Chapter 8

Zoya's POV

This is the first table read where I failed to memorize my lines by heart. My focus kept shifting to Olivia most of the time, and it felt almost unreal to be sitting next to her. Watching how she wrote notes in her script was like a whole new learning experience for me. She even marked where she should pause and how her face would display certain emotions. Occasionally, she would meet my eyes and smile, causing me to quickly avert my gaze, attempting to hide my embarrassment.

When she told Layla she wanted to stay by my side, I almost couldn't believe it. Intrusive thoughts filled my mind, imagining her saying this in different scenarios. However, I knew deep down that it could never happen. I needed to listen to Sebastian and focus on the work at hand. But with Olivia acting so warmly towards me, now that she knows I am into women too, it wouldn't be long before she discovers my admiration for her goes beyond her being an actress. Someone as influential as her could easily ruin any hope I have of a career in acting.

However, Olivia wasn't like that. She wouldn't do something so cruel. But still, if it wasn't Olivia, anyone else in this room could be the cause of my demise, especially that snob Anthony and his minions. To my disappointment, Olivia seemed to be close with them and they can easily turn her against me.

"Zoya, it's your turn next," Ezra announced, breaking my focus. I nodded, trying to steady my nerves as Olivia finally shifted her gaze from the script to me.

I took a deep breath and began reading my lines, doing my best to ignore Olivia's intense gaze. Earlier, Ezra had given me some helpful pointers on how to deliver certain lines, and I made sure to incorporate his advice. However, I couldn't shake the worry of how I would be able to perform while looking directly at Olivia. It was a challenge I hadn't quite figured out yet.

As I finished my lines, Olivia approached me with a warm smile. She reached out, squeezing my hand lightly. I felt a shiver run down my spine, instantly closing my eyes to regain my composure.

"That was great. Ezra was right about you. You're a natural," Olivia said, her words filled with genuine admiration.

I struggled to respond, my voice barely a whisper as I tried to hide the effect she had on me. "It was just a few lines," I managed to say.

"Don't underestimate yourself. Your role is going to be significant," Olivia said, her grin widening.

Confused, I asked, "What do you mean? I thought it was a small part."

She chuckled softly. "I can't reveal everything just yet. The writers haven't disclosed the details beyond the first 10 episodes, but I think it's going to be exciting."

Curiosity piqued, I raised an eyebrow, unable to contain my intrigue. "Now I'm curious. I guess I'll have to wait and see."

"I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have mentioned it, but I genuinely hope the idea gets approved. It'll be a new experience for me too," Olivia said, leaning back in her chair.

Our conversation was cut short by Ezra's interruption. "Olivia, you and Anthony are up next," he announced, redirecting our attention back to the table read.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from Olivia as she flawlessly delivered her lines without even glancing at her script. Her performance was mesmerizing, captivating everyone in the room. I found myself completely absorbed in her every word, my focus solely on her. As she finished, a rush of emotions overwhelmed me, and I realized I had been holding my breath without even realizing it. With Anthony's voice breaking the silence, I released a deep breath, finally able to exhale the anticipation that had built up inside me.

Unlike Olivia, I hadn't paid much attention to Anthony's part, instead finding myself lost in admiration of her. Her exquisite features were a sight to behold - her jawline sculpted with precision, her lips perfectly proportioned, and her almond-shaped eyes accentuated with long and luscious lashes. Her hair cascaded gracefully over her face, with a few tantalizing strands gently brushing against her flawless cheek. As I caught myself observing her with a mix of admiration and infatuation, I couldn't help but acknowledge that my feelings for her were intensifying every time our paths crossed.

"What are you doing?" She questioned, catching me off guard as she suddenly turned her gaze towards me.

"I... uh, well... I was just... looking," I stuttered, my cheeks flushing with heat. I couldn't help but wonder if she had caught me staring at her. What would happen now? My mind raced with anxious thoughts.

"What?" She chuckled, clearly perplexed by my reaction. "I meant, what are you doing now? The table read is over. Would you like to join us for dinner?" Her voice carried a warm and inviting tone, accompanied by a kind smile.

"Oh... dinner? With you?" I responded, my question sounding more foolish than intended. Instantly, I regretted my uncertain wording.

"Not just me, all of us are going," she replied, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. "Don't you want to join?"

"I do!" I answered, a hint of desperation in my voice. "I'm just not sure if they would be thrilled about me tagging along. I don't think they like me that much," I muttered, nervously rubbing the back of my head.

"Nonsense, come on," she insisted, rising from her chair. Her actions prompted me to mimic her movement. "It'll be fun. Don't worry about what others think. Let's go and enjoy ourselves."

I trailed behind her like a lost puppy as she joined the rest of the group. "Shall we?" she said, causing a few curious eyes to silently question whether I would join them or not.

"Would you like to join me in my car, Olivia?" Anthony chimed in, and internally, I was screaming. If Olivia picked him, there was no way I would willingly subject myself to a ride in his snobbish car.

"Thank you, but Noah is waiting for me in the car. Zoya and I will meet you guys there," she swiftly declined, grabbing my forearm and pulling me along with her.

"Thank goodness," I whispered, relieved that she had chosen to stick with me. I could faintly hear her chuckle in response.

"They're not that bad," she defended.

"Are you trying to convince me or convince yourself?" I retorted, rolling my eyes.

"Someone seems to have an attitude with that eye rolling," she teased, raising her eyebrows. I gulped, instantly feeling a rush of warmth. Why did she have this effect on me?

"She's trying to convince herself because I've told her the same thing countless times," someone interjected from Olivia's side. I looked over, suddenly anxious about who might have overheard me. I had been so absorbed in Olivia's words that I had lost track of my surroundings.

"Zoya, meet Ava. Ava, meet Zoya," Olivia introduced, and a wave of relief washed over me. Thankfully, Ava wasn't part of the cast, but I still reminded myself to be more cautious.

"So you're the famous Zoya," Ava remarked as she shook my hand. I glanced at her, then back at Olivia, perplexed.

"Ava!" Olivia scolded her in a firm tone, causing Ava to raise her hands in defense.

"Famous Zoya? What does she mean?" I asked Ava, genuinely curious. Did Olivia talk about me? Does she mention me to others? Olivia Lopez mentioned me?

"Oh, nothing. She's just being ridiculous. Come on, we'll be late," Olivia said, already walking away. I chose not to press further on the matter, following her lead obediently.

The car ride was comfortable, with Ava and Olivia engrossed in a conversation about her hectic schedule. It was fascinating to catch a glimpse into Olivia's life. I could sense her discontent with certain obligations, and it made me realize how exhausting being famous and successful must be. I couldn't even fathom how she managed to find time for socializing and having dinner with the cast. I felt drained just from my college workload and my minor role, so her ability to juggle it all was truly impressive.

We stepped into the restaurant, and Olivia made sure to stay by my side while Ava chatted away about work. As we walked, my eyes landed on a familiar face heading my way.

"Fuck!" I muttered quietly.

"What's the matter?" Olivia asked, sensing my unease.

"It's my ex-girlfriend," I replied through gritted teeth.

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Olivia inquired, chuckling lightly.

"A horrible thing. She dumped me after two years because she wanted to explore relationships with men," I explained, my voice laced with residual hurt. Though I had moved on, my wounded ego was still healing.

"You're gay?" Ava exclaimed a little too loudly.

"Shh! Ava," Olivia scolded her once again.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude," Ava apologized, and I shook my head, assuring her it was okay.

"Zoya?" Anne's voice interrupted us. So she decided to talk to me, the audacity.

"Anne," I greeted her with a formal nod.

"Oh wow, it really is you," she said, wrapping her arms around me in an uncomfortable hug.

"In the flesh," I replied sarcastically. Her gaze soon shifted to Olivia behind me, her eyes widening in surprise before focusing back on me, her face filled with questions.

"Is this Olivia Lopez?" she asked, a hint of disbelief in her tone.

"She's standing right there, Anne. She can hear you, you know," I retorted to her seemingly ignorant question.

"Right! Sorry, I'm just... wow, I don't know what to say," she rambled, and I couldn't help but feel the urge to punch her.

"Did you know she was going to be here? Zoya has the biggest crush on you; it's always Olivia this, Olivia that," Anne blurted out, and I wanted to punch her in the face and then bury myself in a deep hole.

"Anne, what the fuck?!" I shouted at her in frustration.

"Sorry! I thought she already knew since you were asking for her autograph," she said, rubbing the back of her head.

"She's not asking for my autograph. We're here to have lunch together," Olivia clarified as she rested her hand on my shoulder.

Anne's eyes widened even more, imploring me for answers.

"They're shooting a TV show together," Ava chimed in, the savior of the moment. I appreciated how they both jumped in to rescue me from the uncomfortable situation.

"You? With Olivia Lopez? How? It's only your first year of college," Anne remarked, her tone dripping with condescension. She never believed in me and always thought I should pursue a more stable career.

"She's just amazing like that," Olivia remarked with a smile, grabbing my hand. "Shall we? I'm starving," she said as she pulled me away.

"Zoya, wait!" Anne called out, grabbing my other hand and stopping me. I looked down at both of my hands in confusion, wondering what the hell was happening.

"I've been meaning to apologize. Can we maybe meet up and talk about things?" Anne said earnestly. "Zoya and I have history," she added, looking at Olivia, as if it were somehow relevant to her.

"Funny she never mentioned you," Olivia snapped with a hint of annoyance.

"Then you don't know her that well," Anne retorted, tightening her grip on my hand.

"Anne, you're hurting me. Let me go," I pleaded, yanking my hand free from her grasp.

Olivia took my other hand and gently rubbed my wrist where there was now a red mark. She looked at Anne with fury in her eyes.

"I think you should leave now," Olivia said, stepping between me and Anne.

"Okay, let's not make a scene here," Ava interjected, looking between the three of us. "Olivia, there might be paparazzi," she whispered, which seemed to annoy Olivia. She turned around, placing her hand on my lower back, and guided me away.

I looked up at her, but her usual smile was replaced with a furrowed brow. It was the first time I saw her look this upset.

"Does it hurt?" she asked, not looking at me directly.

"No, I'm okay," I replied softly, and she nodded.

I didn't know what just happened, but I liked it. She made me feel safe. If this interaction had happened when I was alone, I might have caved in and listened to Anne. Olivia was certainly something else, something special.