Page 41 of Play Dirty
The next day’sshoot doesn’t start until late. Despite what we were told yesterday, the club where we’re filming isn’t available to us until after ten o’clock, so it’s going to be a long night. There’s a choreographed fight scene between ’Cuda and some of his crew, which will probably require many takes, and that means a lot of just sitting around.
In fact, it’s eleven thirty, and I’ve been sitting here sipping the same glass of wine for two hours. I’ve been texting with Chey and Ally, but Ally’s gone to bed and Chey is busy with Ivan.
A bunch of ’Cuda’s friends are here, filling up the club, and there’s a real party going on amid filming the scenes for the video, so it’s a lot of chaos.
And I’m bored.
I don’t know the other models, friends or girlfriends, and most of them are ignoring me, which is why I allowed myself a single glass of wine. I’ve been nursing it so I don’t get tipsy, but I’m tempted to have another. Supposedly I’ll be sitting with ’Cuda after the fight, making out and whatever. They did some shots of me walking into the club, with a runway vibe, but now it’s a waiting game.
Impulsively, I scroll through my contacts until I get to Marty’s name.
Is he even awake?
Would he want to come down and hang out? It looks like we’re going to be here all night and I know he has to get up with his kids, but his mom is in town…
Before I can change my mind, I send him a text.
STEVIE: Hey, are you awake?
MARTY: Just lying in bed watching TV. What’s up? How was your shoot?
STEVIE: I’m still here. We’re filming at Club Dynamite in Hollywood.
MARTY: How much longer do you have to be there?
STEVIE: Probably all night. The club didn’t close to the public until a few hours ago so we got a much later start than anticipated.
MARTY: Oh, shit. I’m sorry. Do you need anything?
STEVIE: Company? I know you’re in bed, but you could come as an extra and then I’d have someone to talk to. Is that totally selfish? I know you’re up early with the kids.
MARTY: It’s not selfish. I’m a grown man who can say no. But I don’t have to because my mom is here.
STEVIE: Is that a yes?
MARTY: Sure. Do I need to wear anything special?
STEVIE: Dress pants, dress shirt, but no tie or jacket. Upscale club scene but casual, if that makes sense.
MARTY: Give me thirty? I need to get dressed and drive across town.
STEVIE: I’ll leave your name at the door. There’s a bouncer telling people the club is closed for a private event but just tell them you’re here with me.
MARTY: All right. See you soon.
STEVIE: Thank you—I’m really grateful.
That was too easy.
He wants to come hang out with me even though I’m sure it’s going to be incredibly boring for him.
Or maybe not.
I truly didn’t think he’d say yes, but since he did, it occurs to me that he likes me. And not just as a friend.
I don’t know how to feel about that because we don’t have a future.
He’s the kind of guy who wants a couple more kids—which I can’t give him—and enjoys living a quiet life outside of hockey.
