Debunked by Beth Perry

Author:Beth Perry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC
Published: 2024-02-25T16:54:26+00:00

Chapter Six

Craig took lunch that day alone in his office. It wasn’t much of a meal, just the saltines and can of ginger ale he’d asked Jon to bring from the snack room. Slow chewing of the crackers settled his stomach. But he wondered if perhaps he was developing an ulcer? It was to be expected, he thought. His father and paternal grandmother had both developed ulcers by the time they’d hit their mid-thirties. Craig, however, would never have foreseen his career might contribute to his development of one. This was showbiz he was in, and a dream job compared to the bus driver’s job his poor dad had worked at for over forty years. And yet, the antics of a single guest had made him nearly keel over in pain. He told himself he should take a break after this week’s filming was over and Betty Ann Crawford was out of his life forever.

He knew the second challenge was going to be filmed this afternoon. As much as he knew the prudent, adult thing to do was to simply return to the studio with his emotions checked, the thought of seeing Betty Ann again sent a splatter of bile up his throat.

“God, I’m letting that little fake get the best of me,” he scolded himself.

After finishing off the crackers, he picked up his cell phone and gave Kesha a call. She was at the beach, she told him happily, at the moment enjoying a picnic with her friends. Craig asked if she’d seen the artist guy again? Oh yes, she answered. They were going to a movie later. How are you, big brother?

Craig wanted to lie, but he couldn’t. “Was feeling a little rough earlier. Stomach acid. I probably ought to have a checkup next week.”

“Oh my,” Kesha said. “Are you sure it can wait?”

“Yes, yes,” he assured her. “I’m not sick. Just, well, I suspect I may be developing an ulcer.”

“Then you be sure to see a doctor,” Kesha told him soberly. “If I have to make you an appointment when we get back, I will.”

Craig felt a jab of affection. “I know you would. Okay, then. Enjoy the beach. Enjoy the movie. I will talk to you tomorrow?”

“Of course! I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

He ended the call and regarded the phone. He really did miss Kesha. His love for her gave him the determination not to be victimized by Betty Ann’s mind games. At nearly one-thirty, he left the office again and returned to the studio.

***

Vint was sitting alone at the production desk when Craig entered the control room. He was smoking a cigarette and, noticing Craig, made a courtesy wave through the tendrils of smoke curling into the air.

“Hey,” Craig said. He noticed the desk monitors were all black. “I thought they were going to film the second challenge.”

Vint got up and moved to the table where the ashtray was. “Done and done already.”

Craig didn’t know if he should feel relieved or angry with himself for missing it.

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