We got into place and, once again, action was called.
“I do believe you’re in over your head, Edmund,” I said.
“It’s not that bad, Fanny.”
“I do wish you’d reconsider.”
“Cut!”
We all turned to look at Keely, but I knew that I was to blame for cutting the scene. She came to me and pulled me aside.
“What’s going on?”she said. “It’s unlike you to miss the tone of a scene. This last attempt was harsher than the one before.”
“I’m so sorry. Can you just give me a minute? I’ll get my head into the right place.”
“Sure. Take a minute.”
I walked out of the room, took a few deep breaths and pushed my conversation with Kenneth aside. Feeling a little calmer, I returned to the group, and we began the scene again.
This time, my first lines were acceptable until we reached another emotional scene.
“Cut!”Keely called out. “Okay, everyone. We’ll take a little break. Don’t go too far. We’ll start again in about twenty minutes.”
As I turned to walk out of the room with the others, Keely called my name.
“Can I see you a minute?”she said.
With a heavy sense of dread, I went to her.
“What’s going on?”she said. “Really, this time.”
I shook my head. “My head is filled with...negativity. Horrifying negativity.”
“Why? What has put you in this headspace?”
Closing my eyes, I sighed, suddenly so tired. Keely guided me to a chair...a large, red velvet chair that had been brought in for the theatrical play. She, in turn, sat on the royal blue ottoman in front of the chair.
“I don’t want to pry, but if something is going on and you need to take a break, we can reschedule this scene.”
“I don’t want to delay your progress. I know you’re tight on time.” I looked at her, longing to tell her what I had on my mind, but I didn’t know where to begin.
“I’m all ears if you need to talk,” she offered.
I nodded, ready to explode if I didn’t share what I’d learned. “You know that Matt’s brother, Kenneth, is back home?”
“No. I wasn’t aware of that. To tell you the truth, I didn’t know he had a brother.” She patted her belly. “I have enough on my mind without looking into everyone’s family ties.”
I smiled, even more reluctant to go on. “That’s precisely why I don’t want to burden you with this.”
“Oh. Don’t worry about that.”
“I’ve spent a good amount of time with Kenneth. He’s recently back from California where he’s been working with his father at their vineyard there.”
“Okay,” she said, waiting for me to go on.
“It seems that California is making things difficult for many business owners there. Kenneth was talking about regulations, taxes and more regulations. There are policies that seem to be distinctly put into place to hinder businesses, especially the smaller ones.”
Keely smiled. “Ah, yes. I am well aware of the corruption in California.”
