Page 8 of Once Bitten, Twice Fried
Nicki reached for her backpack under the backseat of their car and took a Tupperware out.
“My mum made somepâtés chaudsfor lunch. She insisted that I share them with you.” She gently shook the container. “She loves your show by the way, but she says that you should buy a rice cooker. She doesn’t understand why you keep cooking rice in a pot. She says you can get some very good and cheap rice cookers at Currys.”
Zoe laughed loudly as she eagerly took the container of meat-filled pastries. “Please thank your mum for me. I love herpâtéschauds. Tell her I’ll see with production if we can get a rice cooker.” She thought for a moment. “Maybe we could feature herpâté chaudrecipe on the show?”
Nicki looked shocked and made to take back the container from Zoe, who snatched it out of reach.
“Of course we can’t. It’s a secret recipe for a reason.”
The two women entered the filming studio, walking directly to the show’s set. They opened the stage door to an army of black-clad crew members hurrying around, making sure everything was perfect. One assistant immediately greeted Zoe and offered to take her coat, then whisked her away to costumes and then to make-up. As much as she loved her black dress with the white Peter Pan collar, it was not fit for a Christmas special. She moved quickly through the set and into the changing room, Nicki following closely behind.
“Zoe, since we will most definitely finish early this evening, I suggest you and I discuss your catering agenda before we head home.” Nicki was swiping frantically on her tablet.
“That’s a brilliant idea.”
“I’ve already noticed some jobs that are in the same geographical area. I’ll tell you later.”
A silence.
“Is everything alright, Zoe?”
The door abruptly opened. “Sorry Nicki. Can you zip me up?” Zoe was wearing a red velvet dress, much too warm for the season, but that’s what happened when you shot Christmas specials in April.
Nicki waved for Zoe to turn around, which she obliged.
“Oh god, you’re ripped. I don’t remember scheduling that many workout sessions in your planning.” Nicki zipped up the dress with a swift movement.
“I do some extra exercise when I feel guilty about snacking on set.”
“This sounds very unhealthy. But at the same time, you look great. As your assistant, I’m torn.”
Zoe chuckled.
After a quick make-up session - the Zoe brand was to be as natural as possible - Zoe took place behind the counter of her fake kitchen. A lot of viewers thought this was Zoe’s actual kitchen and that the show was filmed at her house. They might be disappointed to learn that Zoe’s real kitchen did not have a giant bay window with a view over a lush courtyard with natural sunlight shining in for 10 hours a day. Zoe knew she was.
Sound check and light check were done. The director waved at Zoe.
“You’re ready for some Christmas magic?”
“Can we hurry? I’m already sweating in my velvet dress.”
“You should try dressing for the weather, Zoe.” He smirked.
Chapter 5
Filming did end at the scheduled time that evening, for the first time in two weeks. Zoe wasn’t the only one who was happy. The film crew was much more relaxed. Cans of beer were cracked open as they put everything away.
“Do you think I can take some of that winter soup home?” Nicki suddenly appeared next to Zoe, pointing at the pot on the stove.
“If you like the taste of marbles, you can go for it.” Zoe smiled.
“Marbles?”
“Yes, that’s what we put in soup so that the other ingredients stay close to the surface. This way, soup looks more like soup on TV.”
Nicki sighed. “Once again, TV is lying to me.”
“I’m going to blow your mind: it’s not really Christmas yet, we’re just pretending it is.”
