Even though Jamar held nothing but contempt for the coach inwardly, his expression gave nothing away.
Pursing his lips in feigned hurt, Jamar protested, “You can’t just play favorites with Zack and ignore me like this. This stuff’s way too base for me Foring
don’t you me to sit through it is just a waste of my time and energy,
think?”
The acting coach pointed at him. “So you think that I’m wasting your time? In that case, don’t bother coming to class anymore, starting tomorrow
Jamar’s eyes welled up with tears. “Are you picking on me on purpose? That’s so unfair! I’m going to report this to Ms. Lambert!”
The acting coach was not the least bit intimidated–in fact, he was counting on Jamar to complain. “Go ahead! Ms. Lambert is fair–minded. I’m sure once she hears the whole story, she won’t be taking your side,” he said.”
Jamar bit his tip. These people are only this bold because I don’t have anyone backing me yet. But once I get on Ms. Lambert’s good side, things will be different. Nobody will dare speak to me like this again,‘ he thought.
“Still not convinced?” the acting coach asked.
Jamar wisely chose not to aggravate the situation. If the acting coach brought this up to Skylar, it could threaten his standing within the company.
Jamar was not about to risk getting on Skylar’s bad side over something so minor.
Jamar, with exaggerated sincerity, apologized, “I was wrong just now–I shouldn’t have talked back to you like that. I’m really sorry. Please forgive me.
The coach was no fool–he could tell Jamar’s apology was not genuine. Jamar was only playing nice to avoid getting reported to Skylar.
Still, it was not that big of a deal. Since Jamar had already apologized, the coach decided to let it slide this time.
He felt there was no point burning bridges over something so minor.
This time, the coach decided to overlook it—but next time Jamar crossed the line, he would not be so lenient.
“Let’s get back to class,” he said curtly.
After class, Jamar made a beeline for Skylar’s office. Seeing that Skylar was still busy, Jamar stood outside the glass wall, takeaway box in hand, fixing his hair and making sure he looked presentable.
He knocked lightly on the door. “Ms. Lambert?”
“Come in.” Skylar did not even look up from her work as she said curtly, “What is it?”
Jamar stepped forward, set the lunchbox down in front of her, and flashed a dazzling smile. “Ms. Lambert, I noticed you’ve been working for hours without a break. I made this just for you. Please, give it a try.”
Skylar gave the box a quick glance. “No need. I’m busy right now. You can have it.”
“Ms. Lambert, I spent hours preparing this specially for you. I’d really appreciate it if you’d just give it a try,” Jamar said.
Skylar, thoroughly annoyed by the constant pestering, put down her work and said sternly, “I’ve told you–just focus on doing your job, and you’ll get what you deserve.”
Jamar said, “Ms. Lambert, I’ve been madly in love with you since the very first moment I saw you.”
Tears welled up in his eyes. He added, “If you can accept Mr. Yates, why can’t you accept me? Is it because I’m merely a struggling actor while he’s an award–winning actor? I don’t want anything–just the chance to stay by your side.”
Just as Jamar’s voice wavered with emotion, two tears slid down his face–right on cue. He leaned forward, stretching out a hand to clasp Skylar’s where
1/2
Chapter 309
it rested on the desk.
Skylar jerked back instinctively, springing to her feet to avoid his touch. She was just about to scold him when her eyes caught the two figures standing a the door. Embarrassed, she bit her lip.
Skylar blurted out, “What are you guys doing here?”
“If we hadn’t shown up, we would’ve missed this show, wouldn’t we?” Yosef said, walking in with Adam in his arms.
Yosef’s icy glare swept over Jamar as he moved to stand beside Skylar. “Honey,” he said coldly, “Which clueless bastard is trying to hit on you while I was gone?”
Α.Γ