AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"No, this is the only one." I scratch my head and say, "Thanks for this."
"It's not usually what you pay me for, but you're welcome." She breaks a smile as I turn to go.
I get coffee and walk to the studio to see how the post-production editing is going. I walk in on a disagreement between the music and film editors, and I listen for a minute to get the gist of the argument. The music editor wants a piece played during a part of the film that the film editor disagrees with. It's the same argument they have had over this part of the film and the music for weeks now. Finally, I've heard enough and stepped in the middle.
"I need a compromise or an agreement in one hour. All this back and forth is going to hold up the release. So, put on your big boy pants and work this out." I leave the room and head over to my studio office.
Over the next few weeks, I have over a hundred meetings about this film, from cutting footage to putting the footage that is left together seamlessly, without glitches or repeats, and adding music and sound effects. After that, we must correct the color, add graphics, and prep for distribution. This is a very long process, and there will be disagreements. I just need those to be few and far between.
***
I'm going through some B-roll footage at the studio to see if there is anything I want to salvage when I realize it's been a while since I've heard from Erica. So, during a coffee break, I give her a call. It goes to voicemail.
"Hey, it's Aaron; just calling to say hello and see how things with the new artist are going. You're probably super busy. Oh, and I also need your itinerary for the premiere to know when I'm picking you up. It's been a while, so call me back as soon as you get this message so we can catch up." I put my phone on the table next to me, hoping that it rings and it's Erica. She's been strangely quiet, but I know she's working hard out there, so I try not to worry.
I get a call from my brother later while reviewing some paperwork for the film premiere. I was signing off on some equipment purchases and decided to hit ignore. I'll call him back once I'm done with this. The phone rings again. Again, I brush off his call.
I text him,Chill, brother; I'll call back in a few minutes. I'm in the middle of movie premiere stuff.I hit send, and at the same time, the phone rings again.
"Dude, what is so important? You must blow up my phone?" Frustration fills my voice.
"Man, turn on TMZ, now." Scott's voice has an urgency that I don't usually hear, and now I think someone has died.
I turn on the TV to the appropriate channel and watch the video showing Erica coming out of some clinic in San Francisco. She looks like hell and is unaware that she is being recorded as she slides into the driver's seat of her car. The video shows her sitting there for quite a bit after leaving the clinic. I wonder what that is about.
"What the hell, Scott? What is going on?"
"I don't know. I thought maybe you could tell me." I barely hear his words as the TMZ host speculates about her appearance and wonders if I know anything.
Then, I hear them say, "We have contacted the representative for Aaron Axel, but no word yet on why Erica is coming out of a clinic in San Diego. Trouble in paradise? When we know, you will know."
And just like that, they switch to a new story with a new celebrity while I stand there in shock. What the hell? All kinds of scenarios are running through my mind. Is she dying? Did she get into an accident?
I sit down on the couch and run my hands through my hair. This is ridiculous. Why wouldn't Erica call me and tell me if something happened? Why am I hearing about this on an entertainment channel?
"Hey, are you still there, little brother?"
I jump at the sound of Scott's voice.
"Uh, yep, I'm still here." My voice shakes. "It's probably nothing. She probably just has a cold or the flu," I tell Scott, who "hmm's" on the other end of the line.
"Don't 'hmmm' me, Scott. We shouldn't jump to conclusions. I'll call her again and see what's up."
"When did you last hear from her?" Scott asks.
"I don't remember. It's been quiet on Erica's end for a bit, probably not as long as it feels. We both have been busy with our work projects. I'm sure she will have a good reason she was there when I called. She probably hasn't even seen this yet." I defend Erica because it's the right thing to do, and I know her. She will have a reasonable explanation. So, why is there doubt in my mind?
I hang up with Scott and call Erica. The call went to her voicemail again. Damn it. I call back. Again, to voicemail.
"Erica, it's Aaron. Please call me back; it's important." I hang up and keep trying.
I call Scott in the middle of my calls to Erica. "She's not answering. It's going to voicemail. Dude, I'm starting to worry about her. Should I fly out there and see what's going on?"
"Uh, no, don't do that. You have too much going on to drop everything for someone who could be fake cheating on you, for all you know. Maybe you should let it go for now. You've called, and you've left voicemails. When Erica sees them, she will call you back. Right now, you kind of look like a stalker." Scott laughs.
"Thanks, jerk. How would you know if Erica's seeing someone else?" I know Scott is finding humor in this, but I don't find it funny at all. I'm wearing a path into my carpet right now, trying to figure things out.
"Lighten up; I'm sure I'm wrong. It's probably what you said. Erica probably just got the flu. There will be a perfect explanation." Scott's voice sounds hesitant.
