Chapter 3

3

MAZEY

M azey was still feeling the buzz of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her heart hadn't quite slowed down, and her mind was still replaying the moment she was hoisted up from the ledge. She had only been able to briefly talk to her rescuer, McKenna, a calm, collected firefighter with an undeniable presence. There was something about her that had caught Mazey off guard. A subtle connection, a flicker of something beneath the surface. But she pushed it aside, rationalizing it as a side effect of the intense situation. After all, she had been dangling over the edge of a cliff just moments ago, and the high emotions could be making her read into things.

Before she could dwell on it further, the director called her over. "Mazey, can we talk for a second?" His voice carried over the noise of the bustling crew, and Mazey noticed the concern etched into his features. The entire production team was still buzzing with activity, people rushing around to reset the scene, cameras being adjusted, grips hauling equipment back into place. But the director’s focus was solely on her, his face lined with worry.

She made her way over, tucking a few stray strands of hair behind her ear, trying to appear as composed as possible despite everything that had just happened. She could still feel the residual tremor in her hands, though, and as she reached him, she tried to shake off the remnants of fear that clung to her like a second skin.

“Oh my god. Are you okay? I’m so sorry. I should have never pushed you that hard.”

Mazey gave him a reassuring smile, brushing off his worry like the professional she was. “It’s no problem. Isn’t it good to have a little danger? Isn’t that what Lila Hart would be used to?”

Lila Hart was the character she had been cast to play, a highly skilled rescue specialist and former Navy officer who led a team of elite search-and-rescue specialists into the world's most dangerous locations. In a way, Mazey had to channel Lila's fearlessness today, more than she ever thought she would need to.

The director gave her a weak smile, shaking his head. “Yeah, but you’re not Lila Hart in real life. I don’t want to see you hanging from cliffs again, okay?”

Mazey chuckled, though her mind wandered back to McKenna the firefighter. No, I’m not Lila Hart. But McKenna…she is. The strength, the control, the calm under pressure. McKenna embodied the very traits that her character was supposed to have. But there was something more to it. Something deeper. Lila Hart was tough, unflinching in the face of danger, but underneath that exterior, she struggled with vulnerability. Mazey felt a strange kinship to that. Maybe it was why she had been drawn to the role in the first place. She wasn’t so different from Lila, after all.

Mazey thought that maybe, just maybe, playing this character would help her learn how to become more open. Lila’s story wasn’t just about being a hero; it was about learning to trust others, to admit when she needed help, a lesson Mazey knew she needed to take to heart.

Something about McKenna drew Mazey in. McKenna had stepped in when things got dangerous, but it was more than her competence that Mazey couldn’t stop thinking about. It was the way McKenna had looked at her, with a mix of admiration and…something else, something that felt like a pull. Was it real? Or was she just projecting the things she wished for into the situation?

Mazey realized she’d been zoning out, lost in thought. The director was still talking, but his voice had faded into the background. Her mind was stuck on McKenna. The firefighter’s confidence, her calm strength in the face of chaos. It had left an impression, one that went deeper than just gratitude for saving her life. There had been a spark, a connection—or at least she thought there had been.

"Okay, Mazey," the director said, pulling her back into the moment. "We’ll get the rest of the shoot rescheduled, but take it easy for the rest of the day, alright? You’ve earned it."

“Thank you. Would I be able to thank the firefighter personally, actually?” Mazey asked, her voice steady despite the lingering adrenaline still pulsing through her veins.

The director raised an eyebrow, glancing back at her. “Didn’t you thank her already?”

“Yeah, but I feel like if someone’s going to save my life, I should thank them while there aren’t a million people watching as well,” she replied, her tone firm. It felt important to her, more than just a simple acknowledgment. This was a moment that deserved intimacy, a chance to convey genuine gratitude away from the spotlight.

The director regarded her for a moment then nodded. “Yeah, that makes sense. I’ll send someone to bring her to your trailer.”

“Thank you.” Mazey offered a smile, her mind already racing ahead to the conversation she hoped to have with McKenna.

As she settled into her trailer, the buzz of the set faded into the background. The cozy confines of the small space felt oddly soothing, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. She waited, fidgeting slightly with the hem of her shirt, her thoughts swirling around the earlier encounter. There had been a spark, something electric in their brief exchange that she couldn’t quite shake off.

She replayed their banter in her mind, the teasing remarks, the genuine laughter, and the undeniable chemistry that crackled between them. It felt so easy, so refreshing. Mazey couldn’t remember the last time she had connected with someone like that. The layers of pressure she often felt in her interactions with others, especially in Hollywood, were stripped away in McKenna’s presence.

The actress wanted to delve deeper into that connection, to explore what had ignited within her. But more than that, she wanted McKenna to know her, really know her. Not just the actress who played a part on screen, but the person behind the facade. She needed McKenna to see her as genuine, as someone who wasn’t just playing a role for the cameras.

The anticipation of their conversation filled the air with tension. What would they talk about? What would she ask? Mazey had so many questions bubbling inside her, not just about McKenna’s life as a firefighter, but also about how she managed to remain so composed during the rescue. She felt a magnetic pull toward her, a desire to understand not just the bravery that had saved her life, but the heart behind that bravery.

The sound of footsteps outside her trailer broke her thoughts, and she held her breath, her heart racing at the prospect of seeing McKenna again. When the door finally swung open, her breath caught in her throat. There was McKenna, looking as confident and composed as ever, her shirt still slightly damp from the exertion of the rescue but her demeanor radiating strength.

“Hey,” McKenna greeted, a small smile playing on her lips. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Mazey shook her head, her voice a little breathless. “Not at all. I was just…waiting for you.”

“Good,” McKenna replied, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

“I just wanted to thank you. you know, without everyone around,” Mazey said, her tone softening as she met McKenna’s gaze.

“Oh, really? You didn’t have to,” McKenna replied, crossing her arms, a hint of surprise in her voice.

“Yeah, I know I didn’t have to, but I wanted to. I guess I wanted to know a little more about my rescuer. I mean, I am acting as one in the show.” There was a nervous energy in her words, a slight flutter in her chest that she couldn’t quite ignore.

“Ah, I see. So you just wanted me to help you with your acting, huh?” McKenna joked, a playful grin spreading across her face.

Mazey chuckled, but her expression quickly turned serious. “No, no. I am really grateful. For a while, I wasn’t sure if I could hold on. I just worry about burdening others.”” Her vulnerability laid bare, she felt a mixture of relief and apprehension, hoping McKenna wouldn’t dismiss her feelings.

“In those kinds of situations, you really shouldn’t,” McKenna said gently, leaning in a little closer. “I get it. But it’s our job to take care of people. You’re not a burden for being scared or for needing help.”

Mazey bit her lip, pondering McKenna's words. “I don’t know. I guess the way I was raised, it’s better to die than show weakness.” The weight of that statement hung heavy in the air.

“I think being vulnerable is brave, though,” McKenna replied, her voice steady, reassuring. Her beautiful brown eyes were full of care. Her chestnut hair messy and in a ponytail. “It takes a lot of courage to admit when you need help or when you’re afraid. You don’t have to carry that alone.”

“Well, anyway,” Mazey said, trying to steer the conversation, “tell me more about yourself.”

“Okay, well, tell me more about the character you’re playing. Then I can help you with things that I actually have experience with,” McKenna offered, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“I’m kind of not supposed to talk with anyone about this character or show, though. I signed an NDA.” Mazey grinned, her playful spirit returning.

“You did?” McKenna raised an eyebrow.

“Nah, I’m just kidding.” Mazey laughed, feeling the tension ease a little.

“Okay, then tell me. Start with the name, then tell me the rest.”

“Well, the character’s name is Lila.”

“Oooh, Lila. What a strong name,” McKenna remarked, leaning in with genuine interest.

“Yeah, well, Lila is actually a highly skilled rescue specialist and former Navy officer who now leads an elite international rescue team,” Mazey explained, excitement lighting up her face as she spoke about her character.

“Wow, a Navy officer?” McKenna's admiration was evident, her eyes wide.

“Yup, that’s right. Basically, she’s the kind of woman who stays cool under pressure while saving the lives of people. Kind of like what you just did, right?” Mazey teased, a smirk dancing on her lips.

“Oh, so you thought I was cool, huh?” McKenna's playful challenge made Mazey's heart race.

“Yeah, you were pretty cool, I guess.”

“You guess?” McKenna’s tone feigned disappointment, but her eyes sparkled with humor.

“Okay, yes. Yes, you were very cool,” Mazey conceded, raising her hands in mock surrender.

“Thank you. Continue, please,” McKenna prompted, crossing her arms again, this time leaning forward with genuine interest.

“She’s intensely focused on her job, often sacrificing personal relationships in the process. Does this sound like you at all?” Mazey asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.

“Okay, maybe this character does have a few similarities to me. Does your director know me?” McKenna replied, a teasing smirk on her lips.

“That’s so interesting. I’ll have to ask him!” Mazey laughed, feeling the connection deepening between them.

“Is that all?” McKenna pressed, eager to know more.

“She’s also a bit of a complicated character. She’s tough, resourceful, and driven by her need to make up for her past. But, you know, she’s also confident, skilled at negotiations, and struggles with vulnerability.”

“Her past? What happened in her past?” McKenna asked.

“Oh, right! That’s the most interesting part about her, actually. There was an incident in the Navy where a mission went wrong, causing the death of one of her comrades. This tragedy is what haunts her, and the show explores her struggles with guilt, responsibility, and the burden of being a hero.”

“Wow, that’s quite deep, actually. Such a tragic backstory. I’m glad that I can’t say that’s the reason I’m a firefighter,” McKenna replied, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“I’m glad that part you can’t relate to at least,” Mazey replied, her heart racing as she felt a flicker of attraction in McKenna’s warm gaze.

The warmth of their conversation wrapped around them like a cozy blanket, and Mazey couldn’t help but wonder about the layers beneath McKenna’s tough exterior. She wanted to know more about the woman who had just saved her life and who was suddenly captivating her in ways she had never expected.

Was it just her imagination, or was there an undeniable chemistry between them? The way McKenna spoke, the intensity in her eyes, it was captivating. Mazey couldn't recall ever feeling this drawn to someone, especially not a woman. It was exhilarating yet terrifying, like standing on the edge of a cliff with a swirling abyss below.

She stole a glance at McKenna, who was leaning closer, genuinely interested in what she was saying. It was disarming. How could this woman with her strong, steady presence have such an effect on her? Mazey's mind raced, questioning everything she had thought about her own feelings. Maybe it was the adrenaline from the rescue or perhaps the intense connection forged in such an extraordinary moment.

What if she was attracted to McKenna? The thought sent a shiver down her spine, igniting a curiosity she hadn’t expected. It was confusing, yet there was something liberating about exploring this newfound attraction. Maybe she could learn from Lila, her character, about being brave enough to confront her feelings.

“Is that all?” McKenna's voice pulled her back, and Mazey realized she had been lost in her thoughts. She needed to focus, to stay present in this moment that felt so real. But could she dare to entertain the idea of something more with someone like McKenna? The possibilities seemed endless, and for the first time in a long time, Mazey felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect.

Before she could respond, McKenna's walkie-talkie crackled to life, the sound of firefighter code filling the air. The momentary shift in energy was palpable as McKenna’s expression shifted from warmth to focus, her professional demeanor taking over.

“I’m so sorry, but I have to leave,” McKenna said, glancing toward the door, her voice tinged with regret. “It was really great to talk to you. I hope to see you again.”

With that, she turned and walked away, her presence lingering in the air like a gentle breeze. Mazey felt a bittersweet pang in her chest as she watched McKenna leave, her heart racing with a mix of hope and longing.

“I hope so too,” she whispered to herself, her gaze fixed on the door long after McKenna had left. She really hoped that they would meet again. As she sat in her trailer, the echoes of their conversation played in her mind, stirring a whirlwind of emotions she had never expected to feel.