Claire & Theo

14.

"Mr. Easton! How nice to meet you again!" yelled a male's voice from afar.

Theo caught the eyes of Dean Williams, the main producer of the film that Claire will star in. He was an old man of fifty-five years, but he aged well with less wrinkles and a great body. Dean knew well of Theo, since Theo's business started knowing all the arduous work, he has achieved to become who he is today without his parent's help.

They gave each other a manly handshake while Theo greeted back, "It is nice to see you as well, Mr. Williams... I did not expect you to join this table reading, this film must be something big for you."

"It is a great deal to me! I put a lot in for the budget for this film, I want to win at the box office," then he whispered to Theo, "I want to show that bastard, Leonardo Faris, that he is not a big shot at all in the entertainment business as much as he believes he is..."

Theo knew of Leonardo Faris, a big producer of incredibly famous indie films. Dean hated Leonardo for his unexpected popularity and the type of films he produced. Since indie films were not the films that Dean produced usually, he went with a bigger concept through this film, 'The Stolen Locket,' which included hybrid genre of action, suspense, and of course, comedy. He loved big franchises and large sponsorships.

"I see, competition is a thorough priority of yours to maintain, Mr. Williams..." Theo cautiously became vague about his answers to not ruin his chances with other active producers in the business.

Dean caught the attention of Theo's colleagues behind him, "This must be our female lead! How do you do?"

He raised his hands towards Claire for a handshake, and she fidgeted because she was always uncomfortable of shaking a male's hand whom she does not know of. Theo noticed her discomfort and tried to help by standing by her side. He put his hand on her back by giving a rubbing sensation to calm her nerves, so then she eventually shook Dean's hand.

"I am well, thank you for asking." she timidly spoke.

Dean chuckled, "That is great, but I always take great care of my employees, so no worries to be thankful for this kindness of mine!'

Claire gave a small genuine smile to Dean and then he let them all enter the studio room for the table read to take place. The whole room was filled with the director's main crew and the cast members seating themselves at the middle table. It was such as a grand conference room that Theo was usual to at his own company building.

Everyone was busy in their own chatter whilst Theo showed Claire her seat which was across from them, none other than his maniacal cousin, Christopher. Chris caught Theo's harsh stare and smirked with his narcissism showing brightly everywhere in the room but only to him. How Theo wished he could just strangle his cousin right there, but he held his pride remarkably high to himself.

Dean Williams caught everyone's attention by tapping the microphone at the end of the room, "Shall we begin!"