Off Camera

Chapter 18

Tae POV

I stare down at the script. My eyes scan over the words and my lines, while staff scurries around me, getting ready for the next scene. In the back of my mind, I can't stop myself from wondering if Rhonda is here. I've called in many favors, but there is no guarantee she still won't show up. I can only cross my fingers and hope for the best.

A commotion on the other side of the studio pulls my attention away from my task. I scan the area, and my heartbeat quickens as fear washes over me. Is she here? Please, tell me no.

I breathe a small sigh of relief when I don't see the horrible woman anywhere.

The director rushes towards me. "Tae! Get ready for the next scene. We'll begin shooting in a few minutes." He stops beside me and pats my shoulder. In a whisper, he adds, "She isn't here. Stop worrying or you will ruin your shoots."

Stop worrying. That is easy for him to say.

I choke down my words and simply nod my head.

He pats my shoulder again and smiles. "I'm trying my best to keep her away. I think I've gotten the owner to understand how her presence here will negatively impact the filming, which may cause him to lose money. After reminding him of the potential money lose, he seemed to understand what I was asking of him."

He pauses and steps closer. "I don't understand why, though. Didn't he realize the monetary impact she would have on us and the drama? He had even told her she could request to have days with you and to change the schedule. He is a businessman. He knows what that means, but for some reason, he is only now understanding her exact monetary impact on filming."

My nerves calm slightly, but I'm not completely out of the woods yet. I'll relax when I know she will never come looking for me again.

I bob my head up and down.

The director steps back. "In this next scene, Tee's character is cold towards you. He doesn't remember you yet. I've talked with him to remind him he shouldn't have any longing in his eyes when he looks at you. He needs to have frustrations and maybe even a tad bit of disgust or hatred, but no love or hidden desire."

I nod, but I don't understand why he is telling all this. Tee and I know what each scene requires. The director has gone through the scenes before with us and has explained the various emotions he wants displayed. This is nothing new, so why is he telling me again?

I mentally shake it off and turn towards him. "Tee knows what he is doing. He has his role down, and I'm sure he will act perfectly." A sense of pride wells up in me as I talk.

He stares at me for a moment before a faint smile appears on his face and a spark in his eyes. "I'm sure he will."

The amazement in his voice throws me off. I want to ask more, but he pats my shoulder and walks away. Over his shoulder, he calls out, "Get ready. We will start filming in 10."

A crease forms along my forehead as I stare at him, scurrying away and calling out more orders as he goes. Confusion clouds my thoughts. Something feels off with him, but what?

Another crew member darts up to me and shoves a couple of papers at me. "Tae, these just came down. Someone has made a few changes to the scene. Look through them and ask the director if you have any questions." Before I can say anything, he runs off, holding a small stack of papers in his arms.

I glance down at the sheets and sigh.

I guess I need to memorize these, too.

After a few minutes, the director marches through the studio towards the set, clapping his hands. "Okay, everyone! Let's get film the next scene! Is everyone ready?"

I lift my head and look around. Staff rushes towards the set and makes any last-minute changes needed. My eyes dart around the area, looking for the one person who can brighten my day with just his smile.

"Tae!"

My head whips towards the set and the director as he motions with his hand for me.

"Come here!"

I roll the script up in my hand and head over to him. "What? Did you have more last-minute changes for the scene?"

He shakes his head. "No. I want to have a few words, but before that, did you look through the changes? Do you have an issue with any of them?"

The corner of my mouth slides down as I shake my head. "No. They are all pretty straightforward, and I don't see any issue with them. I think I've got them all memorized."

"Good. I knew you could do it."

He glances around the studio before he turns back towards me. He leans in and whispers, "So, are you going to announce who you're seeing? You know this will definitely put a damper on Rhonda's attempts."

For a few minutes, I had forgotten about her and the mess she has been creating.

My stomach sinks.

I slowly shake my head. "I only asked if she would stop if she knew I was seeing someone else. I've never once said I was actually seeing anyone, so there is nothing to announce."

My heart aches and the words taste sour in my mouth. I don't want to deny my relationship with Tee, but I also don't want it to end before we have had a chance to see where it will go.

Doubt swirls in his eyes. He stares at me, almost like he is expecting me to say something else.

Silence falls between us, while tensions build within me. Does he know something?

After a few moments, he shakes his head. "Okay." He pats my shoulder and points towards the set. "Go get into place."

I stare at him for a moment, waiting for him to say something else, but he doesn't. So, I head off to the set and get into place.

"ACTION!"

I take a deep breath and turn in my chair towards the older couple sitting across from me on the couch. With little thought, my lines flow from me. Just like the character, my gaze keeps wondering around the room and looking for him.

The older man holds up his hand and motions to someone. Like in the script, I turn and look to see who it is. Even though I know Tee is entering the scene, my breath hitches. He is gorgeous.

We have gone through most of the day without seeing much of each other, and I miss him.

A catch a glimpse of a spark in his eye, but he quickly pulls on his character's mask. Before he steps completely into his character, the corner of his lip slightly curls upward and his gaze briefly locks with mine. If I wasn't watching him closely, I would have missed it.

"CUT!!!!"

Startled, I nearly jump out of my chair.

What went wrong?

The director stumps onto the set. "Tee. I need anger and frustrations. I'm not exactly sure what you were thinking." He pauses and glances over his shoulder at me before turning his attention back to Tee. "No matter what it was, I need you to be in character before you enter the scene. We will begin filming with you. Now, go back off camera and do it again."

Tee knots his eyebrows together and nods. He gives me a quick look before he turns and heads out of camera view.

The director turns and marches off the set. "Start with Tee coming into the room. Everyone back in place."

I stare at the director for a moment before I turn around back to the position I should be in for the scene. Before I can think about it too much, the director yells, "AND ACTION!!!"

Published September 22, 2022