Song for this chapter: Jeremy Zucker - Honest on the multimedia.

_______

Nat

The next few days were a whirlwind, and I felt like I was constantly in motion. Press tours can be a mix of exhausting and exhilarating, and with False Play set to premiere soon, it was full steam ahead. Every city we landed in felt like a new challenge. New faces, new questions, the same careful answers.

Linc and I were scheduled to appear together for most of these interviews. As much as we had to project that on-screen chemistry, off-camera, it was the same old story. He was distant, barely saying more than a few words, keeping to himself. His coldness toward me felt even more obvious in this setting, surrounded by bright lights and curious eyes.

It wasn't like I didn't try. I mean, I've always believed that a little kindness goes a long way, especially in an industry where tension can build fast. But with Linc? He was a brick wall.

The room was warm and packed with reporters, but all I could think about was how to survive the next hour sitting next to Linc. I smiled at the makeup artist as she finished touching up my hair. She'd been the same one on the last few stops, and by now, we'd built a nice little routine of chatting before I stepped into the spotlight.

"Your hair's behaving today," she laughed, giving it a final spray.

"Finally," I smiled back, appreciating her warmth. These moments with the staff felt like little pockets of peace. The crew, the makeup artists, the assistants—they were the heart of these tours. I always tried to make time for them, even if it was just a quick chat or a thank you. They were the unsung heroes, and I never forgot it.

Linc, though, never seemed to notice anyone around him. He sat quietly in his chair, his eyes on his phone, answering texts or maybe just pretending to be busy so no one would bother him. The staff kept their distance. I could feel how tense they were around him, not that he cared. It was just his way, I suppose.

"Alright, Nat, you're on in five," one of the producers came up to me with a smile, and I gave him a little thumbs-up.

The interview was... well, it went as expected. We sat next to each other, smiled when we had to, and answered the same kinds of questions over and over. We talked about False Play like it was the most exciting project in the world. Don't get me wrong—it was a great movie, and I was proud of what we'd done. But that on-screen connection between Reina and Garsino? If only they knew how far it was from the reality behind the scenes.

"Nat, you've had an incredible few years transitioning from Australian television to Hollywood, especially with the success of The End of the Storm," one of the reporters said, leaning forward with interest.

I nodded. "Yeah, it's been an amazing journey. Working on The End of the Storm really opened doors for me internationally. It was my first major Hollywood TV series, and it's where I met Lincoln, actually. He was brilliant in that show, and it was such a turning point for both of us."

Linc shifted slightly next to me, giving the briefest of nods. He was polite, but the energy between us was flat, as usual. Still, we kept up the act.

"We heard you and Lincoln had some pretty intense scenes together in False Play. How was it working on that dynamic?"

I smiled, glancing at Linc out of habit. "It was challenging, but that's the beauty of what we do. You get to push yourself, to really dive into these characters. Garsino and Reina are complex, and there's a lot more to their relationship than meets the eye."

Lincoln's voice was low as he added, "Yeah, there's a lot of layers to unravel with those two. It was intense."

And just like that, the conversation moved on, the interviewer none the wiser. We played our parts perfectly, but I knew the truth. Linc and I couldn't stand each other off-camera. It wasn't personal, not really. It was just... him. Cold. Closed-off.

The tour dragged on like that—city after city. I'd find my moments of peace chatting with the crew, while Linc sat in the corner, quietly waiting for his next turn under the spotlight. He wasn't rude, exactly, just indifferent.

But when we were on, we were on. Every interview, every press event, we gave them exactly what they came for: the illusion of co-stars with an undeniable connection.

But behind the scenes? It's far from what we really are on screen.

As the year drew to a close, we had a team dinner planned for New Year's Eve, this time in Los Angeles. I always looked forward to these moments. They were a chance to unwind and connect with the people who made all the hard work bearable. The staff and crew had become like a second family, and this was our time to celebrate together.

The restaurant in LA was beautifully decorated for the occasion, with twinkling lights and festive garlands. I could already hear the laughter and chatter as I walked in, my heart lifting at the sight of everyone mingling and enjoying themselves. Linc was there, of course, but as usual, he was seated at the far end of the table, absorbed in his own world. I made my way to the center, where the energy was warm and inviting.

"Nat! Over here!" Emma, our publicist, called out. She was already surrounded by a few of the crew members, all smiles and holiday cheer.

"Hey, Emma!" I greeted her with a hug. "I'm so glad we're all together tonight. This is just what we needed."

"Absolutely," she agreed, her eyes twinkling. "It's been a crazy year. We've worked so hard, and tonight's all about celebrating that."

I took a seat next to Jake, one of our assistant directors. He was a great guy with a knack for making everyone laugh.

"So, Nat," he said as he passed me a glass of champagne. "What's been your favorite moment of this press tour?"

I thought for a moment, my smile widening. "Honestly, just being with everyone here. You guys have made this tour so much more enjoyable. And of course, seeing all the fans' reactions to False Play has been incredible."

"I agree," chimed in Lisa, our makeup artist. "It's been such a pleasure working with you. And I have to say, the way you handle everything—especially with Lincoln—makes you even more impressive."

I laughed, a bit embarrassed. "Well, thank you. I try my best. Linc's...well, he's Linc. But we make it work."

The conversation flowed easily, and I found myself caught up in a lively discussion about everyone's plans for the new year. We talked about resolutions, upcoming projects, and favorite holiday traditions. It was so refreshing to be surrounded by people who genuinely cared about each other, despite the stress of the job.

"I'm really looking forward to this next year," said Tom, our director. "We've got some exciting projects lined up, and I'm hoping we'll get to work with all of you again."

"That sounds great!" I responded enthusiastically. "I'm excited to see what's next."

As the evening progressed, the staff started a friendly debate about the best New Year's resolutions. I found myself in the middle of a lively discussion with Emma and Jake, both of them sharing their wildest resolutions. It was light-hearted and fun, a perfect way to end the year.

In the midst of it all, I glanced over at Linc. He was still seated at his end of the table, quietly sipping his drink. It was clear he wasn't as engaged in the festivities, but I knew he had his own way of celebrating—or maybe he just didn't want to.

I hoped he'd join in, even just a little. But for now, I was content to be surrounded by the people who made this tour special, the ones who had become my little family away from home.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, we gathered together for a toast. The room buzzed with excitement as everyone counted down. When the clock struck twelve, cheers erupted, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude. It had been a challenging year, but with these people by my side, it was also one of the best.

The New Year was upon us, and despite the challenges and the occasional coldness, I was ready to face it with hope and a sense of camaraderie that made it all worthwhile.

After the team dinner, the energy in the hotel was quieter. The celebration had been a blast, but as the crowd dwindled, I couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that crept in. The hotel room, while comfortable, felt too large and empty without the warmth of the evening's camaraderie.

I decided to take a walk outside, hoping the fresh air would clear my head. The cool night air was refreshing, but as I wandered around the hotel's perimeter, I found myself walking aimlessly, the festive lights of LA a distant backdrop.

As I passed by the hotel lobby, I noticed Linc standing by the reception desk, his phone in his hand. He was lost in thought, looking contemplative. It wasn't unusual for him to be distant, but tonight felt different—there was an air of vulnerability about him.

I hesitated for a moment before approaching. "Hey, Linc," I said softly, trying to sound casual. "Everything okay?"

He glanced up at me, his expression guarded. "It's none of your business," he replied curtly.

I took a step back, a little taken aback by his sharpness. "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude."

As I turned to walk away, Lincoln's voice stopped me. "Wait."

I looked back, curious but wary. He took a deep breath, looking more uncertain than I'd ever seen him. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. It's just—" He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "What do you do if you want to call someone, but you're not sure if they want to hear from you?"

His question surprised me. It was a rare glimpse into the uncertainty he often kept hidden. I thought for a moment, trying to find the right words.

"Well," I began slowly, "if it were me, I'd just call them. Sometimes it's better to reach out and find out how they feel than to be stuck wondering. Even if it's hard, it's worth knowing where you stand."

Linc's blue eyes seemed to soften slightly. "Yeah, I guess you're right." He looked at his phone again, then back at me. "It's just... I don't know if I should reach out or if it's better to let things be."

"I think you should go with what feels right to you," I said gently. "It's important to listen to your instincts. If it feels like something you need to do, then do it."

Linc nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Thanks, Nat. I didn't mean to be so harsh. I just didn't know how to handle it."

"It's okay," I reassured him. "We all have our moments. Sometimes, talking about it helps, even if it's just a little."

He gave a small, appreciative smile. "Yeah. Thanks for listening."

As I turned my back, I couldn't help but feel a bit more connected to him, despite our differences. It was strange, but even in these brief moments of vulnerability, there was something humanizing about Linc that made me realize we all had our struggles, no matter how aloof we might seem.

After my conversation with Linc, I felt a strange mix of emotions—compassion for his struggles and a lingering sense of loneliness of my own. I needed more than just a brief chat to clear my mind.

So, I decided to continue my walk outside. The chilly air felt refreshing against my skin, and the quiet hum of the city at night was oddly soothing. I strolled down the street, letting my thoughts wander.

The night was crisp, and the city lights twinkled in the distance. I passed by a few late-night cafes and quiet shops, their windows glowing warmly against the cold. It was peaceful out here, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the hotel earlier.

As I walked, I thought about how everything had changed over the past year—new projects, new places, and new faces. The press tours, the movie, and even my interactions with Linc had been part of this whirlwind journey. And yet, despite the excitement and success, there were still moments when I felt profoundly alone.

The quiet of the night gave me time to reflect on the things I valued most—my work, my relationships, and the simple joy of being with those I loved. Even though Juls and I had just seen each other, and our time together was always precious, it wasn't always easy with our busy schedules.

Eventually, I made my way back to the hotel, feeling a little more centered. The walk had given me a chance to process everything and reminded me of the importance of taking these moments for myself, even amid the chaos.

When I returned to my room, I felt a bit lighter. The city outside was still bustling, but inside, I found a sense of calm. I knew the challenges of working with Linc weren't over, but for now, I was ready to face whatever came next with a renewed perspective.