Page 34 of Love On and Off Set

“Hey, Myles.” A burly man sauntered over. “You good?”

“Hey, Vern. Yeah, good in your world?” Vern was one of the grips.

“Yep.”

Even as he said the word, more people arrived. Ursula, our director of photography. Linus, the sound guy. Melinda, our director Lisette’s assistant. Her arrival meant the boss herself would arrive shortly.

Hallstein cleared his throat.

Right. “The vase goes on the desk. A centerpiece, of sorts.”

“Oh.” Vern glanced over at the box. “Is this the fancy thing Seamus was warning us about?”

I grinned. “Yes. Now skedaddle. I want as few people near it as are necessary.”

“Yeah, okay.” Vern headed to the other side of the set.

Hallstein stepped toward me, almost gingerly.

I grinned. “Hallstein? What sort of name is that? Do you have a nickname? Hally? Steiny? Chuck?”

He continued to stare at me impassively.

“Oh, I know. Hallsy.”

Nothing.

“Oh, the strong-and-silent type. I like a challenge.”

Coco waved and indicated she was going to check the bookcase.

I doubted it needed to be checked, but she was diligent.

My companion cleared his throat. “My name is Hallstein. You may call me Hallstein. Where would you like me to set up the vase?”

I pointed to the desk.

He placed the box on the gleaming glass surface and, again gingerly, opened the box and pulled the vase out.

I cocked my head. Seriously? All that fuss for this? I could’ve had an identical made for a couple hundred dollars. I was all about authenticity…but that meant hanging around my dream man for the five next weeks or so. That didn’t appeal. I could drool, but I couldn’t touch. With that in mind, I picked up the box. Then, on impulse, my inner scamp presented himself. “Oh, I love it. Isn't it gorgeous? I thought it would be bigger. They told me it would be bigger, but alas, that’s what they all say, right?

Hallsy blinked.

“Do you tell the boys you have something big for them and then they sigh in disappointment when you unzip?”

His dark-brown eyes widened comically.

I grinned. “Right. I can tell we’re just getting on like a house on fire.”

“No. Fire is dangerous. Fire means I need to retrieve the item at monumental risk to myself and get the item to safety.” His gaze shot to the ceiling as if he was looking for the sprinkler system.

“Uh…” I was joking. Sheesh, didn’t this guy have a sense of humor?

“And, no... I've never had anyone sigh in disappointment when I unzip. Shall I put the vase on that desk?”

“Yes.” I pointed.

“That’s too close to the edge.” Hallstein didn’t move.