximeter my cruel boss asked me to bring. This is it. I’m going to get another beating from him. I can feel the thin air slicing on my skin while wishing for the time to fast forward or stop or push me in another dimension. My lips were drying up and I have to lick it quickly.

When I dared to look at him, his piercing blue-grey eyes are staring intensely at me. I always find his eyes fascinating so when our eyes met, I felt like my face is getting hot.

“Look away.”

He said and I immediately brought my head down. God, this stupid son of a potato can’t just let me breathe, and it was worst when I told him I would like to quit my job after seven years of working for him. He’s the grumpiest and dreadful person I have ever met in my life.

“Well, you never brought your oximeter in the set before so I assumed you don’t need it,” I said with a plastered smile on my face. I hope he lets me off and simply stops his hateful act.

“And you’re perfectly healthy,” I continued. “Do you want rumors to fly around that you’re sick because of that oximeter?”

He sighed so loud and dramatic like the actor he is.

“What will I do with you?” Of course, what he was asking was just a rhetorical question that made me roll my eyes.

I looked at him again and he’s already glaring at me.

“What did I told you about rolling your eyes at me?” He said those words slowly with a husky voice that I almost forgot we’re in the middle of a crowded set.

He stood up from his chair and boasted his tall frame towering at me. He stood close and lean on me, his hot breath touching my cheek.

“Next time you roll your eyes again, you won’t get away with it,” he whispered.

Slowly he backed away and went in a different direction, probably to the director of his show.

I rolled my eyes again because I know he won’t see it.

“Hey.”

Someone said behind me.

“Oh, hey Lisa,” I smiled to my friend who is a staff of this show.

Lisa was sporting an all-black outfit. She was wearing a turtle neck that hugs her figure and a tight skinny jean with boots on her feet. Her hair was in a sleek ponytail. She’s been my friend and colleague ever since my grumpy boss started this drama series and got a season 2 and 3 due to popular demand. Lisa is gorgeous that’s why I sometimes wonder why isn’t she a model or actress herself.

“Did the Grinch stole your heart again?” She said teasingly.

“Heart my ass, he just went all grizzly on me again.”

“Why?” Lisa looked at me with curiosity etched on her beautiful face.

“He asked for his oximeter and I didn’t have it with me.”

“That’s it? Wait, what’s an oximeter?”

If she’s another person, I would have said “Google it” but since she’s Lisa and my girl crush then, I’ll be happy to explain. And yes, she knows I have a crush on her, but it’s not to the point of wanting a relationship, you know.

“Pulse oximeter, to be exact, is a device that measures oxygen in your blood.”

My friend begins to nod, but I bet she can’t understand what I’m saying, so I tried again.

“It checks if you are breathing well or not.”

“Oh my god! Is your boss dying?” Lisa shouted which earned curious looks from some staff who heard her.

I gave her my trying-to-not-be-awkward smile and pinched her.

“He’s not dying you, i***t,” I said. “It only means he’s being a health freak.”

“A health freak?” She asked. “So, this means he’s not dying?”

“Of course, no,” I firmly said.

“Oh, thank goodness! Even though your boss is a grinch we can’t deny he’s a gorgeous piece of meat and lights up this whole damn place.”

This time I was the one to get curious.

“He does?”

“Yup! Ask any crew here and they’ll tell you how he’s their inspiration to come to work every day.”

Although he’s a pain in the ass, I can’t deny he’s like a Greek god. Charles Doven is not only a famous actor of his generation but also the most handsome one. He has ash blonde hair, piercing blue-grey eyes, pointed nose, thin and naturally pink lips, and fair skin. He has a body that was chiseled to perfection and 5’9” tall to top it off. His measurements are just right to be known as the “Nation’s Hot Fiancé.”

Throughout his nine-year-old career, he has gained the top spot as the most promising and highest-paid actor. At only thirty-two years old, he’s in the position any young actor can dream of. However, that comes with a price, and I get to experience those consequences. The minor ones are crazy fans following everywhere, death threats from boyfriends of those crazy fans, 24-hour work, sleeping only in a van for days and, taking quick and cold showers because of hectic schedules.

I can’t complain though because he paid me a generous amount that can rival a manager’s salary in a big company. Yes, I checked what position does my salary range on the internet because I can’t believe it when I was offered that amount. I mean for a rookie, that’s one hefty salary.

So maybe I’m crazy to quit this job.

“Mir,” Jayson, one of the staff came to us. I can see Lisa giving him that doe eyes and pouty lips she always gives when she likes someone.

“Your boss wants to eat sushi,” he said.

“So?”

“He wants the Yusha Sushi which only has a*****e in the next city.”

“Where is he?” I asked.

“He’s talking to the director and new producer of the show.”

Oh, I get it now.