But she didn’t back down. Minh shook her head. “It’s not a dramatic enough scene to demand music that is too out there. The mood of the scene is discovery, not change. Introduction, not an action. Why would you want it to be wild and different?” Her voice was quiet but even, and although Shen was still in the room, she was looking directly at Chris, her gaze unwavering.
It made him feel so good. Powerful. She saw him and only him.
He took a step closer to her. “It has to be different precisely because it’s an introduction. It’s the first time that the two characters meet, and the audience has to understand that even though there’s resistance on both their parts at first, their destiny is going to be something incredible. The journey, the result…each young man on his own is remarkable, but when they combine their destinies, it’s practically a supernova. The brash, devil-may-care prince and the unassuming, blending-into-the-background poor boy. Together they become…”
He trailed off, feeling an odd sensation of familiarity. What he was describing felt like the relationship between him and Minh. Awkward at first, and uncertain, but if she could just accept his advice and open herself up, they could be amazing.
Of course, in the movie, both characters ended up making changes. What did that mean for him?
You always choose the path of most resistance, even if it’s not the best choice or the smartest.
Daria’s words poked at him, and it gave him pause. The path of most resistance. He’d been pushing Minh hard, trying to make her do exactly what he wanted, and she’d bristled at every turn. Was he doing it wrong? Maybe he needed to back off a bit and try a different tactic.
He turned back to Minh. “Maybe it would help if we heard the entire thing. You know, bring in the other instruments, get the full thing developed out. Let’s pull together both this one and the one from the lake scene in the next few days before we move forward.”
He heard her breathe a sigh of relief. “Okay. That sounds—that sounds like a good idea.” He turned to look at her, and she gave him a solemn nod, as if to say that she understood that he was showing her that he was trying to change, too. It felt heavy, but it felt right.
“Cool, man.” Shen seemed oblivious to the exchange that had just occurred in the room. He looked over at Minh. “Sure you don’t want a donut?”
“No, thanks. Actually, I should go back to my place if I’m going to get the songs done with all the parts involved. All my recording equipment is there.” She reached out and laid her violin in the case, snapping it shut, then picked up her bag. “But maybe—”
Try being nice. Accommodating. Path of least resistance. “Why don’t you work at home tomorrow, then? If you need more time, that’s fine too. We can arrange to have your equipment brought in next week or you can keep working from home. Just bring the pieces in, or e-mail them to me, when they’re ready,” Chris offered.
He was trying to make things a little easier for her, but instead of looking relieved, she seemed oddly disappointed at that. Did she want to spend more time with him? Or was she hoping to gather secrets about what they were doing, that she could sell to a bigger studio?
He shot that thought down immediately. Damn, man. Paranoid, any?
He blew out a breath and stood up, then walked her downstairs. He could see Vinnie and Luis at the computers, staring at Minh, who waved at them, but Chris glared in their direction. He didn’t want them drooling all over her.
He opened the door for her and let her step outside. “So, uh. I guess I’ll see you later.”
She turned and nodded. “Yeah. I’ll shoot you a note.”
It was the most peaceful, non-charged interaction they’d had, and in the softness between them, Chris found himself wanting to kiss her so badly, his hands started shaking.
What the hell?
“Oh, and Chris?”
He gripped the door handle. “Yeah?”
“You look really nice.” She looked away, then, but he still heard her next words. “No matter what you wear.”
Fuck. That was…that had to be the sexiest thing anyone had ever said to him. Did she even have half a clue what kind of effect that had on him? Too often, people looked at the way he looked and the risks he had taken and assumed he didn’t need any encouragement. But Minh had seen past his attitude and realized that it did matter—encouragement. Approval, even. Her approval mattered. And she’d given it to him without making him admit that he wanted it. It was like she truly understood him.
Thank God she started walking away then, or he might have done something stupid, like pushed his body against hers and kissed her until neither of them were thinking anything about clothes except how to get them off.
He watched her for a second longer before swinging the door shut. As much as he wanted her, that kind of vulnerability was dangerous.
At least she wouldn’t be here tomorrow to distract him. He couldn’t afford to lose focus. He wanted this second meeting with Harmon to go well, and he needed to use every second of the time before then to do what was best for the studio.
Chapter Eight