Mieux Que Tout

06

06 | les choses qu'on ne peut dire à personne  

Annie felt her phone buzz in the back pocket of her jeans. She ignored it at first, trying to listen to what the woman in front of her was saying. Tom was nearby, sitting in a leather chair in front of a mirror. 

"Annabelle, is it?"

"It's Annie." 

The woman peered over the rim of her glasses and looked at her. 

"Right. Well, you'll be following me around today," the woman said. She was tall and blonde and had blushed noticeably when Tom had entered the trailer with a grin. 

"Okay," Annie said. "And I'll be helping you with-"

"Running errands." The woman finished. "Yes, that's right."

Annie felt her phone buzz again. She stood straighter, ignoring it. The woman peered down at her, hazel coloured eyes narrowed. She was holding a blue clipboard and a pen. 

"Sorry," Annie apologised. 

"I'll see you in fifteen minutes," the woman said. "Ask for me at the desk." 

"Who should I ask for?" Annie asked. 

The woman paused. "Stephanie." Her fingers pinched at a piece of paper on her clipboard. She released the clip and freed the paper. She held it out. "Don't forget to bring this form with you. We need to get you clearance as we weren't expecting extras." 

Her voice was sharp, direct and Annie felt small in the woman's pointed gaze. Annie looked over at Tom. He was looking at her through the mirror, a small apologetic smile on his face. 

Annie nodded and looked away. "Right, yes. Thank you." 

The woman smiled stiffly. Her heels clacked against the linoleum floor as she exited the trailer. 

Annie sighed heavily as soon as the woman had left. She trudged over to the leather couch and fell onto it. 

"I don't think she likes me," Annie mumbled, folding over the paper in her hands. "But she likes you." 

Tom laughed. "You'll get used to her. She's like that with people she hasn't met before."

Annie raised an eyebrow. "Sure..."

The trailer door opened. A different woman entered. She was older and had cropped grey hair. 

"Good morning stranger!" She greeted, waving at Tom. 

"Mornin', Carol." 

"How's my favourite actor doing?" 

"Ah," Tom laughed. "Same old. You know me... Keeping busy." 

The woman, Carol, was carrying a large bag. Annie pushed herself further into the couch, hoping she could sink into it. 

"You know, Tommy," Carol began. She placed her bag on top of the bench where Tom sat. "I've had a lot of ideas about this next look for you. I think Fonzie is going to love it." 

"Yeah?"

Annie watched as Tom leaned back in his chair, hand resting under his chin. She saw his eyes swivel in her direction. He was smiling at her. 

"Oh, who's this?" Carol asked, opening up her bag. Her lips were upturned, curious. 

Annie looked up, startled. 

"Carol," Tom begun, "meet Annie." 

Annie stood up. She blinked as she outstretched her hand. "Nice to meet you," she said quietly.