Back To You - A Second Chance Romance

“I have one, yes, but it’s because I have to share with Ally, and I brought a lot of stuff for production. If you think that’s going to be the lap of luxury, you’re mistaken.”

“What about the other cabins?” She folded her arms and refused to back down.

“I’m sorry, they’re full. We had to use them for other things. Insurance insisted.”

“Did Jake get a cabin?” She turned her eyes to me as she pulled her lips into a tight line.

“No, he’s going to have to use a tent too. We have to use the cabins for production, the medical staff, and our food. That’s final.” I could tell he was sick of Tess’s temper tantrum already.

Tess screamed in frustration. “Fine! Then I’m getting Kate! At least I’ll have someone close who knows what the hell is going on around here.” She stormed off toward the cabins. On her way, she bitched the whole time, and I didn’t blame her.

I wasn’t getting treated any better apparently. I opened my mouth to protest, but Ben shook his head and held up his finger to stop me.

“Not one word,” Ben warned. “I can only do so much. I gave you two the biggest tents.” There were moans from the rest of the crew.

“And hopefully, the highest quality mosquito nets.”

“Of course,” he said, wiping his sweat.

“I know where I’m staying,” Austin said from the crowd as he made his way over. “Roomie. It’s good to have you back.”

Suddenly, there was a loud commotion, and the sound man screamed. “Watch it, dammit. There’s nowhere to take this to be repaired.” The grid he’d been working on had fallen when the table it was on had collapsed.

“Ally, what the hell happened?” Ben shouted at the top of his lungs at his assistant.

Ally got up from the ground and dusted off. “I’m sorry,” she said, pushing her hair out of her face and straightening her glasses. “I swatted a fly and accidentally bumped it.”

“This is too much,” Ben said, throwing up his hands.

Suddenly, everyone was complaining, and I was ready to hop on a plane and run away from my life. I had enough money, didn’t I? All I needed in life? I didn’t need this shit.

But then before things got too ugly, there was a loud whistle. Kate stood across the camp. “Those boxes over there have your nets, and this one is sunscreen with repellant. If you’re allergic to Deet, get with me. I have what you’ll need.”

Everyone made their way to the boxes and began passing around the supplies.

Kate took charge, and for once, no one was complaining that she had spoken up.

She walked over, spraying mosquito repellant all around as she walked to the crowd digging into the boxes, and then she passed each person a can of repellant. “I gave instructions about dress codes for just such a reason, so I take it that you all packed accordingly.” She shook her head, knowing better.

I hadn’t really given her dress code much thought or a second look, but I considered what I’d packed and felt like I’d done okay. I had brought hiking boots, long-sleeved button-downs, and long pants.

Kate turned to Ben. “I know that you’re in charge, but we need to set up the camp and tents before you build your movie set. You have to provide the proper accommodations for safety.” He had gathered everyone up and had already put everyone on their production tasks.

Ben looked around at the judging eyes as the others sprayed themselves and the air around them. There was a big cloud forming, but the mosquitos were dropping like flies.

“You’re absolutely right,” Ben acquiesced. He turned to his sound men and the men preparing to build the set. “Stop what you’re doing. Listen to Kate. She’s going to tell you where to put our tents, and then we’ll just have to get that done today and start tomorrow on the filming.”

“But won’t that put us a day behind?” Ally asked, flipping through some papers as if to find her answer.

“No,” Ben said. “Well, just double up one day. Our camp safety is more important obviously.” He walked over to where Kate stood with the others. “Where should we put the tents?”

Kate looked at the campsite. There were five cabins, three in a row, and two in a row beside them making an L. There were at least six to eight feet between each one. “There. If we use the space between the cabins for the bigger tents and put the rows of the other tents along the back and farthest from the trees, then that will give us all extra protection. I’ll put the mosquito deterrent spikes in that area, and it should help, but I need you all to keep being cautious throughout your stay.”

She walked over and started gathering the team. “Austin, could you and Jake please grab one of the tents and put it up right here.”