As William slid into the driver's seat, he caught sight of them in the mirror. Bri sat between Jake and Anna, her eyes bright, her smile easy. She looked carefree and happy.
He gripped the steering wheel lightly, while secretly complaining. What am I? Their driver? He felt mistreated. My wife could have at least sat at the front with me.
Still, he said nothing.
He drove smoothly out of the city, taking the long, tree lined road toward the outskirts.
They rode in silence at first, but it didn't last long. Anna couldn't keep quiet for more than a few minutes.
"So…" she began, looking at Bri,"I saw Vanessa talking to you today. What was that about?"
Bri smiled proudly. "She wanted to tell me I did a good job yesterday. Said if I ever need advice, I can always talk to her."
Anna let out a low whistle. "That's huge, Bri. Vanessa Cruz doesn't talk to just anyone." Anna's eyes lit up as she continued. "And what about Ethan? Did you get to talk to him? God, he's so hot. How is he still single?"
Bri laughed softly. "No, I didn't. Hopefully soon." Then she continued "And how do you know he is single? He could be secretly married."
Without thinking, Anna replied " Oh, yeah, maybe. Just like you are secretly married."
Bri quickly glanced at William, then awkwardly tried to change the subject.
"He seems like a good person. Talented too."
Jake turned toward Bri, teasing at first then sounding a little bit serious. "Sounds like someone is an Ethan fan! When you do talk to him, don't get too cozy though. Remember your promise to Nancy?"
"Right," Bri felt more awkward now. Did they have to talk about this in William's presence?
Jake smiled, but from the driver's seat, William's hand tightened slightly around the steering wheel. They're talking about Ethan Cole? Does she like him? And what did Nancy have to do with this? A promise? he thought. What exactly had Bri promised her manager? And what did Jake mean by Bri "getting cozy" with another man?
Either way, he stayed quiet as their laughter filled the car.
Jake leaned back, stretching his arm across the seat. "Bri, you really fit in on set. Even as a court clerk, you looked beautiful. Can't wait for the season to be out."
"Totally agree," Anna added. "I even saw one of the male leads checking you out!" She broke into laughter, nudging Bri playfully.
Bri rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her discomfort. "You guys are impossible."
William, who had been trying to focus on driving, was a bit startled. Someone was checking her out on set? But he tried to keep his eyes on the road.
Twenty minutes later, they turned onto the private lane leading to the Whitmore estate, and it's gates opened slowly.