Forced Than Loved ★ Pablo Gavi

₃.₁

★☆★☆★

The First Day of 

the Movie

★☆★☆★

A week had passed since our arrival in Madrid, and every day had been a new adventure. Lilly and I had spent our time exploring the city, wandering through its lively streets, soaking in the energy of a place that already felt like home. It had been years since either of us had visited another city in Spain, so we took full advantage of our free time, strolling through the charming neighborhoods, indulging in too many tapas, and even getting lost in the maze-like alleys of Malasaña before finding our way back.

But today was different. Today was our first day on set.

I could barely contain my excitement. This movie wasn't just another project, it was an opportunity, a chance for me to take my career to the next level. If everything went well, this could be my big break. The thought alone sent a thrill through me.

As of now, I was sitting in the living room, fully dressed and ready to go, bouncing my knee absentmindedly while I waited for Lilly. Unlike me, she had a habit of choosing her outfits at the last possible second, rifling through her closet in a frantic search for the perfect look. I, on the other hand, had picked mine out the night before, black high-waisted jeans, a fitted white top, and my favorite sneakers. Simple, comfortable, but still put-together.

I glanced at the time. 9:54 AM.

We still had plenty of time before we needed to be at the studio, our call time wasn't until 12:30 PM. Even with our plan to stop for pastries and walk there, we were more than ahead of schedule.

The sound of a door opening snapped me from my thoughts. Finally.

Lilly stepped into the living room, giving me a pointed look that wordlessly said, I'm ready, let's go. She had gone for a laid-back but stylish ensemble, denim overalls over a fitted crop top, paired with chunky sneakers. Her hair was tied back in a casual yet effortlessly cool way, and she looked as if she had just stepped out of a fashion editorial.

I stood up, grabbing the keys that hung from a small hook in the kitchen before making my way to the door. We had already agreed on our morning plan, first, a quick stop at the pastry shop just downstairs, and then a leisurely fifteen-minute walk to the studio. The air was crisp and fresh, the kind of morning that felt like it held promises of good things to come.

As we made our way downstairs, the scent of warm, freshly baked goods greeted us before we even stepped into the shop. The small bakery was a hidden gem, a cozy space filled with the comforting aroma of buttery croissants, cinnamon-sugar-dusted palmeras, and rich espresso. The line wasn't too long, which was a relief.

As we waited to order, I turned to Lilly, unable to hide my grin.

"Excited, Lills?" I asked, rocking back slightly on my heels.

She glanced at me, a slow smile creeping onto her lips. "Excited doesn't even cover it." Lilly practically squealed with excitement, her enthusiasm spilling over as she clasped her hands together. "I am so excited! This movie could be our big break!"

A few people in the café turned to look at us, some amused, others simply curious about the outburst. I giggled, shaking my head as I stepped up to the counter to place our order.

The bakery was warm and inviting, the air thick with the comforting scent of fresh pastries and rich espresso. The soft hum of Spanish conversations surrounded us, blending seamlessly with the quiet clatter of cups and plates. It felt like the kind of place where you could lose track of time, wrapped up in the simple pleasure of a morning coffee and good company.