Page 6 of The Location Shoot
“Don’t say anything. It’s all good. I’ll be here when you get back.”
“Look, there’s no point in hammering this conversation to death now, but we need to have a serious talk when I get home,” Finn said. “The time apart will do us both good. In my heart, I know there’s something better out there for each of us.”
ELLA TRAIPSED INTO HER LOFT CARRYINGa bouquet of purple and white flowers, the afternoon sun shining brightly in the small space, a soft breeze blowing through the open balcony doors. She played her voicemail while arranging the flowers in a vase.
“Ma chérie, it’s Jean. I’ve been in Sweden for a few days, getting everything set up. We’ve cleared out an old inn a few miles from the filming location; I’ll be staying there with the lead actors. It’s an enormous old house, buttercup yellow. You would love it. The dining room has a dance floor, an old piano in the corner, and a fully stocked bar. Lots of spectacular nature around for you to explore. Please come. I’ll save you the best room.”
“It does sound nice,” she mumbled to herself. “Hmm . . .”
She sent him a text message:
I’m tempted. Have a few things to do in Paris. Maybe I’ll come out in a week or two. Hope my room has a writing desk. Good luck with the shoot. Love, Ella.
CHAPTER 2
“You’re all set,” Maja said.
“Not bad,” Michael replied. “Thanks. You really know what you’re doing. How long have you been a makeup artist?”
“A few years. This was easy. You have perfect bone structure,” she said, smiling coyly.
“I hope we can get to know each other better,” he replied, looking at her suggestively.
She giggled. “The hairstylist will be here any minute. Can I get you anything while you wait?”
“I’m good, thanks,” he said, picking up his bottled water and taking a sip through a straw.
As soon as she left the makeup trailer, Michael turned to Finn in the seat beside him and said, “God, these Swedish chicks are hot. Friendly too. I dig Maja.”
Finn looked up from the script he was studying and laughed. “Honestly, I hadn’t noticed. I’m trying to prepare.”
“You’ve done so many films. This will be a piece of cake. There’s barely any dialogue to learn, seems like we’ll be filling in the blanks as we go.”
“It’s the leanest script I’ve ever received. Hard to understand what the film is even about, other than a family disintegrating at a party. Some kind of metaphor, I guess.”Finn ran his hand through his hair. “Acting alongside someone like Albie Hughes . . . well, it’s something I’ve always hoped for. Working with Jean too, of course. I’ve heard he really pushes his actors. That’s what I’ve been looking for, a chance to do something different and grow.”
“Yeah, my agent thought it would be a good change for me. Playing a TV heartthrob certainly has its advantages; it catapults you into instant fame, and there’s never a shortage of beautiful women. I just don’t want to get stuck.” He leaned closer and said, “But don’t get so lost in your work that you miss all the eye candy. This Scandinavian, blue-eyed, blonde thing isn’t to be missed.”
Finn chuckled. “Actually, I sort of have a girlfriend back in LA, Savannah. Not that she’d care if I were with someone else.”
“Sounds like a win-win.”
“I wouldn’t say that. We’ve been together for nearly two years. She’s been pressuring me to get engaged.”
“Yikes!”
Finn laughed again. “The truth is, I’ve wanted to settle down for a long time, but I don’t think she’s the one. I tried to break up with her before I left for this shoot, but . . .”
“Then take it from me, don’t let these little Swedish beauties pass you by. See what else is out there, have some fun. Enjoy the benefits of being a movie star.”
Before Finn could respond, the hairstylist came in. “Sorry to keep you both waiting. I’ll be quick. They’re ready for you on set.”
“WOAH,” MICHAEL SAID AS HE ANDFinn walked into the massive 20,000-square-foot estate that had been rented for the shoot. The equipment, crew, and extras couldn’t detract from the grandeur of the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers,pristinely preserved parquet floors, and enormous windows overlooking the expansive grassy property. Beyond the rolling lawn was the crystal-clear sea, dotted with birds. All the action was in the grand ballroom, where they’d be filming the lengthy party scene over the next several weeks.
“I’d like to say a few words before we begin,” Jean said in his thick French accent. The entire cast and crew quieted down in reverence. “For those of you who haven’t met him, this is my assistant, Drew. I’m sure he can help with any issues you encounter.” Drew smiled and nodded at everyone, and Jean continued, “The party scene is the heart of the film. Let’s get it right,oui? We want to take people on a journey that begins lavish and lush but turns inward, twisting on itself, becoming increasingly dark. I’d like to call each of the stars to the center of the room. Albie Hughes, playing the family’s benevolent patriarch. Finn Forrester, in the role of the disgruntled eldest son, and Charlotte Reed as his depressed wife. Willow Barnes as the illegitimate daughter, and Michael Hennesey as her drunken, gold-digging husband.”
Everyone clapped.
“Okay,” Jean continued. “I’m not one for sentimentality. We’re starting with the cocktail hour. Let’s get to work.”
