“If you hadn’t noticed, we only have a few scenes left to shoot. If we wanted to, we could wrap this up today, but we still have a little time left here in Dubai.”
“Oh.”
Her eyes skittered off. “Did you want something specific?” Lila folded her arms around herself.
“Do you mind if I come in for a minute?”
I watched her closely for a second then stepped back allowing her entrance. Lila’s appearance was always effortlessly chic. With designer glasses across her eyes, a thin fitted jacket, skinny jeans and high heels, she sauntered into the room moving towards the sofa. I followed her, offering her a seat.
“What’s on your mind, Lila?”
“I wanted to apologize for the way I’ve been acting the last couple of days. You know I can be a bit of a diva.” She smiled up at me. “I don’t want my lateness or attitude on this trip to ruin our future endeavors.”
“I appreciate your apology, but I don’t accept your rudeness. You need to know, diva or not; I’m not in the habit of employing models with temper tantrums.” She opened her mouth to speak, but I continued. “Furthermore, although, I paid you to play a particular role, you were late. I could’ve easily dismissed you, but I didn’t because of our prior working relationship.” I stood, “At any case, I’d love to work with you again but consider this your final and only warning. Don’t ever bring that attitude to work again. Now, if there’s nothing else, I’d like to shower. There’s a long day ahead.”
Lila stood as well. “Thank you for understanding, Julian.”
I smiled and walked her to the door. Lila crossed the threshold and turned back to me.
“Thanks again,” she said.
I tilted my head in response and closed the door, my thoughts instantly going to Desiree.