Page 6 of Love: Take Two

I get a thumbs up, and my phone rings almost immediately. It's Rory.

"Hey Noah. You better come get this fool!" she shouts, her tone annoyed.

"What happened?" I question, prepared to defend my client to the death, if necessary. She sucks her teeth.

"Whatdidn'thappen?" she scoffs. "It's day three and we're falling behind because Yong-rae keeps insisting on more takes. He's practically slurring his words, so drunk he's messing up his blocking. Tabitha ispissed!"

I pinch the bridge of my nose.

"That doesn't sound like him at all," I counter. "I've known him for over a year, and all the guy does when he's not acting is drink protein shakes and work out."

Rory snorts.

"Well, maybe a weight fell on his head, or he's been body-snatched and this is the beginning of 'Soylent Green', because the person you're describing isnotwho showed up today. And Noah," she warns, "things weren't much better on days one and two."

"Shit," I curse. "I'm on my way. I should be there in about forty minutes."

Rory mutters to herself, seeming to do some mental calculations.

"…OK. That's perfect. The script supervisor is making a few edits while Tabitha talks with her lawyer."

"Her lawyer?" I stammer. "Isn't that taking things a little far for this early in the game?"

I can't see Rory shaking her head, but I can feel it. Her exhale is heavy with frustration and disappointment.

"Sorry, Noah, but it's bad. Get down here quick so you can sit down with Tabitha's attorney and hopefully come to an agreement for the rest of production. You know as well as I do that paparazzi can smell on-set drama like sharks smell blood in the water. If that happens, the studio will flip."

Once I confirm the set address, I end the call.

I don't know what's going on with Yong-rae, but Iwillget to the bottom of it. Two weeks ago, his idea of a wild night was takeout, and now he's drinking on the job? It doesn't make sense! I just hope Tabitha's attorney isn't as insufferable as my brother can be, and that whoever they are is feeling charitable towards a rising star with the weight of the studio—and Luxe Partners—on his shoulders.

Chapter five

Awa

"Quel idiot," I mutter under my breath as Yong-rae misses yet another mark, only the top of his right shoulder still in view on the monitor. Edward isn't the type to yell or throw equipment, but I can tell from the clench of his jaw that he's nearing the end of his patience with the rookie actor. The budget is big, but if we go through a reel of film every day, I doubt the studio will be happy.

"Cut!" the director grits out. "Take ten, everyone!"

Edward stalks off, and I get a meaningful look from Rory, the producer, who's already making her way toward me.

"I've never seen anything like it," she murmurs once she's beside me, keeping her voice low. "We had rounds and rounds of auditions. A chemistry read that still gives me chills." Rory shakes her head. "Did the kid suffer a TBI in the last few weeks?"

I try not to laugh.

She's not wrong; it's as if Yong-rae has completely forgotten how to act. He's flubbing his lines, repeatedly making eye-contact with the camera, and even his usual charismatic smile seems forced. It's a little silly that she would call him a kid when they both look to be in their mid-to-late twenties, but Rory is masterfully leading a crew of over one hundred people, while Yong-rae is bombing in front of all of them.

"His agent is on the way to talk to him," she continues. "I don't know how much good it'll do, but I'll try anything at this point."

"Is there anythingIcan do?" I ask.

She's got as much riding on this as Tabitha, who used a fair amount of her industry clout to get this role. Tabitha's ability to sell tickets is undeniable; it's made us both extremely rich. But ever since a mean-spirited article dubbed her the "Queen of the Popcorn Flick", she's been eager to show off her acting chops. Unlike Yong-rae, shehasthem.

Rory smiles gratefully.

"Do you think you could talk Tabitha off the ledge?" she asks sheepishly. "I know this is bad, but we're going to get a handle on things ASAP. This will be my first time working with Noah, but everyone says he's one of the best in the business. Once he talks to Yong-rae, we'll know what our next steps are."

Someone says something into Rory's headset, and she takes off. I'm left standing there, stunned. Yong-rae's agentis named Noah…There's no way she's talking aboutmyNoah, right?