The crew is resetting the animatronic beast for another take. Natalie likes to use practical effects as much as possible. She’s often been referred to as the younger, hotter female Michel Gondry, but this is her first foray with effects of this scale. They’ve constructed a massive Loch Ness Monster out of silicone, airbrushing, and a drone submarine device. It’s pretty cool and I’m grateful I don’t have to pretend something is there. Swimming in the actual waters of the loch, instead of a tank in a studio in front of a green screen, will definitely add some authenticity, maybe even a little magic to the scene. But man, I am freezing my balls off.
There is so much hustle and bustle around, I startle when I hear, “Hey, there.”
I turn to see Ava in chocolate brown joggers and a massive fuzzy coat that I’m immediately jealous of, even though this blanket is nice. I give her a half wave and regret removing my arm from my heated cocoon.
Ava pulls a director's chair next to mine. “Mind if I borrow your lamp?”
“Please.”
“How’s the shoot so far?”
“Good, I think. We’ve only done one take so far.”
“Ah. My scene’s up next. How’s the water?”
I shake my head, but I don’t want her to be too nervous about the shoot. “Cold, but you’ll be okay. These wetsuits really do work.”
She nods, then fidgets with a loose string on her chair. It feels like she wants to say something. I’m sure she will if she really wants to.I’m not going to pry it out of her. I stare at the loch and idly wonder how wise it is to put a fake monster somewhere a real monster may live.
“I just wanted to make sure you’re still okay with my idea… I wasn’t sure since you’ve been spending so much time with Skye.”
I don’t have any clue what “idea” she is talking about. But my priority is shooting down whatever impression she has about Skye and me. I shake my head. “I’ve hardly seen her, really.”
This time, I hear the footsteps as Ty approaches. If I could physically tear myself away from this heat lamp, I would find somewhere—anywhere—else to be. But I can’t. I sip my tea and try to lose myself in the warmth and spice of the ginger, with a surprising hint of lemon.
Ty pulls up a chair and sets it next to Ava. “Bet you’re missing the waters of Barbados right about now.”
I shake my head. “Funnily enough, I don’t ever miss that shoot.”
Ty chuckles. “Right.”
Minnie comes over with another steaming cup and hands it to Ava.
“Sweetheart, do you think I could get some coffee and maybe a biscuit if there’s one lying around?” Ty asks as he leans back in his chair.
The hair on the back of my neck bristles. Sweetheart? Really. What year is this? And a biscuit. He means a cookie. I want to grab him by the ears and yell,You’re from Southie!
Minnie nods and gives Ty an odd smile. It’s not like any smile she’s ever given me before. Ty tosses her a wink as she walks away—well, more like saunters. Is there something going on between Minnie and Ty? No. Minnie’s too nice for him. I should say something. Only, it’s really none of my business, and they’re both grown adults.
What is Ty even doing here today? That thought is the one that comes out. “Ty, why are you here? You don’t have a scene today.”
“Just being a supportive cast member, mate.”
I stand. “Mate? Biscuit? You’re not fucking British.”
“Miles!” Natalie yells at me from the water’s edge. She motions me over.
I pull my blanket closer and head to her side.
“Ready for round two?”
I nod.
“Your first take was great. I loved the physicality. But I need more from your expression. This beast has your greatest love’s attention. You hate it with every fiber of your being. But when you look into its eyes, you soften and can see the appeal. You can see what she sees. Does that all make sense?”
My brain still feels numb from the swim, that or I’m just denser than I thought. I really don’t get it. I knit my brows together in an attempt to massage my brain into working. “No.”
Natalie nods but doesn’t seem frustrated. She’s an extremely patient director. “I want you to look at the monster like you look at Ty. Then, when you look deep into the creature’s eyes, I want you to look at it like you look at Skye. Make sense?”
