It was when I started stunt work that I fell head over heels. The adrenaline that would race through my body when I was suspended by a high wire or when I threw myself onto the crash mat would get my heart pounding in my chest. My body felt like it was jumping off a cliff though my brain knew I would land safely. The contradiction was addictive and I’ve spent the rest of my life chasing the high.
I’m crossing the lot to the craft services when I hear a familiar accent. “Jackie.”
I look up with a grin as Tony Butler saunters towards me with open arms.
“Get out of here,” I laugh as I return his hug, slapping his back for good measure. He’s got a slimmer build than me, better suited to the type of gymnastic stunts he’s known for. “Are you working this one?”
I’ve known Tony for nearly fifteen years on and off. We started out together back in Wellington but he pivoted to being a professional stunt double whereas I was more than happy to have my face on the big screen.
“Nah, bro. I’m booked on a couple of TV dramas. I’m just here as a favor to Marky, he wanted my eyes on the plans for some of the rigs. This is going to be a big one.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me. His face is slimmer than I remember, his dusty blond hair cropped short and a familiar grin pulling at his cheeks.
“Don’t I know it,” I say, flexing my neck muscles.
He nudges my shoulder. “How’ve you been bro? I haven’t seen you for years, feels like.”
I rub my beard. “Yeah I’m good, ready to get this one under my belt so I can retire the Starseeker suit for good.”
“But you look so handsome in it.” Tony snickers, fluttering his eyelashes.
I grab him in a headlock and we’re teenagers again joking around on the rugby pitch. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.”
“Jackie, I need his head on his body.” Marky shouts from across the lot and I let Tony back to his feet.
“I was letting him win!” Tony laughs back at Marky, the silver haired stunt coordinator I’ve worked with on more than one occasion.
“How’s Masen? And Kaia?”
“Yeah, good bro,” Tony says as he readjusts his jacket. “Masen’s doing well in his exams. Loves maths and science, don’t know where he got that from.”
I laugh. “You barely know how to count to fifty.”
“Hey, I can make it to at least a hundred now.”
I see Eric edging closer to me. “Guess that’s my cue, bro.” I offer him my hand to shake. “I’ll see you around, yeah? Don’t be a stranger.”
“You got it.” He claps my hand, and slaps my shoulder. “Good luck with this one yeah? And give me a buzz when you want to let the professionals take over.”
I laugh. “Should have stuck with the acting Tony, maybe then you could have had a shot at the big leagues.”
“Alright,Starseeker,” he calls over his shoulder as he heads towards Marky.
I laugh under my breath as I turn to Eric. “I love that guy.”
It’s only when we slide in the car that Eric clears his throat from beside me and hands me a piece of paper.
I unfurl it and can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face.
“My man,” I say to Eric and offer him my fist to bump.
5
ROSIE
I calledin sick to work the rest of the week and migrated from the bed to the sofa, getting up only to visit the bathroom and vomit up whatever I’d managed to keep down that day.
It’s been four days since I took that test. Since my whole world upended with the two little pink lines on the screen.Pregnant.
It’s been a long four days of panicking. Anya has texted me a few times, sending our usual messages of inside jokes and memes, but I’ve avoided speaking to her on the phone. I don’t want to tell her yet. What would she do? I never thought I’d be in this position with my best friend on the other side of the world. I have a feeling she’d be on the first flight over and as much as I love her, I will not be responsible for pulling her away from her six month honeymoon. She was more excited about traveling with Danny than she was for the wedding.
