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“Team building?” Brad guffaws as though Jeffery just suggested the most ridiculous idea.
It isn’t a bad idea. If this is a confidence issue for Teagan, team building could go a long way in bridging the gap and making this work.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” I offer.
I don’t miss the way Paxton’s eyes half roll before he catches himself.
“It works,” Stefan interjects. “I’ve been on sets where we’ve used this method before, and the outcome was a wrap and several academy nominations.”
He’s speaking Brad’s language now, and it’s evident his words hit their desired mark by the way Brad is now smiling.
“We’re already set up to shoot the scenes. It couldn’t hurt.” He shrugs as if he’s still not sold on the idea, but he’s the team player.
Gag me.
“Wonderful. Before we shoot, Brad and Teagan will work together on each scene. That way, by the time they shoot, they’re comfortable with each other,” Jeffery explains to the group. “Moving forward, we’ll continue team-building activities for them. Would that work for you, Stefan?”
“Only if I can shoot the activities.”
I lift a brow, not understanding why he’d want to film team building.
“If an organic moment happens, I don’t want to miss it,” he says, picking at his fingers.
If that’s what Stefan wants, it will have to work for the collective. Everyone knows that Stefan loves full immersion into a role. Seeing as we’re staying on a barely habitable island, I can understand his need to capture all moments. Not to mention, editors can do wonders with all types of footage.
“I can live with that,” Paxton says, turning to Brad. “How do you feel?”
“Let me get this straight . . . we are basically filming a reality TV show. That must make you so happy.” He glares at Teagan.
My teeth bite down to refrain from unleashing my anger on Brad over his treatment of Teagan, but based on everything that’s happening, it would be best to play nice . . . for the time being.
“Next on the agenda: the leak,” Paxton says, keeping the conversation rolling.
“I fired everyone.” Stefan doesn’t bother looking up from his fingers when he says it.
“Yes, and that opened up the set to accidents,” I remind him. “How are we going to remedy that?”
“I’ve arranged for new staff to be flown in. They should be here in the next few days.”
Jeffery’s eyes widen, indicating this is news to him.
“In the meantime, I’ll delegate two remaining crew members to inspect all the equipment. Everything will be checked before we shoot. Is that okay with you guys?” Jeffery looks back and forth between Paxton and me.
“That works,” Brad responds, despite the question not being addressed to him.
Paxton takes a deep breath. “That is a good idea.”
Teagan remains quiet, but since Brad had his say, she gets hers, too.
“Teagan? Will that make you feel safer?”
She nods but doesn’t say a word.
“Teagan,” I press. “Do you have something more to say?”
She shakes her head. “No. That all sounds better.”
“Okay, that’s settled, so team building, safety . . . What else?” Jeffrey looks around, giving us the opportunity to steer the conversation toward our greatest issues.
“Natasha is here,” Paxton states. “Will she be working on damage control?”
Jeffrey nods. “She will.”
“Excellent.” Paxton turns his gaze to Teagan. “Are you willing to do what she says to get this done?”
“Excuse me? It’s not just my client—”
His hand shoots up, stopping my tirade. “My client knows the drill. He’s a seasoned vet.” He inclines his head. “I’m simply ensuring that your team is prepared.”
Yep. Got that message loud and clear.
Teagan and I are the newbies. We are nobody—basically idiots.
I hate this man.
“Yes,” Teagan mutters, clearly not happy to be called out, and I don’t blame her. I want to rip this man a new one.
“Lovely chat.” Paxton stands. “Jeffrey. Stefan. Thank you for your time and swiftness to ensure our clients are taken care of.” He offers them a dazzling smile that I’m sure he’s spent numerous hours in front of a mirror perfecting. “I’m sure we all have things to do. Like shoot the next scene.” He claps his hands together and then strolls out the door with Brad.
I wish he would get lost in the woods and never come back.
Now that would be a story for the press.
I’ve never been on a real film set. Sure, I’ve seen television shows being filmed, Teagan’s, to be exact, but a movie—nope.
This is a first, and I’m trying to remain professional and not act like the kid in the candy store because this is exciting. It was always a dream of mine to be part of the movies. Growing up with Thomas Reynolds as my father, one would think movie sets were my playground, but he never let me accompany him.
After the meeting, I follow Teagan to hair, where we continue to run lines. When they switch to makeup, I decide to head toward where the scene will be filmed today to verify that people are checking over everything.
