Page 44 of Take It Till You Make It
I chuckle. “I’m sure you do. I’m beginning to think we’ve found a personal tour guide.”
Something heated moves behind his eyes. “I’m up for the job.”
“Okay, next weekend. I’ll ask Sally if they’d like to join us, and we can figure out the details before then.” I wrap both hands around the hoodie I never needed. “Thanks again for today.”
Crispin shoves his hands into his front pockets and kicks at an imaginary rock. “I enjoyed myself, too.” He steps toward the stairs but stops on the first step down and turns back. “I guess I’ll see you Monday?”
I nod. “Maybe. We don’t shoot together, though.”
“Oh, right. Lunch then?”
I grin. “Sure. I’ll see you at lunch.”
He jogs down the stairs while my pulse pounds loudly in my ears. When he disappears through the maze of sidewalks, I look up at the ocean. The sun hangs low over the horizon, but it isn’t quite late enough for the sunset. Otherwise, I might have done something crazy, like ask him to join me across the street to watch.
Chapter Seventeen
Something has definitely changedbetween Crispin and me. But my relationship with Sally is different after the museum too, so maybe the newfound comfort between us isn’t as big a deal as it feels. In all honesty, all three of us are far more relaxed with one another. Lunches are Crispin, Sally, and me, and they’re filled with teasing, laughter, and stories. It’s really nice. I feel so much more at home on the set because of it. Even when they aren’t around. There might be something to Crispin’s desire to form relationships on set. It provides a sense of security knowing you have people in your corner.
It's Friday afternoon, and I’m taking the time to check my BellyLaughs channel and respond to some of the comments. My first post went up on Tuesday. The one that showed snippets of my old life, including a quick wave from Glory that I had to leave in there. Seeing her face almost made me cry. I miss her so much. And my new life across the street from the beach—though I was careful not to show any distinguishing landmarks. The last thing I need is for a fan to show up outside my house—as well as some behind-the-scenes shots of the movie.
The powers that be who approved this new take on BellyLaughs were very specific about the introduction I could give about the movie. They actually wrote it for me, which I struggled with, making me realize I might be a bit of a control freak. At least it was fun and light-hearted, but very high-level. They said they will give me more details to tease each week that will get increasingly more specific.
Today’s episode is my interview with Terrell. Though I was originally going to feature Sally first, I had to give it to Terrell since he and his nephew are such big fans. In the interview, T shares a story about the time a bull escaped from a set and ran around the lot, terrorizing staff and cast alike. When I said I understood he practiced martial arts with his nephew and asked if that was a required skill for all set security guards, he laughed.
“You’ve been talking to Crispin. My nephew and I are both black belts, and while it isn’t a requirement for the job, I can say more of us guards know it than don’t. So, any rabid fans hoping to sneak onto the set, you’ll never know who can put you into a chokehold until it’s too late. But your chances are high.”
Then he answered three of my random “Would You Rather” questions, which are ridiculous and designed to inspire funny responses. And finally, I asked if he were to play a security guard in a movie, which security guard would he play?
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Hands down. I’ve asked to be able to use a motorized scooter around the lot, but they insist I stick with my golf cart.”
The comments from the interview are mostly positive. I love that most people are saying supportive things, such as, “I’d feel safe with Terrell Blart; Set Cop watching over me,” and “This looks like so much fun.” What I didn’t anticipate is the reaction to Terrell’s casual mention of Crispin. The online comment version of the screaming, fainting fangirl fills the comments section. I see that a good majority of the shares of the video is because Crispin is mentioned. It’s sort of crazy to me when there is nothing about Crispin in the video itself.
When he sits across the table from me, I must give him an exasperated look, because he’s immediately on the defensive.
“What did I do?”
I shake my head, thumbing through at least ten comments mentioning him. “You’ve already hijacked my podcast, and you haven’t even been on it.”
Sally raises her eyebrows and picks up her phone, while Crispin’s brows furrow and he sits up straight, trying to see my screen. I hand it to him.
He scrolls through enough and shakes his head, handing my phone back. “Why are they even talking about me?”
“Terrell mentioned you in the interview. Said something about how I must have gotten my inside information about his martial arts from you.”
“You did.”
“I know that. But all he did was say, “You’ve been speaking to Crispin,” and this is the result.” I squint at my screen. “I can’t figure out if I’m happy about it or bummed.”
Sally, who’s clearly reading the comments on her own phone, says, “With all those shares, I think I’d be happy. Especially so early on. Now all these fangirls will watch every episode, hoping to see or hear about Crispin.”
I nod. “Good point.” Smiling at Crispin, I say, “Thanks for providing a solid kickoff for my channel, Mr. Moore.”
He wrinkles his nose. “Mr. Moore makes me sound old.”
“It makes you sound respectable,” I counter.
“And a little stuffy,” Sally says. “Oh, I love this comment about how happy they are to see a true BellyLaughs fan on set taking care of you. It’s so sweet that your fans are so protective of you.”
