Free Every Pearl Has Its Oyster by India Lee

all been Gemma’s only true ally against Madison in high school. Gemma shrugged, adjusting her bandeau bra as the motion made it slide down her body. If Damian hadn’t called, he likely didn’t know about the casting yet. Constantly in a gym or arena somewhere, he’d never been one to be up on gossip.
    “Well. You’re a good girlfriend.” Kate sighed, pursing her lips. “I’d be scared to let Madison near my boyfriend. I mean not that you should be threatened, I just… I wouldn’t. She’d end up seducing him one way or another.” When Leah elbowed her hard, Kate yelped and backtracked. “Ow! I mean… I don’t know! I’m sure it’s fine, just… make sure you visit the set to keep any eye on them. That’s all.”
    Leah considered it, surrendering to agreement herself. “She’s probably right, Gem.” She winced ruefully. “I’d Just remind Tyler that you’re his girlfriend. Show the whole set who’s boss. Especially Madison.”
    ~
    Gemma couldn’t help it. She had counted down to and prepared for the first day of production for Carbine. In her full-length mirror in the closet, Gemma eyed her body in her cropped tank top and saffron maxi skirt. The outfit showed just a peep of skin above her taut waist and more than a peep through the long slit up the side of the skirt. She’d even thought up an excuse to be visiting the set in such a sexy ensemble.
    “Oh, I just came from a meeting with my label,” Gemma told Tyler’s assistant as she led her towards set. “I wanted to drop by and make sure Tyler could come to a party we’re throwing soon.” It was a total lie – Tyler already knew about the boring dinner she and Oro Records would soon be hosting for her tour sponsors, and even if he hadn’t, there was no reason for her to tell him about it in person. But his assistant seemed not to notice.
    “I see. Well, they’re just going over some notes but Tyler’s break will be soon and you can ask him,” she said, seating Gemma on a comfortable chair and nodding over at the other side of the room. There, Tyler stood in a huddle with Sidney Willis and the very handsome Liam Brody, his onscreen brother and Hollywood’s resident model-dating lothario. Despite the sight of the controversial Liam, Gemma’s eyes were glued to Tyler. With much of the crew still staring, she had to cover her goofy smile with her hand – it was from ear-to-ear because he looked so damned cute with his messy hair and distressed leather jacket, holding a matte black motorcycle helmet under his arm. Gemma scooted her chair forward to get a better look at him, and as she did, caught his attention mid-sentence. She grinned mischievously, crossing her leg so that the fabric of her dress fell aside, baring it up to her thigh for Tyler to see. His face froze for a moment, his eyes plastered to her. It took Sidney’s snapping for him to finally return to the conversation and even contribute a sentence or two.
    But once Sidney spoke again, Tyler’s eyes returned to Gemma, trailing up her body starting from her toes, which she’d painted a bright poppy color. When his eyes finally met hers, he shook his head at her and mouthed, “That was mean.” Gemma giggled. She was off to a good start. Within seconds, Tyler slipped out of his meeting with Sidney to go over to her. He gave her a kiss on the lips before gazing down at her dress.
    “Hey,” he greeted her legs. She giggled as he took in her outfit. “You look…” He shook his head. “… like I should take you into my dressing room right now.”
    Gemma giggled. “So, how has your day been so far?”
    Tyler shrugged, looking off to the side. “Alright.”
    “Just alright?”
    He nodded. “Just trying on some wardrobe for the first time.”
    “Ooh. How are your co-stars?”
    “Awesome. We have a good group going on.”
    “I see.” Gemma narrowed her eyes slightly at his short answers. She couldn’t tell what they meant other than the fact that he wasn’t giving