Page 18 of Cinematic Destinies
THE THREE ACTORS WERE SHUTTLED TOthe set, a pristine log cabin surrounded by rolling green mountains with an ethereal quality. As they spilled out of the vehicle, Georgia muttered, “Wow. It looks like someplace mythical creatures would live or something.”
“It’s extraordinary,” Roo agreed.
“If not for the trailers and crew scattered everywhere, you’d never guess a movie was going to be made here. There’s something untouched about it,” Michael remarked.
Jean’s assistant ran to greet them. He escorted them each to their personal trailers to drop off their belongings and meet with wardrobe before heading to the hair and makeup trailer. Soon the actors were called to set. As they ambled over, Michael said, “Guys, just a heads-up that Jean’s unconventional to say the least. Don’t be surprised if you don’t have a clue what’s going on. The last time I did a film with him, we had no idea what was going on for weeks, except that he seemed pissed off. The first day was a blur.”
“I’m up for anything,” Georgia said.
“Me too. Looking forward to it,” Rupert added.
When they arrived on set, the crew was milling about. Jean hollered, “Everyone, listen up!” and the room fell silent. “I’d like to introduce our stars. Michael Hennesey is playing a reclusive Pulitzer Prize–winning author dying of cancer.”
Michael trotted to the center of the room to applause.
“Rupert Reed as his biographer, hired to write his memoir,” Jean said.
Roo stepped beside Michael to more cheers.
“Georgia Sinclair Forrester as the young woman he hired to help with domestic tasks—and the love interest of both men.”
Georgia joined her castmates to more applause.
Jean addressed the actors directly. “Today we are shooting the scene where Rupert’s and Georgia’s characters meet. He has been sent off doing research for the past week, and while he’s been gone, she was hired. There is nothing simple about this scene as it foreshadows how both men come to feel about her and the complex relations between all three. With minimal dialogue, it will all be in your eyes.”
The actors exchanged supportive looks.
“Places, everyone,” Jean commanded.
The actors scurried to hit their marks, although with a sparse script and no blocking or rehearsals, they all seemed a bit unsure of themselves. Georgia was at the kitchen counter fidgeting with a prop, Michael seated at the table, his leg jiggling, and Roo outside the door slowly rocking back and forth. The actors immediately snapped into their characters when Jean called, “Rolling . . . Action!”
Georgia picked up a quiche and said, “It’s cool now.” As she turned toward the table, Roo knocked on the door and then stepped inside. The two immediately caught each other’s eyes and stopped in their tracks, as if frozen.
Eventually he stammered, “Uh, sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know you had company.”
She smiled shyly and then placed the quiche on the table. Michael noticed how they looked at each other and grumbled, “This is the American girl I hired to help out around here, Giselle. She may also be of some assistance to you sorting through those boxes of my old papers. Join me for lunch.”
“It’s lovely to meet you,” the young biographer said as he sat down.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” she replied. She retrieved an extra plate and set of cutleries, placed them on the table, and asked, “Would you like coffee?”
“Please.”
She filled a mug and set it in front of him.
“Thank you,” he replied softly, their eyes lingering on one another.
“I’ve heard all about your book project,” she said. “I just hope you don’t work too hard. Someone here needs his rest too.”
A trace of a smile flickered across Michael’s face, and he patted her hand. “See, she’s taking very good care of me.”
“Well, if you two gentlemen don’t need anything else, I’m going to take a drive to the pharmacy to pick up those prescriptions. I’ll stop at the market on the way back. Is there anything special you’d like?” she asked her employer.
“Only your return.”
She smiled and headed to the door.
“Giselle,” Roo called.
