Everything I Wanted

Lights, Camera, Espresso - 30

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Story stepped onto the set, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves. The crew was already bustling around, adjusting lights and props for what promised to be a whirlwind day.

She glanced around, taking in the setup: a sleek speedboat docked by the water, a vintage car parked on a sandy lot, and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. This wasn't just a music video—it was a dream come to life.

"You ready for this?" her mom asked, squeezing her shoulder gently.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Story replied, her nerves settling slightly at the reassuring presence of her mom.

Suddenly, a voice called from behind.

"Hey, superstar!"

Story turned to see Billie strolling up, a grin on her face and two steaming cups of hot chocolate in her hands.

"You're really here," Story said, running over to hug her.

"Of course I'm here," Billie replied, handing her one of the cups. "I wouldn't miss this shoot for the world."

Story found herself blushing as she pulled Billie into another hug before sipping her hot chocolate.

The day kicked off with the speedboat scene. Story sat at the wheel, her co-star perched behind her, pretending to give her directions.

"Okay, Story," the director called through a megaphone, "you're carefree, confident, and just a little bit reckless. When I say action, crank that wheel and don't hold back!"

Story glanced over her shoulder at her co-star. "You better hold on tight."

"Don't worry about me," he replied with a grin.

As the cameras rolled, Story sung the first chorus, but as she was singing her co-worker approached her from behind, touching her shoulders and waist. She made an over exaggerated expression before gripping the wheel and making a sharp turn, sending her co-star flying off the side of the boat with a dramatic splash. She let out an exaggerated gasp, quickly retrieving his wallet and pulling out the now-iconic gold credit card.

"Cut! That was amazing!" the director shouted.

From the shore, Billie clapped loudly, cupping her hands around her mouth to yell, "That poor guy! But hey, you looked great doing it!"

The crew burst into laughter as Story leaned over the edge of the boat, calling to her co-star. "You okay down there?"

"Freezing, but fine!" he replied, giving her a thumbs-up as he was helped back onto the boat.

✨

During a break, Story retreated to her trailer for some touch-ups. Billie followed, flopping onto the couch with a bag of snacks she'd snagged from craft services.

"You're killing it out there," Billie said between bites of a granola bar.

"Thanks," Story replied, dabbing at her makeup. "But I'm pretty sure I'll be sore tomorrow from all this 'action-hero' stuff."

Billie smirked. "It's worth it. This video's going to be fucking iconic. It's giving... hmm main-character energy."

"Main character who commits petty theft," Story joked.

"Exactly," Billie said, tossing a chip in the air and catching it. "Relatable queen."

The surfboard scene was next, and it was easily the most nerve-wracking. A group of boys hoisted the board onto their shoulders, and Story carefully climbed on top, her bare feet wobbling slightly as she tried to find her balance.