Magnetic

SIXTEEN

DANAI

"Though this might seem like menial information, this can-opening method has overtaken social media," Danai looked to her right, which held nothing but open air, and an editor would add a hovering screen that showed the posts she'd referred to.

She turned back to the camera, "Tricks like this have also been encouraging teens and young adults to get into cooking, because something has to be done with those cans once they get opened. Speaking of cooking, I'm happy to announce that next week, we'll have the newest culinary star on the show. Kayla Brandon will be showing us how to make quick, delicious, and cheap meals that will stun our friends and family. So, come ready with your notes. I'm Danai Martel, and I'll see you on the next episode of On The Nai Side."

Nai held her perfect camera-ready smile until she finally heard the words she was waiting for.

"And CUT! Great job, everybody. Danai, you were perfect, today." The producer, Eric, gave Nai a thumbs up before he walked off set.

"Thanks!" She called after him, then looked at Patrick, who hurried to meet Danai on the stage of the set. "Was it actually perfect, or is Eric just blowing smoke up my ass? It felt a little weird, like I'm one of those older people in their twenties who can't relate to 'kids these days'. Right?"

Patrick shook his head, "It was perfect. Also, the fact that half the stuff you talk about is stuff you find while scrolling social media helps." He looked down at his phone, then held it up for Danai to see, "I was looking at some live reactions to the show. People loved it, and mentioned that it was like you were reading their minds since this is something recent."

He shoved his phone into his pocket, then handed Nai a manila folder full of papers and a paper coffee cup, "That can-thing is cool, but I don't know if it helps me. I can't use the lid to store the stuff in the can in my fridge after, you know?"

Danai took the folder, then the cup, and took a sip of the hot drink. The temperature was perfect; not warm, but also not hot enough to burn her. An herbal tea with honey, she guessed probably peach. Nai gave Patrick a concerned look as she stood up, "I don't think you're supposed to store things in a can once you open it..."

Patrick's eyes widened, "Seriously?!"

"Danai," one of the writers for On The Nai Side, Dennis, came up to the stage. "Could I bother you about something?"

Nai sighed, then gestured for Dennis to walk with her and Patrick. "I keep telling you, don't say it like that. If it's work-related, and you have to tell me, you're not bothering me."

She waved at several people--camera operators, lighting techs, and some makeup artists--while they made their way out of the filming area. The sun peered through the windows, and Nai loved the fact that she could take in the high-rise view while she worked. When she started, she'd get distracted by it, which resulted in them having to do more takes than necessary. As time went on, she learned to control her urge to enjoy nature, and waited until their breaks to look outside.

Dennis smiled sheepishly as they got closer to the elevator. "Okay, sorry. Um, we were doing research for the shows for the month after next, and we're going to have to change it."

Danai stopped walking, then turned to the writer. "The ones about decoration and baking?"

She'd worked really hard on looking up the topics and, after starting to bake more with Everitt, Nai looked forward to sharing her experiences with her audience. She even had an idea to bring on a guest to bake with her. The decor part was cool, too, but the baking had her heart.

Patrick went slightly ahead, and pushed the button for the elevator while listening to Danai and Dennis' conversation. He had turned so that half his body faced them, and the other half faced the elevator doors.