Behind The Scenes

Chapter 1: The Crimson Tide

## The Crimson Tide

The insistent buzzing of my phone ripped me from a dream about a tropical beach, the sun warm on my skin as I chased waves with a laughing child. My manager, Sarah, was on the other side of the call, her voice excited and breathless.

'Devora! You're going to be so happy! You got it! The lead! In *The Crimson Tide*! They're going full steam ahead with production, so you gotta be ready in two weeks!'

I felt a tidal wave of joy crash over me, sweeping away any trace of sleepiness. This could be it. The role that would catapult my career. I'd long dreamed of a challenging part, a chance to showcase my true talent. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drum solo of anticipation.

'Sarah, you're kidding!" I squeaked, barely able to contain my exuberance. 'I can't believe it... *The Crimson Tide*!"

'They loved you,' Sarah confirmed, her voice brimming with pride. 'I knew you'd nail the audition, and you did! Even better, they loved the idea of you in the role of... well, I can't tell you the character's name yet, but I can tell you, it's a juicy one.'

"Wait, I can't tell you the character's name?' My excitement took a nosedive, replaced by a rising tide of apprehension. 'But Sarah, who's the love interest? Am I going to be playing opposite someone I've already worked with? Does she have any experience? The character is a lesbian, right? I mean, it's important,' I stammered, a wave of doubt washing over my confidence.

Sarah's laugh, though warm and reassuring, didn't dispel the knot of anxiety in my stomach. 'Don't worry, honey, you'll love her. She's a real powerhouse—a veteran actress. This is going to be a dream come true for you.'

'Okay, okay,' I mumbled, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

The call ended, leaving me hanging between excitement and a simmering dread. I needed to know who I'd be working with, who I'd be sharing the screen with, for the next few months. Who would be my love interest? Would I be able to build chemistry? Could I handle the pressure of working with a seasoned pro, especially one playing my lover? I scrolled through my phone, a nervous ball of energy, desperately needing a distraction.

Then, disaster. My heart stuttered, my breath catching in my throat. The official *The Crimson Tide* Instagram account had posted a photo, a stunning shot of a woman with a captivating grin, captioned: 'Devyn Montero will be joining the cast of *The Crimson Tide* as [Melinda  Salvatore]. We can't wait for you to meet her! #TheCrimsonTide #DevynMontero'

Devyn Montero. My stomach lurched. This wasn't just any actress. She was a household name, a legendary performer, a force of nature in the industry. A woman with an aura of commanding charisma and untamed passion. She'd won Oscars and Emmys, and my most recent acting credit was a guest role on a low-budget sitcom.

I scrolled through Devyn's Instagram, a torrent of envy and admiration washing over me. Her posts were a captivating mix of glamorous events and heartfelt moments. She emanated confidence and a raw magnetism that was both awe-inspiring and intimidating. She could be playing my character's confident, sensual, and fiercely independent lover.

I felt sick to my stomach. Was I going to be able to hold my own alongside her? Not just on screen, but on set, in rehearsals, in the intense world of filming a soap opera? How could I be expected to be anything but a nervous mess? Would she find me... boring? Unexceptional?

My doubts grew with each image, each caption, each glimpse of Devyn's radiance. I had just gone from the peak of excitement to the depths of anxiety in the blink of an eye. I had to meet her, had to be able to hold my own, somehow, against this incredible force. This, I realized, was going to be a true test of my talent, my courage, and perhaps even my sanity. And I desperately hoped I wouldn't drown in the tide of my own insecurities.