Page 20 of The Location Shoot
Just then, Michael came vaulting into the room.
“Ah, and there’s the other type,” Ella said quietly.
Finn burst into laughter.
“Good morning, guys,” Michael said as he sat down. “What’s so funny?”
ELLA MADE IT TO THE SHOOT IN THEearly afternoon and bumped into the actors walking back to set from their trailers. “Hey, guys,” she said.
“We were just heading back from our lunch break while the crew sets up for the next scene,” Finn said. He noticed her hands and asked, “Leaky pen?”
She glanced down at her hands stained with blue and giggled. “I went berry picking. Perfect day for it. How’s it been going on set today?”
“Fine,” Charlotte replied. “So far, we’ve just been capturing some of the small talk for the party scene, but Albie and Willow have a big scene coming up next. The rest of us will get a break as we mingle in the background.”
Ella looked over at Willow, who was fidgeting nervously. They smiled at one another as they made their way into the ballroom. Jean and Drew were huddled together, so the actors stood on the sidelines waiting for instructions. Ella approached Albie, leaned in, and whispered, “You’re a legend, dear friend. Must be quite daunting for a young actor to go toe to toe with you.”
Albie glanced over at Willow, who was taking considered breaths, clearly trying to calm her nerves. He squeezed Ella’s hand and winked at her.
“Places, everyone!” Jean hollered.
The actors scattered to hit their marks, and Ella hopped into Jean’s director’s chair. Jean approached Albie and Willow. “This is meant to be an intimate moment. When you two are dancing, it’s not just about the conversation. The magic of the scene will be in your expressions and the way you look at one another. Willow, your character has a pure heart. She’s not jaded like the others, although they’ve wounded her deeply. That needs to come through, despite the minimal dialogue. It’s all in your face. Make yourself vulnerable. Keep it honest.”
Albie squeezed Willow’s hand and smiled, and Jean headed over to Ella.
“Rolling . . . Action!”
Albie took Willow’s hand and said, “May I have a dance with my darling girl?”
“Sure, Daddy.”
He took her hand in his, and she placed her other hand on his shoulder. They began to sway to the music, partygoers waltzing around them. She smiled sweetly, looking at him with love. “The staff really outdid themselves tonight. Everything is so beautiful. Are you enjoying your party?”
“I suppose. Not as much as your husband, though,” he said, glancing over to the bar. “Looks like he’s three sheets to the wind already.”
“Daddy, please . . .” she muttered, averting her eyes in shame.
“I’m sorry. I know things are a bit tense. I just want to make sure you’re happy. Life is short, and you deserve the best.”
She looked at him innocently and said, “How do we really know what any of us deserves?”
He took a moment, gazing at her adoringly, pondering her question. “How did I get so lucky to have you? Youcouldn’t be more different from your entitled, self-absorbed brother. He’s mad as hell that I won’t step down and name him as my successor, as if I’m already one foot in the grave. Glares at me every chance he gets. Perhaps I should watch my drink around him.”
“At least he doesn’t call you illegitimate,” she said with a sorrowful look.
He furrowed his brow.
“I overheard him talking to some people earlier. That’s how he referred to me,” she said. “It’s okay, I’m used to it.”
“My dear, sweet girl, there is nothing illegitimate about you. While my relationship with your mother was brief, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. You are the most glorious blessing in my life. I couldn’t be prouder of you. Your brother is just jealous.” He lowered his voice and continued, “Between us, you’re the only one in this room who truly brings me joy. Never forget that.”
A soft smile swept across her face, her eyes sparkling. She rested her cheek on his shoulder and whispered, “I love you, Daddy.”
“Cut!” Jean called.
The entire room fell silent.
Willow looked around nervously. All at once, the entire cast and crew erupted in applause.
