Page 5 of The Fake Script

I plaster a smile on my face. “Not at all.” What sucks about being an actor? Alone time is hard to come by.

“Do you have everything you need?” she asks, looking around.

“Yes, thank you.” I haven’t actually checked yet, but Robyn never forgets anything.

“Perfect. I updated your schedule with the events you have this week and next, and I’m on standby if you need anything else. Want me to make you some coffee?”

“I’m good, Robyn,” I say with a genuine smile. “Thank you for everything, but I should be fine. You don’t have to hang around set all day. You do know that, right? Go out and explore New York. It’s been so long since we’ve shot here. Enjoy it.”

She grins. “Yes, I know that. I have the best boss. But I like being around. You know me. Plus, with Mike back in LA, it’s not the same.”

“Remember, you can always go back if you need to,” I say, feeling a stab of pity that she has to leave her new boyfriend behind so soon. I know the feeling all too well. “I’ll be fine here.”

She shakes her head, swaying her long brown hair. “That wouldn’t feel right. Besides, he’ll come next weekend. Thanks for paying for his ticket, by the way.”

“Anytime.”

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” she asks, arching an eyebrow. “You don’t look too thrilled to be here. I know you weren’t keen on doing another romance.”

“It’s not ideal, but I said yes, so I have to grit through it. The script is pretty good, though, I have to admit.”

She nods. “Yeah, I read the book on the plane. I loved it. I can’t wait to see the adaptation.”

“You did?” That makes one ofus. Not that I’m required to read the books we adapt. Actually, Clarence, who's directing this movie, prefers we only stick to the script.

“It’s a great story, and I’m sure you’re going to be amazing, as usual.”

“Thanks, Robyn.” I know she means it, but sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if all these compliments I get from people are sincere. Sure, I’m a good actor. At least, I think so. But I’m not agreatactor, and I’m far from amazing. The roles I portray aren’t deep enough for me to be amazing in them. Anyone could do what I do. My success is all thanks to my mom’s sharp eye for strategy. Nothing I’ve ever done has even earned me an award nomination, let alone critical recognition.

Robyn gives me a small wave. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. Call if you need anything. They have an office set up for us in the next trailer over.”

“See you later.” I force a big smile, then slump back on the couch as soon as she’s out. Robyn is a great girl and a rockstar assistant. She doesn’t deserve my sour attitude, though it’s becoming harder and harder for me to put on the Happy Auston Buckley mask.

3

The Meet Cute Scene

Emma

Our small pedestrian street—or lane, as we call it—has never been this packed despite the fact that most stores are currently closed. Besides our store, they’re shutting down the bar next door that Alice’s boyfriend, Deacon, owns, Mrs. Edibam’s flower shop, and Marissa and Beth’s coffee shop across the street for most of the summer. The girls opened Rise & Grind just three months ago, and they already have to close up shop. It’s a shame. But just like us, they’ve been generously compensated. Plus, Mrs. Edibam has been asked to make flower arrangements for the movie, Marissa and Beth are providing the crew with coffee and pastries, and craft services has been set up in Deacon’s bar. Warlington Lane is still in development, but I think the rest of the shops here are able to operate as usual.

Large black screens cordon off our section of the street, camera and lighting equipment are scattered on the asphalt and sidewalks, and crew members are busy working. I knew it. With all this chaos, no one will notice us. Let alone Auston. I’m currently peeking around, hoping I can spot him, but so far, nothing.

I don’t know how long we’ll have to wait before something happens. They keep rearranging stuff in the store window or adjusting the lighting to be brighter, then warmer. Next, they film some test shots with crew members. Finally, they seem to be ready.

They’re about to shoot a scene. Maybe he’s going to walk out of the store? People get into position. Then, a bald guy with a mustache yells out, “Quiet on set.”

After he shouts a few more commands, a girl appears with a slate. “Scene Three. Take One.”

The store’s front door opens, but it’s not Auston who steps out, it’s Madison. And she’s even prettier in real life. The kind of girl everyone wants to be. Perfect sleek blonde hair, velvet skin, bright pink lips,sparkling blue eyes, and a flawless figure.

“She’s here!” Alice hisses as silently as she can, but I can tell she wants to squeal.

I get it. It is kind of cool. Madison White, America’s sweetheart, is on our street.

They film a few takes of the scene. It’s just her arranging books in the window display, then coming outside to see how it looks. In the story, Sarah just inherited this shop from her grandmother. So far, this scene is exactly how I pictured it in the book. I’m usually into darker reads, but this contemporary romance is one of my all-time favorites. Hayley’s and Alice’s too. On top of that, Madison looks exactly like Sarah is described in the book. They even nailed the clothing and hairstyle. Maybe this adaptation won’t be that bad.

“Kind of cool, right?” Marissa whispers behind me, making me jump. She owns the coffee shop across the street with her friend Beth. “Sorry.” She winces. “I wanted to steal a quick peek.”

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