Ventura

Capítulo 3

Anyway, I'm home. I took off my shoes and threw myself on the bed. I looked at the ceiling for a few moments. Trying to calm my thoughts and my body. It was a difficult week. I looked at my mother's bedside clock. The clock said an hour in the morning. Christ, and the main team hadn't even arrived yet.

The filmmakers were doing the outside scenes, so a tent was set up and lunch followed by van to the set. It was an endless line of people who flocked to serve themselves. A mix of people dressed in character along with others in jeans and sneakers. There were several trailers that served as dressing rooms to characterize the characters. People carried heavy cameras and cables. Huge reflectors were positioned in an open area and everything seemed like a pandemonium. But at the time of filming it seemed that everyone knew their places.

During the week I was twice in the place to check if everything was going well. We hired more staff to pitch the tents and serve lunch, and at seventeen hours our team returned to the set to serve sandwiches and juices.

I spent more time at the restaurant organizing the menu and supplies. Henry seemed delighted by his little fame. The restaurant continued to serve locals and tourists. A special room was reserved for the main team that would arrive next week. Reporters or fans would not be allowed on site. Photos were strictly prohibited. Of course. Henry kept saying that over and over. As if I had any interest in photographing someone I don't even know. I looked at the clock again. Better take a shower and try to get some sleep.

At half past five he was already on his feet. I put on my worn-out jeans and a T-shirt. While I was tying my hair I thought of maybe applying some mascara. I shook my head looking at my reflection in the mirror. The best I could do would be that he was all smudged before lunch. I smiled to myself imagining the scene. I put on my sneakers, grabbed the bag and left.

On the way to the port I stopped by the cafeteria for coffee. I picked up the first magazine that was on the counter and started leafing through it while drinking coffee. And there he was. A full-page photo. Sophie was right. He was a beautiful man. With strong features and an enviable body. He had blond hair and gray eyes. His skin was tanned as if he spent a lot of time outdoors. Beside him an equally beautiful woman. The photo was taken on some paradise beach. He wrapped his arms around her waist and they both smiled at each other. A smaller photo made a close up on her ring finger where a ring with a single stone sparkled in the sun. The caption read, "What does this ring mean?" The story went on talking about the new film and how much they had wonderful chemistry. They described him as a natural talent and could soon be an Oscar candidate. I looked at the date and realized that the magazine had been published more than a year ago. I shrugged my shoulders. I closed the magazine and headed for the shore.

It was dawn, and the sky showed shades of orange, blue and yellow. The sea was unfolding in front of me, it seemed calm and serene. The morning breeze filled my lungs. I took a deep breath and followed the shore to the fishing boats. Most fishermen knew me and called me by name.

- Petit Anie. Bonjour. Que voudrez-vous aujourd'hui?

- Bonjour Oliver. Comment vont les enfants ?

- Va bien merci.

While talking about the Oliver family, he proudly showed me his fish. They were dogfish, snapper and monkfish. I chose some and asked him to deliver them to the restaurant. I said goodbye and went to a small market where I found Provencal herbs and spices. I also bought the items to prepare the Rouille sauce On the way to the restaurant I stopped at a boulangerie, a traditional bakery and took toasted bread to accompany the bouillabaisse.

A restaurant was almost there when I got a call from Sophie. She heard that I had gone to the filming location and was upset about not taking her along. It took me a long time to explain that I went to work and did not allow visitors. She made me promise then that as soon as I had an opportunity I would take her. Then he told me that they opened a thrift store in the city and that there were only fine clothes there. I explained that I had little savings and that I had no desire to buy clothes at the moment. My jeans were fine thanks. But I ended up agreeing, otherwise she wouldn't hang up. We made an appointment to meet on Saturday afternoon.

I entered the restaurant through the back door. I left my bag at the office, grabbed my apron and headed for the kitchen. Pierre was already there selecting the spices that would be used to prepare lunch. And no sign of Henry. Which was nothing new.

-You look tired. - said Pierre.

I outlined a smile.

-I am fine.

It was Friday. So it meant that the stars - as Henry referred to - would arrive on Monday. I checked the menu and the supplies. I checked the name of each one and their preferences. I kept writing down something that could be replaced at the last minute if there was a need.

We then started preparations for lunch.

The day went on busy. We serve lunch and then a snack at the filming location. At the end of the day, I was exhausted and thought only of a good bath and bed.

Saturday finally arrived. And we would only have to serve lunch. The team was dismissed to return to their respective cities. A small group stayed in the city taking a tour in search of new scenarios for the film.

In the afternoon I went with Sophie to the store. I didn't feel excited at all. But as I still hadn't managed to get her to the location of the recordings, I thought it best to give in.

Sophie chose a considerable number of clothes to try on. I rolled my eyes. I sat on a chair and waited patiently while she paraded one model and another. He let out little squeals of satisfaction and said, "Isn't it perfect?"

She left the fitting room with the pieces she had chosen. And ... I already knew that I would start to haggle. She stopped talking to the saleswoman and gave me a questioning look. I looked around for reasons.

- Didn't you choose anything? -she said.

- Well, I think ... - I started babbling some excuse. But she went back to the hangers. He started looking at jeans and T-shirts. He took some out, looked at me, and looked back at the clothes. He shook his head.

- Ready. Your number. Go experiment.

I thought about refusing. But it would be a waste of time. I put on my pants and T-shirt. I left the dressing room and Sophie clapped her hands.

- It's divine. Perfect.

- Sophie, buying old and torn pants doesn't seem like a good acquisition, don't you think? - I looked at those pants that looked like they belonged to some mountain climber. There were holes in many places.

Sophie and the saleswoman looked at each other and started laughing.

- Anie. What do I do with you? This model is what everyone is using now know? That white shirt looked beautiful too.

I had to agree with her. The ensemble was harmonious.

- Right. I'll take both and that's it. Nothing else ok? - She smiled and kissed me.

On the way home we stopped at a cafeteria and spent some time talking. It wasn't quite a conversation. She did an endless questionnaire about the team. I replied that I knew very little and that I didn't have time to go there. And that maybe she knew even more than I did. She shook her head in agreement.

- What's he like?? - asked me

I looked at her confused.

- He who?

- Melanie Dubois Basher - spoke my name in exasperation - Who do you think I'm talking about?

When she realized that I really didn't know who she was referring to, she repeated the question slowly, like someone talking to a child.

- Thomas Edward Morgan. What's he like?

- Ah, the actor. - I answered.

I decided to have some fun. I looked up, took a deep breath. I blinked a few times. I looked dreamy. I opened and closed my mouth, as if searching for the right words. I noticed her anxiety and smiled.

- Do not know. I haven't seen him yet. They won't arrive until next week. - I winked at her apologizing for the joke.

I returned home, threw the bag with the clothes into the wardrobe and went down to prepare dinner.