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“Wait,” I said. “Am I missing something?”
Austin spoke up as Tess stuffed her face with one last bite of her ham and swiss. “Tess did a film last year, and when Arthur interviewed her, he asked her all of these personal questions that put her in a bad light.”
“Personal questions?” I didn’t understand. Did he mean about her family? Her past?
Tess sighed. “I was dating the drummer from Wood Moon back then, and he had a problem with alcohol. They used me to get to the story about him, and well, let’s just say that it didn’t really do my career any favors.”
“But you’re here and back on your game.”
“Well, let’s hope that this all works out. I mean, I’m the leading lady, but I’m still in Jake Storm’s shadow.”
“Don’t worry,” Austin said. “I told you it’s all going to work out. Trust me.”
The way he had said trust me, I wasn’t sure if the two of them had something planned or not. But they exchanged a look, and then Tess reached for his hand.
I hadn’t seen the two of them show any signs of affection in public before, but I had always assumed they had a thing. Were they going to out their affair? Or were they trying to hide it? It was all so confusing.
Don’t get wrapped up in their drama, Kate. Just work on your points and leave the Hollywood stuff to the professionals.
I took another bite of my sandwich, wondering how Jake was handling his interview.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Jake
Getting my interview over with was smart. Thankfully, Arthur Scott, whose hero hair was more ridiculous than mine and who had actually worn a button-down with a sweater vest and tie despite the fact that he was in the Amazon, had not yet had time to heat up.
After my makeup artist finished prepping me for our talk, Arthur had his small crew get ready, did his opening intro for his YouTube bit, and then he leaned in with his pad and pen to ask me the first of many questions.
“So, what’s it like working out here in the rainforest paradise?”
“It’s actually quite dangerous,” I said. “We have to watch out for mosquitos and snakes and all of the wonderful creatures that call this place home.”
“I heard that you had a little tangle with a snake? What happened?”
I hated that he’d already heard about it and that I had fallen right into his line of questions. I had no doubt it had been Ben who spilled those beans. “Yeah, I did actually get bitten by a forest pit viper. They’re one of the most venomous snakes in the Amazon. I didn’t see it during one of the scenes and it popped me on the hand. Luckily, we have an amazing woman by the name of Kate Bridges here with us. She’s a consultant provided to the set through UCLA, and she was able to act fast in identifying the snake, and thankfully, our medical staff was on hand to make sure I had the best care.”
“So, working here is proving to be challenging,” Arthur said.
“Yes, I find that acting is always a challenge, but that’s what most actors, including me, love about it. It wouldn’t be any fun if it wasn’t a challenge. I think that keeps it exciting, and I can’t think of a better film to be a part of than Operation Amazon. And working with Ben Malcolm is always a lot of fun. He’s amazing.” I knew I had to plug the movie, and kissing Ben’s ass was never a bad thing.
“So, do you think you’ll be on the academy’s radar come Oscar time?”
I always hated the Oscar question and wished that wasn’t all anyone focused on. “You know, it will be an honor if I’m considered, but since the film isn’t completed, I haven’t really thought about it. I mean, I’m just doing my best to make the best film with a wonderful cast and crew. Everyone has just been amazing out here, and it’s wonderful to have such a great support group when you’re tackling a production this big.”
“That leads me to my next questions. How is the mood on set?”
I couldn’t believe he was asking me such straight-line questions. “We’re really like one big, happy family. And again, it’s great to have such a supportive and positive group.”
Arthur put down his pen and turned to do his closing bit while I smiled big for the camera. Then he turned toward me. “Thank you, Jake, for talking to me. It’s always a pleasure.”
I gave my response for the camera. “The pleasure is all mine, Arthur.”
I shook his hand, and he turned to the camera. “And cut.” He turned back to me when the camera was off. “Thank you so much for doing that. My online audience is going to love that.”
