Liam gave Chloe a parting hug. She was reluctant to leave his side. He seemed so comfortable in this world of his.
On the way out Simone called back to Daisy, “Don’t forget to take that rock off your finger before we film.”
Chloe’s pulse hadn’t stopped racing since she’d awakened at six filled with nervous energy. She was nervous for herself—she was so out of her element. Nervous for the movie itself. She was nervous for Liam too—probably more so than he was.
But at the moment, watching everyone scurry about on the job, she felt like a third wheel. She’d already met everyone on set, and now there was really nothing to do but wait. Might as well get comfy and get ready to watch the action.
She stepped into the video village and sank onto the nearest chair, the wood-framed kind that sat high and sported a canvas seat and back.
Everyone was so nice. Busy, but nice. Back toward the house Liam and Daisy, finished with hair and makeup, were holding the script between them, probably running lines or discussing the first scene they’d shoot. The filming would begin soon.
They were putting final touches on the set. The two white Adirondack chairs they’d planted close to the water seemed like a prime-time reading spot. Why hadn’t she thought of that? Greenery had also been added along the shoreline. It looked so nice and lush. When all this was over she’d be making a trip to the nursery.
Rex gave direction to the lighting crew, his deep voice booming across the shaded yard. (Who knew you even needed lighting during the day?) Before meeting Simone, Rex, and the studio execs in January, Chloe had done a little research on the director, who’d been credited with many successful films. He was known in the industry for being intensely dedicated to his work but also for being painfully direct and lacking a sense of humor. He was certainly on the gruff side.
Note to self: stay out of his way.
She spotted her next-door neighbors, Vicki and Rod, sitting on their deck, enjoying the show. The location guide had gone door to door long ago, informing her neighbors of the filming and getting their permission. They all seemed excited to have scenes from a movie shooting on their street.
Her gaze drifted again over the action in her backyard. Hard to believe all this was happening because of her book. Her story. These scenes, these characters, all products of her imagination, were coming alive before her eyes. And all these people running about, doing their jobs, were here for one purpose only: to bring her story to life.
Time seemed to stop. The activity in her yard seemed to morph into slow motion as a wave of awe swept over her. Wow, this was actually happening. Her book was being adapted into a movie.
“Do I look tired?” Daisy patted under her eyes. “I’m still jet-lagged. Those three hours get me every time.”
Liam scanned the yard and found Chloe standing in front of the video village, taking it all in. He was happy for her. Maybe even a little proud. “You’re fine, but if you don’t stop touching your face, Sophía’s gonna be over here with the powder.”
“She’s a miracle worker. I had a zit the size of Mount Vesuvius and now it’s nowhere to be seen.”
Liam’s production assistant, Elliot, handed him a water bottle and Liam thanked him before he scurried off.
Liam returned his attention to Chloe, who brushed at something on her flowy white skirt, probably cat hair. Buttercup shed like a German shepherd. Liam couldn’t see Chloe’s expression as she faced the river, but he’d bet she was biting her lip. She wore her brown hair back in a classy bun today, leaving her long, graceful neck exposed. A strand of hair had come loose from the knot and played in the cradle between her neck and shoulder.
He’d missed being around her this past week. He’d reflected several times on dinner with her family. He’d enjoyed meeting them last weekend, even if her brother hadn’t exactly put out the welcome mat. Her mom was an angel, affectionate and accepting. And it was obvious Jerry viewed Chloe and Sean as his own. The couple had treated Liam like a regular person—something he’d come to miss. Their house might be on the small side, but it was cozy and clean. He envied Chloe for having been raised in such a warm environment.
“So... you and the author, huh?” Daisy’s voice cut through his thoughts. “That’s a little different for you, isn’t it?”
“Very different.”
“She’s cute and seems like a nice person. And having read her book, I feel like I know her a little. She has a unique voice.”
“She’s really special.” He was looking forward to more time withher over the next few months. She intrigued him. He couldn’t remember feeling that way about another woman.
“She must be to have captured your heart. Is she excited about the movie?”
“Very much so. Nervous too, I think. She hopes it’ll accurately reflect the book.”
“I imagine every author wants that. But I think the script does a great job of capturing the essence of her story. Now it’s up to us to bring it alive. I’m excited about playing Cate. There are so many nuances to her character and to the relationship between her and Ledger...”
Daisy’s words faded away as Chloe sank into a chair in the video village—the chair marked very clearly on the back in large white letters:DIRECTOR. She crossed her legs, getting comfy.
“Places, everyone!” Rex called. He’d just finished with the lighting crew, and he and Simone were now headed up the slope of the lawn toward Chloe.
“Break a leg.” Daisy headed toward the pier.
“Chloe,” Liam called quietly. She didn’t hear him and he didn’t want to draw attention to her gaffe. “Chloe!”
She turned and her smile slipped, no doubt at his sober expression. He waved her over.
