CHAPTER EIGHT
786 Words
Avery settled next to Brian on the love couch as they faced Director Hudson. James and her manager sitting on another side of the space.
"You both are here now," Hudson began and they all smiled. He turned to face James. " And it's also nice to meet you, James Parker, one of the best producers in the city."
"Nice to meet you too, Director Hudson," James replied with a smile as they shook hands.
Brian turned to look at him and they shared an encouraging, friendly smile.
"Let's get to business... I am sure both of you got the scripts through email," Hudson said, his tone now shifting instantly- no longer casual, but authoritative and professional.
"Yeah, we did," they both replied at the same time.
"So, I guess both of you have read it," he asked again and they nodded in agreement.
"Well, we also have one of our crew members, Producer James Parker," he said turning to face James.
Brian looked at him, his expression carrying a hint of surprise and anger.
James smiled- but didn't meet Brian's eyes.
"So, I hope shooting can start in the next two weeks... and the casts and crew members can meet next week," Hudson continued.
"So, nice meeting you all and also... the scripts," he said handing it over to them.
"We'll see each other again, next week," he finally said as he stood to leave.
They both smiled, a smile of appreciation and approval.
Avery turned to face Brian after Director Hudson had left.
"I can't believe I am working with you now, Brian," she told him linking her arms with him.
"Yeah, me too, I can't believe you act, Avery," he replied returning the same vibe.
"I just want to use this as my main debut movie... but, don't worry, I am good at what I do."
"Yeah, you seem really talented."
"Not seem, I do... we'll work well together, I can feel it," she told him, her voice trailing off at the end.
James rolled his eyes.
Something uneasy twisted in Brian's chest.
"And I hope we can also be the perfect partner on screen," she added.
And the perfect couple. She added inwardly.
Brian smiled.
James glanced at him and scoffed.
-
James drove Brian back home as they remained silent in the car.
"So... Avery Denas," James began breaking the silence.
Brian turned to him folding his arms across his chest.
"New love interest," James added.
Brian scoffed.
"She is the daughter of Peter."
"I know that... so, is she the new love interest?"
"We are just going to be working together."
"And you can't tell me you can't see what's glittering in her eyes... and everyone in the industry knows what Peter is trying to do."
"Leave that... it's left to me to know what I want."
"Because, you are not over one particular person," James said mumbling under his breath.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"And also, why didn't you tell me you are the producer of the movie?"
"Wanted it to come as a surprise."
"Surprise it is... that's why you did as if you didn't know anything about the movie."
"Come on, Hudson just called me yesterday and told me he wanted me to be the producer of the movie."
"All right... congratulations brother."
"And you too... congratulations brother."
They both laughed and smiled softly to each other.
-
The following week came faster than Brian expected.
It's the day the crew members and casts will be meeting together.
Brian looked out the tea house they had picked out for the meeting. The rain battered against the glass of the tea house.
Rainy days had never been his favorite- because of that day.
He prevented himself from walking down that memory lane as he looked ahead. The main crew members were already gathered.
"Why can't the crew members and casts meet on the day when shooting is about to start?" Brian asked as he whispered into James's ear.
"Hudson wants everyone to know each other before shooting starts."
"Cool."
He was about to say something else when a voice- the one he would recognize anywhere- cut through the room. The sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor followed.
Fragments of memories replayed in Brian's mind.
Red.
Red heels.
The sound of heels clinking against a tiled floor.
The opening and closing of eyes.
He looked towards where the sound was coming from, and the color of heels- red.
James called him, but it was as if all sound was blocked- that's how much it affected him.
He looked up- towards the face, the voice- trying to confirm it.
His breath hitched.
No...
It couldn't be-
But it was.
Eva.
- Writer
