Foreign

Chapter 4

Greg introduces me to the other assistants and to Liam, the producer. Since we're filming on location we have a very tight schedule. Greg and Liam take us through everything and when Greg leaves for the table read, we all know our jobs. Basically our job for today is set everything up. We need to make sure the trailers are ready and the actors have everything they asked for. I'm in charge of Hero's trailer (yes!) and Josh's (really curious about him!). After I finish their trailers I have to make sure the snack and beverage corner is fully stocked because the actors might by hungry or thirsty after their table read. So far being an assistant isn't what I hoped for but I'm confident I'll get a chance to prove myself once filming has started.

"Hi there!" I almost drop the bottles of sparkling water I was putting in the fridge.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you!" The voice behind me continues. When I turn around I'm speechless for a second. He is very tall and has broad shoulders. His tan makes his bright blue eyes and sandy blonde hair stand out even more. He looks like he spend the summer surfing and on the beach. When he smiles he shows some very white teeth.

"Dream is if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today," he says. I'm still staring. My brain isn't processing his words. "Your shirt," he awkwardly says when I don't reply. "James Dean?" I'm making him uncomfortable with my awkward behaviour.

"Oh, yes, right." I stammer.

"Hi, I'm Josh." He sticks his hand out and when I shake it, I find my voice again.

"I'm Charlotte, nice to meet you."

"Do you work here, Charlotte?"

"Yes! I mean no, I mean.. I'm an assistant but catering asked me to stock the corner in case the actors get hungry or thirsty."

"Well, in that case, can I get a bottle of water?"

"Yeah sure!" I hand him a cold one.

"So, an assistant you say. Does that mean I'll be seeing more of you?"

"That depends. What's your job?"

"I'm in the film." I must look pretty horrified because he bursts out laughing. "You should see your face!" I feel the blood rush to my cheeks. How could I not hear that gorgeous Australian accent?

"Oh... you're that Josh," is all I manage to say.

"Yeah, I get it though. Who would notice me next to Hero Fiennes-Tiffin?" I can't tell if he's joking or not. But I feel like I should tell Hero is my boyfriend.

"I'm just kidding," he continues. "He's actually a really nice guy. You'll meet him soon enough."

"Oh, I don't-" Hero's voice cuts me off. Damn it, missed my chance. "Charlotte! There you are! I've been looking all over for you!" Hero marches over to me and takes me in his arms. He presses his lips against mine, hard and way too long to be polite when someone is watching.

"Oh hey man," he casually says as if he just noticed Josh. He puts his arm around me. What the hell is going on here?

"Hi! Did you and Mel finish rehearsals already?" Josh either isn't bothered with Hero's caveman behaviour or he just is a really good actor. Either way, he has put his poker face on.

"No, we'll start in about ten minutes but I just wanted to see my girlfriend before that. I see you guys met?"

"Yeah we did." The tension between them is too much for me to handle.

"I was just stocking this corner with food and drinks when Josh requested a bottle of water," I try to break the silence.

"Well, I won't hold you from work any longer," Hero says. "I just wanted to tell you that we have a short rehearsal planned before lunch. Do you want to have lunch together?"

"Sure. Text me when you're done." With a quick kiss on my forehead and one last look at Josh, Hero walks away.

"So, you did meet Hero." Josh says.

"Yeah." I give him an apologetic smile.

"Sorry I assumed you'd be another fan girl," he teases and the tension from earlier starts to fade.

"Well, I can assure you I am not. In fact, when we met, I didn't like him at all. I yelled at him for waking me up!"

"I can tell there's an interesting story there. Want to share it with me? I have some free time before lunch."

"Uhm, sure. I need to finish this though so can we talk here?"

"Perfect!" He gives me his Colgate smile and sits down on top of the table. While working, I tell him the story of how Hero and I met at our dorms in Cardiff.