Assisting Mr & Mrs Miranda

Chapter 4.

Shooting with Lin came and went too quickly. Lin was so kind compared to Director Peters. He brought me coffee the other day. He never yelled at me. He calls me by my actual name. He even asks me to have lunch with him everyday. I didn't get to eat with Boom Mic Brian,but I didn't have a problem with missing lunch with him. We worked in the same studio for the same show. I'm sure more chances to have lunch would come our way, but eating with Lin-Manuel Miranda? That doesn't fall in your lap everyday. Unless you're me aka the luckiest person on Earth! I felt a gray cloud hanging over my head as I ate lunch ordered from an Italian restaurant with Lin and I guess he noticed.

"What's wrong?" asked Lin with a soft smile. I felt my face heat up as some tears formed in my eyes.

"Nothing." I tried to chuckle. I played with the pasta on my plate.

"You don't like the food?"

"No, the food is great..."

"It's the food. We can leave-"

"No! No, it's not that!" I made a show of shoving some pasta in my mouth and smiling. Lin leaned forward and looked into my soul with his big brown eyes. A tear accidentally spilled out of my eye. I stood up to busy myself with anything, but Lin stood with me.

"An errant tear? I haven't known you long, but I know all tears have stories. What's wrong?" He put his hand on my own. His hand was much bigger than mine. It was warm and soft like a meat blanket. I felt my heart beating in my ears as I looked at his hand. When I looked at Lin, his face still showed all the concern in the world. I couldn't have stopped my tears if I wanted to. 

"I'm sorry. This... this isn't professional! I just... I just... You're so nice to me. Director Peters... I don't know... probably doesn't even know my name!" I sniffled as I ugly cried in front of this man. "I mean, I know why I'm here, but it was really nice to have a break in the norm!" Lin listened to me then pulled me in for a hug. I felt all the sadness melt as I was enveloped by his body. I like this. 

"Breathe." Lin instructed still holding me close. I took a shaky breath. "This has been a great week for me too. I've never met anyone more organized than my wife. You're amazing. You made being on set something I would consider doing for much longer if it means you'll be with me. I'm sad too, but don't cry that it's over. Smile because it happened. Okay?" Lin gave me a  finally squeeze before pulling away and holding me arms length. I immediately missed the warmth he had provided. I'm not sure if it was his reassuring smile or the fact that he was still holding me, but I felt a strange pull towards him. He reached over and grabbed a napkin to dry my face. Holy crap, this is the softest napkin ever! He pulled me back in and we sat there for a moment saying nothing. We finally started to slowly pull away from each other when his cheek scraped mine. The action quaked through my entire body. It felt like a jolt of electricity. We froze with our cheeks still touching. My hand moved almost as by its own accord and held the other side of his face. We moved painstakingly slow to the point where our noses were touching then we slid back towards each other. When our lips met, it was a delicious meeting. A shy hello met with a full embrace. I felt myself get hungrier the longer we kissed, but not for pasta. My phone went off and I jumped backwards causing me to hit my hip. 

"OW!" I clutched my side. Serves me right for kissing a married man!

"Here, come sit down." Lin handed me an ice pack from the freezer. I held on my hip as I grabbed my phone and sat down. "Missed call?"

"No, five minutes until lunch is over..."

"Oh." Lin packed our leftovers and put mine next to my things.

"Thank you..." I whispered. 

"No problem." He smiled. 

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The rest of the day went by slowly which was a blessing and a curse. I felt embarrassed for what had happened in the trailer. Ugh! What the heck is wrong with me?! WHY DID I KISS HIM?! I mean, he kissed back clearly, but GAAHHH! I can't keep thinking about this! I need to focus! Focus now, freak out later with a glass of wine... I noticed Lin smile at me between takes. OR TWO!  When filming wrapped, I was nervous to go to Lin. He went to Director Peters. They chatted amicably and the director laughed. I considered approaching slowly.

"HA! Well, I'm glad she was useful!" the director laughed. EEEK! Were they talking about me?! They glanced in my direction and laughed again. Oh man! I reached them with an uneasy smile.

"Don't worry, I told the director what great job you did this week and what happened in the trailer." Lin smiled. I felt all the color drain from my face.

"Yeah, it's fine as long as there isn't a dent in the trailer or it's coming out of your paycheck!" the director continued to laugh, but Lin had stopped. The director looked at our faces. "I'm joking! Intern, go make sure none of Mr. Lin-Manuel's things are left behind in the trailer and triple check where you hit your hip."

"Director Peters!" someone ran up to the director and pulled him in another direction. I started walking to the trailer without Lin. 

"You looked like you saw a ghost. Are you okay?" Lin asked when he caught up with me. I didn't answer. When we got in the trailer, I checked where I'd hit my hip. I felt a sigh of relief escape me when I saw no visible damage. Lin turned me to look at him. "Hey, I won't say anything about the kiss."

"This job is important to me. I know that what happened was very unprofessional and I still can't explain it, but I would like to keep my job. Please, don't tell."

"I wasn't planning on it. You do realize that I was a part of the kiss right? Look, it's alright. Anyways, keep my contact info on hand and send me your resume. I would like to share it if I see anything that can boost you up in the entertainment world. These studios aren't the only ones in the world."

"Are you serious?"

"Very. It's been a pleasure working with you, Y/N L/N. I know this won't be the last time we meet."