Page 16 of Healing Hearts on Thistledown Lane: Part 4
He took it gratefully and pressed it to his face. ‘Thanks.’
‘This is the scene where Bash and Delores view each other as equals,’ Minelli called. ‘Fraser, I want newfound respect and unexpected attraction. Priscilla, you’re seeing him as someone you can trust, maybe even admire. I want sparks between you. Let’s go.’
It would be easier if she wasn’t continually glancing at the script, Fraser thought as he growled his way through the scene. And then she held up a hand.
‘Does he have to loom over me like that?’ she asked, glancing at Minelli. ‘It’s distracting.’
Fraser shook his head, wondering if she had ever undertaken a screen test before. ‘It’s in the stage directions. We’re in a lift – an elevator. I’m supposed to stand too close.’
She gave no indication that she had heard. Her extraordinary eyes remained fixed on the director, who eventually inclined his head. ‘Give her some room, Fraser. Happy, Priscilla? Then let’s try again.’
It took two more attempts to get through it. On the second run-through, Priscilla complained that Fraser wasn’t giving her enough eye contact and it took all his patience not to point out that he would stand a better chance if she looked up occasionally. His own performance had grown more sardonic asthe interruptions and complaints stacked up; he wasn’t sure he was managing to convey respect or attraction.
Minelli called over the studio executives to view something on the camera screen. They nodded as he murmured to them, then looked up to study the two actors. ‘Act Five, Scene Twelve,’ Minelli said at last. ‘Bash and Delores finally admit their feelings. I want passion. I want tenderness. I want to believe. Places, please.’
Fraser squared his shoulders. He’d done plenty of stage kisses before and passion had always been the last thing on his mind. But at least in the past he’d liked his co-stars – had been reassured that they were invested in making the scene work. He was not sure he could say either was true of Priscilla.
Script in hand, she sidled close to him. ‘Keep your mouth shut for the kiss,’ she hissed.
He couldn’t help himself. Widening his eyes, he stared at her in mock astonishment. ‘What, no tongues?’
Priscilla leapt away from him, her exquisite features contorted with horror. ‘Marco!’ she shrieked. ‘I cannot – will not – work with this… this Neanderthal any longer.’ She threw the script to the floor. ‘Either he goes, or I do.’
The director ran a weary hand over his face. ‘It’s probably time to take a break,’ he said. ‘Krystal, why don’t you show Priscilla to the green room? Fraser, you stick with me.’
Once the room had cleared, Minelli gave Fraser a long look. ‘I know. She’s a pain.’ He reached for the camera, swinging it round so Fraser could see the viewer. ‘But she lights up the screen. And you look great together.’
Fraser did not agree; most of the time, all he could see was the top of Priscilla’s glossy head. But as the action progressed, he grudgingly accepted that Minelli was right about one thing. When Priscilla did deign to look up, she looked amazing.‘Obviously, she’ll be better once she’s off book. She draws energy from being on set.’
Given these pre-requisites for performance, it was astonishing Priscilla had been cast in anything, Fraser thought. But then he glanced at the viewer once more and knew exactly why. What was less certain was whether he could work with her, or she with him. There were plenty of sparks, but he suspected they were the kind that would trigger an explosion.
Minelli appeared to read his mind. ‘Just finish the screen test and have some lunch. Juno will be here this afternoon – she’s another one who knows how to work the camera. If the two of you hit it off, we might just have your co-star.’
Fraser could only hope Juno was less of a diva than Priscilla, or at least better prepared. And in the meantime, he had a screen test to finish. He was tempted to go and find some garlic to eat so that his breath smelled revolting, but there was an outside chance that he might have to make an entire movie with the wretched woman. Better to grit his teeth and get through it with as little fuss as possible.
With that in mind, he delivered his lines opposite Priscilla, did his best to convince those watching that Bash had fallen for Delores. But as the moment of the kiss approached, Fraser’s stomach began to churn. His mouth seemed to be working independently, delivering the words even as his insides roiled. He took a breath, hoped he didn’t look as clammy as he felt. The camera was bound to pick up any beads of sweat and even Minelli might lose his enthusiasm for Fraser if he threw up on a potential co-star.
Priscilla had turned towards him now and he could see in her eyes that she loathed the idea of this as much as he did. Briefly, Fraser closed his eyes to gather himself for the task and an image swam unbidden into his thoughts, of Maura raising her face to his, inviting him to kiss her. Of course he had pulled away, eventhough he’d been tempted. That temptation was long gone now but that didn’t mean he couldn’t make use of the memory. If he could somehow transport himself back to that moment and channel the fight between doing what was right and giving in to feelings he was trying to suppress, he might just be able convince the camera that Bash and Delores were perfect for each other. With a Herculean effort, he summoned up Maura’s face and reached out a hand to caress her cheek. He closed his eyes, determined to hold on to the illusion as he dipped his head to deliver the kiss. But just as he was sure their lips would meet, he heard Minelli’s dispassionate yell.
‘Cut!’
The image of Maura vanished as Priscilla pulled rapidly away. He opened his eyes to see she was staring at him, her brow faintly furrowed. ‘That was the best performance you’ve managed so far,’ she said, with haughty condescension. ‘Who were you thinking about?’
He wasn’t about to admit the truth. Apart from anything else, the ache left by the longing to kiss Maura was too acute. But he didn’t mind Priscilla knowing that it certainly hadn’t been her talent that had inspired him to raise his game. ‘No one.’
She offered him a disbelieving stare but whatever she’d been about to say was lost as Minelli strode towards them.
‘That’s a wrap,’ he said. ‘Priscilla, thanks for your time. We’ll be in touch if we need anything else from you.’
Fraser said nothing as she was escorted from the room by Krystal.
A few minutes later, the assistant returned. She smiled in sympathy as she approached Fraser. ‘How’s the cheek?’
He touched the skin, which was still a little tender, and gave an exaggerated wince. ‘I think we’ll ask Juno to hit the other side.’
Krystal laughed. ‘I’ll be sure to let her know. Are you ready for lunch?’
He was, Fraser realised with surprise. It seemed simmering rage created an appetite. ‘More than ready.’
