Page 6 of Wrapped in You

"Jeremy? Why aren't you on the road!" Sophie didn't recognize the female’s voice.

"Catch ya later, Soph," Jeremy said, heading back to his post.

"You're Sophie!" the Australian sound guy said. "Pleasure. I'm Mike."

The other sound guys introduced themselves as Beck and Isaac.

"You have to let us know if you have any problems on set," Mike told her.

"Rumor has it le director is a Grinch-type," Beck said under his breath.

"Derek Brownlee?" Sophie asked, remembering that stern face from the online film announcement.

Mike put his finger to his lips. "Don't say it too loudly."

The sound guys took off to take care of something, leaving Sophie with her catering crew, who kept warm with mugs of cider and gossip that Sophie didn't care about. Sophie wandered around the edge of the catering van to see what was going on in front of the camera. It didn't take long for her to see the director himself. Derek Brownlee wore a thick black coat, black jeans, and black boots. He marched up to the leading actress with tremendous authority and barked orders at her. It looked as though she were about to cry.

But suddenly, one of the assistant directors announced it was time to take a lunch break. Derek Brownlee twisted around to glare at the assistant director, who reminded him softly that it was a "Hollywood regulation" to take a break at this time.

Derek looked like he wanted to scream. He pulled his earpiece down to hang on his neck and said, "Well, if you want to get behind on day one already, be my guest. What do I care?" He then stormed off.

Suddenly, it was as though the smell of the chili reached every person on set. Cameras and equipment were abandoned, and a line formed at the catering table. Randy, Fiona, Tommy, and Piper fell into easy conversation with the film employees, filling bowls and mugs and passing out spoons and pieces of bread. Sophie hurried back to oversee everything.

"The decorations are so cute!" The leading actress put her hands on her cheeks and gazed up at the holly and lights. She then found Sophie's eyes over the catering table and said, "Willow Creek really knows how to celebrate Christmas."

Sophie smiled. "I like to think so. But I've never been anywhere else during the holidays."

The leading actress touched her glossy hair. Sophie thought she'd never seen anyone more beautiful this close-up.

"So you're actually from here?" the actress asked.

"I am. Born and raised," Sophie said. "I left briefly for culinary school, but I came back after graduation."

"You're so lucky to be from such a magical place," the actress said. "Los Angeles is the worst place to be during Christmas. Everything is overwhelmingly commercialized." She pressed her perfect lips together. "There was a rumor they were hiring real people from Willow Creek, but I figured that was just a rumor. I'm amazed they actually kept their word."

Sophie wanted to say,Me too! It's rare!Instead, she said, "I'm so grateful!"

But just then, Derek Brownlee appeared behind the leading actress. His cheeks were hollow, and he looked at her with impatience in his eyes.

"What's the holdup, Natalie?" he asked.

Natalie hopped forward to grab a bowl of vegetarian chili. "Sorry, Derek. You know I get distracted."

There was an air of fear in her voice.

I do not like or trust this man,Sophie thought.

Derek grabbed a bowl of meaty chili. As he moved toward the bread, his eyes scanned the Christmas decorations surrounding the catering van and table. He scoffed.

Sophie was annoyed. She urged herself to just let it go.Don't bother him. He can't be helped.

But instead, she asked, "Is there something wrong with the food?"

Derek Brownlee looked at her as though she were mud stuck to his shoe. "I'm sure the food is totally edible."

Sophie was even more annoyed now. The food was actually sensational. She'd spent all morning seasoning it.

Several set workers had already told her it was the best chili they'd ever had.

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