RINGOFTRUTHEBOOK (1) Read online

  “You’ll be in studio four, just down the hall and to your left. The crew is here, but I haven’t seen anyone from your party yet.” The woman handed Erin a badge, and then went back to whatever it was that she was doing on her computer.

  “Thank you.” Erin clipped the badge on and readjusted the strap of her purse before heading to the studio. Her heels clicked on the tile hallways. She nodded to a group of people walking down the hallway and stopped outside of the studio. Everything would be fine. Jake was a great actor, and would do fine. Erin took a deep breath and opened the door.

  The room was large and full of film equipment. The director and his crew moved around getting everything in place. Erin put her bag down and walked around the set, making sure things were how she wanted them.

  By the time the set was ready, the others had arrived. Jake stood in the center of the set talking to the director and the woman Erin had chosen. She was a good height for Jake, and with her dark hair and brown eyes, she complemented Jake’s lighter hair and blue eyes. Erin pushed down the slight twinge of jealousy, surprised that it affected her so much. She’d only met him two days ago. This was ridiculous.

  Jake looked up and smiled when he noticed Erin. She smiled back and nodded, then headed over to where Debra stood.

  “Morning.”

  Debra nodded toward Jake and Sophia. “What do you think?”

  Erin watched them for a minute. “They look good together. We’ll just have to see how their chemistry works on camera.”

  “I’m still deciding. Where’d you find this guy?” She checked the clipboard in her hand. “I couldn’t find much on him.”

  “I met him a few days ago and he mentioned he’s an actor.” Erin rushed on after catching the look on Debra’s face. “I’ve seen him act as well. I went to an audition last night. Trust me. He’s good.”

  “We’ll see about that. Sophia wasn’t very easy to convince to do this, so I hope it works out. She wasn’t cheap, but she was also the only one available.” Debra’s disapproval was apparent. She walked over and sat down in a chair, and Erin sat next to her.

  The director stood and shouted a few orders before Jake and Sophia got into position.

  “Quiet on the set!” one of the crew yelled.

  “Action!” the director called. He leaned forward to watch the scene. They’d only gotten two lines in when the director yelled “Cut!”

  Jake and Sophia broke apart and turned to the director. He walked over to stand between the couple.

  “Look, you’re just about to get engaged. You need to show excitement, love, passion. This is the perfect Christmas gift. Show it.” The director sat back down. “Okay, take it from the top.”

  By take fifteen, the director looked ready to pull his hair out. Sophia snapped her lines instead of pretending like she was in love, and it seemed to be throwing Jake off. The director whipped around to face Erin and Debra. “Seriously, do something about these two. I can’t work with them.”

  Debra leaned forward, but Erin hopped out of her chair first. She had to make this work. She hurried over to Jake and pulled him aside so the crew could set things back up for another take.

  Erin walked up to the director. “Let’s take a short break so they can cool down.”

  “Fair enough.” He set his clipboard down and headed for the refreshment table.

  Jake walked over to Erin, while Sophia grabbed her script and dropped into her chair.

  “Hey, what’s going on? You were just fine last night.” She brushed a piece of cotton off his shirt.

  “I don’t know. She’s so stiff.” Jake glanced over his shoulder and flinched.

  “Hey, don’t you blame this on me. I delivered my lines perfectly,” Sophia snapped. “You just don’t know how to charm a lump of coal.”

  “You said it yourself.” Jake laughed at his own joke, but cleared his throat when he looked at Erin. “Sorry. I’ll make it work.”

  “Let’s run through it really quick. They’re pretty simple lines.”

  Jake nodded. “That would be great.”

  Erin ran through the lines a few times, making sure to do the actions as they went so Jake would know what to do next. Once he was relaxed, Erin grinned. “That was perfect. Do it just like that.”

  “Thanks.” Jake walked over to the set and stood on his spot.”

  Erin nodded to the director. “Okay, let’s try again.”

  The director studied her for a moment before turning back to the set. “Okay, let’s try again. Action.”

  Jake moved in again to talk to Sophia, but there was still a definite lack of chemistry. Erin sunk down in her chair, mortified. This couldn’t be going any worse.

  “Stop, stop.” The head of Smithson Jewelers, Mr. Smith, stood near the doorway.

  Erin looked over at Debra in horror. How long had he been here? If they blew this commercial, her job would be on the line.

  Debra moved around Erin and hurried over to Mr. Smith. They spoke quietly, but the gesturing told Erin that it wasn’t a very pleasant conversation. At one point, they all turned to look at Erin, and she suddenly felt lightheaded. This couldn’t be good. They finally nodded and parted ways.

  “Sophia, step aside for a moment. Erin, is it? I need you over here.” The director snapped his fingers.

  Sophia huffed and stomped off the set. “I don’t have to work with this.”

  “We’re just giving you a break. Go see Makeup.” The director turned back to Erin. “Now, please.”

  Erin stood and looked over at Debra, who smiled and gestured for her to do what the director asked.

  “Is something wrong?” Erin asked. She really didn’t want to find another guy. Jake was perfect for this.

  “We’ll see in a moment.” The director handed her the script. “Study this. I want you to do exactly what you were doing when you practiced with him.”

  “Okay.” This hadn’t happened before with any of her other clients, but she was desperate to keep this account, so she’d do whatever it was they wanted her to do. She read through the parts until she had it down. “Got it.”

  “Perfect. Now. Stand here, and do just what the script tells you to do.”

  Erin stood on the x and looked up at Jake. “Ready?”

  Jake nodded. “Ready.”

  The director yelled action, and Jake took Erin’s hands in his own. His hands were warm and so … protective. She looked up into his eyes, her heart in her throat.

  “I know we said we weren’t doing gifts this year, but I couldn't help it.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jewelry box. “Merry Christmas.”

  Erin gasped like it told her to in the script. “It’s beautiful.”

  Time seemed to slow, and the studio faded into the background as Jake slid the ring onto her finger, then embraced her. Erin looked up into his eyes and they closed in for a kiss just as the director yelled cut.

  Erin pulled away from Jake, but it took a couple of seconds to remember to breathe. It had felt so natural, and she wanted his arms back around her. From the dazed expression on his face, he seemed to feel the same way.

  “That was brilliant.” The director jumped from his chair and hurried over to them. “Welcome to the commercial, Erin. I’m Steve.” He held out his hand, and Erin shook it. He turned to Sophia. “Sorry, but this won’t work. We’ll send you a check in the mail. Ed will show you out.”

  Erin felt like she’d been punched in the face. “Wait, what?”

  “You two have the perfect chemistry together. I need you to make this commercial work. Sophia’s out. You’re in. We’ll get a contract filled out after we shoot. Back to your marks.”

  “You can’t do that. This was my part.” Sophia stomped over to Steve.

  “It was your part, but now it’s Erin’s. Now, please go before I have to call security.”

  Sophia glared before letting out a string of curse words as she stormed out of the room. Steve shook his head and turned back to Erin and Jake.
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br />   “Let’s try this again. Do it the same as the first time. Don’t mind the cameras. They’re just trying to get different angles.”

  Erin nodded and got back into place with a quick glance over at Debra and Mr. Smith. Both seemed happy with how it had gone, so she must have done something right. She could do this. She just had to concentrate on Jake. Simple. Right?

  ***

  After running through the scene several more times, Steve declared the commercial done. He pulled out the contract for Erin to sign and then started packing up his equipment. Erin slipped her ring off and handed it to the guard.

  “Oh, you keep these. They’re fake rings. I have the real diamonds in a box over here. They’re only used for the close-ups.”

  Erin looked down at the ring he gave back to her. “Are you sure?”

  “Part of the payment. Mr. Smith does this with all of his ads.” He winked and went back to talking to one of the crew.

  Erin stared at the guard for a moment before walking away. She’d heard of other clients receiving gifts, but this was the first time she’d received anything. After making sure she had her bag and jacket, she headed over to where Debra sat.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you two were dating?” Debra shook her head.

  “We’re not. I told you we just met two days ago.” Erin didn’t want to get into this right then. She was still sorting things out in her mind.

  Debra smirked and stood. “I realize you’re trying to keep things professional and everything by not dating him, but let’s face it. You two have more chemistry than most couples I’ve met.”

  Erin stared at Debra’s retreating back. She couldn’t be right, could she? Jake was just a friend. A gorgeous, sweet friend, but still. Just a friend. Erin left the studio, surprised that so much time had passed. It felt like they’d just started recording.

  Mr. Smith stood to the side, talking to a few of his employees. When he saw Erin, he shook their hands and walked over to her. “Well done. I’m impressed. You saved the commercial in there.”

  “Thank you. I’m glad you liked how it turned out. Next week we’ll start the newspaper and magazine ads.” Erin pulled out her portfolio. “I’ve drawn up a few ideas, and a list of which models we can hire.”

  Mr. Smith held his hand up. “We won’t be needing any of those. We have our models already. I want to use a real couple, and you two seem to be the perfect choice. We’ll be seeing you next week, Ms. Tyler.”

  “See you then.” Erin shook her head. Seriously. What had just happened?

  “Hey, Erin, great job in there.” Jake shoved his phone in his pocket, and blushed.

  “You were fantastic. The owner just told me he wants to use us for all his ads.” Erin smiled, unsure of how to act around him. They’d just met, but what she felt back there on the set …

  Jake laughed. “Seriously? That’s great. I just found out I have the other gig too.”

  Erin smiled, wanting to throw her arms around him. “Congratulations!”

  Jake grumbled as his phone rang. The country ringtone belted out across the room. He pushed a button to silence the phone, but didn’t answer it.

  “Is everything okay?” Erin asked.

  “My parents are driving me crazy. They think I have a date tonight and want to invite themselves to dinner with us.” He punched a message into his phone before sticking it in his pocket.

  “Oh, so my parents aren’t the only ones, huh? They want me to have a date for this weekend. They won’t give it up.” Erin twisted the diamond ring around on her finger.

  “They let you keep that ring?” Jake asked, surprised.

  Erin held up her hand. “It’s fake. They told me I could keep it.”

  “Wow, that’s really cool.” He took the ring from Erin and examined it. “Uh, Erin? Are you sure it’s fake?”

  “Yeah, why?” Erin’s heart skipped a beat at the look on Jake’s face.

  He held it up to the light. “Look at the inscription.”

  There was a symbol that represented Smithson Jewelers engraved inside the ring along with a 14-Karat. “Maybe they do it with their fake diamonds too.”

  “Maybe, but I still think it’s real. Watch.” Jake grabbed a piece of paper off a bench and set the ring on top of it. “If this diamond was fake, you could see through it. This one you can’t. I think they gave you the wrong one.”

  “How do you know that?” Erin’s mind was reeling.

  Jake shrugged. “My grandpa taught me how to tell a real diamond. I’m pretty sure that’s one right there.”

  Horrified, Erin turned around to look for Mr. Smith but he’d already left, and Debra was gone as well. This couldn’t be happening. She’d be in so much trouble. Fired, arrested, something. She dialed Debra’s number, but it went straight to voicemail. She found Mr. Smith’s number in an email, but he didn’t answer either. She left a quick voicemail, hoping he’d get it soon.

  Erin’s phone buzzed and she pulled it out of her purse, praying it was Mr. Smith. She groaned when she saw that it was her mom. “Hello?”

  “Surprise! We’re here in New York. Dad got off a day early so we came up.” Her mom’s voice was nearly drowned out by a radio in the background.

  “Where are you?” Erin held up a finger to Jake to let him know it would be a second.

  There were a few whispers before her mom spoke again and rattled off an address.

  Erin’s eyes widened. They were only a few blocks away. “I’m about to head to a store, but if you want to meet me, I could use a ride back to the apartment.”

  “Of course, dear. What’s the address?”

  Erin gave her the address and hung up. She looked up at Jake. “So … my parents got here early.”

  “I heard. How far away are they?” Jake glanced around at the cars crawling by.

  “They said they’re only a few blocks away. You can take off if you want.”

  “I might do that. I have—”

  “There you are, sweetie.” Erin’s mom came up behind Erin. “You look wonderful. Have you done something with your hair?”

  Erin smiled and hugged both of her parents. “It’s the same always.”

  “It’s so good to see you.” Her mom’s eyes flitted between Erin and Jake. “And who is this?”

  Jake stepped forward and held out his hand. “I’m Jake. Nice to meet you.”

  “I’m Suzanne. This is her dad, Bill. Erin has said … nothing about you. How long have you two been dating?” her mom beamed.

  “We’re not—” Erin blurted out just as Jake said, “A few months.”

  Erin could feel her face redden. “Yes, what he said. We’ve been together for a … while. I just hadn’t told you yet.”

  “Did you hear that, Bill? Our daughter’s been sneaking around with a guy.” Mom pretended to be upset, but she was practically dancing.

  “It’s great to meet you.” Bill held his hand out to Jake again and pulled him into a hug.

  Jake looked at Erin over her dad’s shoulder, and Erin cringed at his stunned expression. What had just happened?

  “Do you have the ring already?” Her mom stared at Erin’s hand. “Oh, you do. Let me see!”

  Erin held out her hand as she felt her face redden. She should stop this. She should tell them right now what happened. But she couldn’t speak as her mom oohed and ahhed over the diamond and had to show her dad.

  “You two should come to dinner with us. We were just headed there, but your mom wanted to surprise you.” Bill rolled his eyes and laughed.

  “Sure, we can do that. We’ll just catch a cab and follow behind you. We wouldn’t want to all squish into the same car.” Erin was desperate to talk to Jake without her parents around.

  “Nonsense. We rented a car this time so we could do our own sightseeing. There’s plenty of room in the back.” Her mom beamed.

  “Right.” She watched them head for the garage. “Of course you did.”

  Jake chuckled. “Your parents remind me so m
uch of mine.”

  “Sorry, about this. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” She hurried to catch up to them, wondering how in the world she’d ever pay him back. This was beyond embarrassing.

  Jake caught up and took Erin by the hand. His warm, strong grip sent tingles up Erin’s arm. “Don’t worry about it. I have the perfect way you can pay me back.”

  Erin looked up at him in surprise. “Do I want to know?”

  “Maybe. Maybe not.” Jake winked down at her and stopped by the sleek black BMW 3 Series Erin’s parents had rented. “Nice car.”

  “Thanks. Suzanne wanted the cheapest option, but I figured we don’t get out often and I wanted something with style.” He unlocked the car and climbed in.

  Jake raised his eyebrows. “Well, he sure chose one.”

  “Dad loves his cars. He’s wanted one of these for as long as I can remember.” Erin opened the door and climbed in, followed by Jake. “So where are we headed?”

  Bill turned to face them. “We were going to ask you that same question. We have tickets to Broadway tonight, but need a good place to eat. What do you recommend?”

  Broadway wasn’t too far from where Erin lived. “There’s a diner nearby that I go to all the time. We can eat there. That way you can park at my building and walk to the play.”

  “Oh, that’s a great idea. Let’s do that.” Her mom beamed at Erin and turned back to the front.

  “You’ll have to remind me how to get there again.” Bill started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.

  They constantly shot questions about where Erin and Jake had met and how he proposed, only stopping when Erin had to give them directions. Her head was spinning as she tried to keep up with the lies. She took short notes in her phone as they went so she could reference it later.

  Erin was dying to know what was going on in Jake’s head as he stared out the window. He’d stayed quiet, but he’d put his arm around her as they drove. She leaned back against his arm, and he turned.

  “So they always rent a car?” he asked quietly.