Page 11 of The Fake Script
My mind is still resonating with Emma’s words from earlier. And the way she came alive, her eyes sparkling, cheeks flushed. I could almost see a glimmer of the Emma I knew ten years ago.
What she said makes sense too. I need to talk to Clarence about taking another look at the script. It’s my duty as a producer and the lead actor. Okay, maybe it’s a little personal too. This might be my shot to spend some time with Emma, something I can’t stop craving. Even if she doesn’t remember who I am, I need to know that she’s okay.
Clarence is currently going over the dailies, AKA the raw footage from today, with Stuart and June.
“Clarence,” I call out. “Can I talk to you for a sec?”
“Sure.” He nods, coming over.
“I keep thinking about what that girl, Emma, said earlier about Diego’s gesture.”
He opens his mouth to retort, but I raise my hand.
“I know what you’re going to say. But hear me out. This book is wildly popular, and we already know it might be a tough sell for the hardcore fans. That’s often the case. Getting input from one of those fans isn’t such a bad idea. Ultimately, books belong to the readers, not the authors. They’re the ones who turn them into something big. Maybe we can ask her opinion on the script, and I can work with her on my character.”
“Auston,” Clarence sighs, scratching his head. “That’s not how it works.”
“We have consultants, don’t we?”
He scoffs. “Not after production starts!”
“Clarence, you know I only agreed to this project because of you. We can do great things together. I want to do this story justice. Don’t you? Isn’t that why we’re filming this entire thing here in New York? Why you didn’t want to recreate the bookstore on a lousy soundstage? It’s about authenticity.” I’m a little out of breath, but I think my rant was worth it. Clarence is hesitating. “I really believe it’s the right choice.”
“Fine.” He rolls his eyes. “We can’t change much at this point, but you can bring her on board. I’ll ask Stuart to set up the contract and talk to her.”
“How about I talk to her?”
“Why?” He furrows his eyebrows, peering at me suspiciously.
I shove my hands in my pockets. “I just have a feeling she’ll need some convincing.”
“Fine by me. Do what you do best.”
I flash my award-winning smile. “Will do.”
“Hey, you! Why did you disappear?” Madison’s voice purrs behind me, her hand grazing my back. “I missed you.”
“Look, Madison,” I murmur in a low voice, not wanting to embarrass her in front of the crew. “I told you I’m not interested. The sooner you accept that, the better. Can’t we just be friends and professionals for once?”
She looks taken aback, but she wouldn’t be Madison White if she didn’t recover quickly. “Auston,” she says, laying her hand on my chest. “I’m always professional. What do you say we go out to Gino’s tonight to celebrate our first day of filming?”
I arch an eyebrow. “Gino’s? As in the most popular celebrity hangout in Manhattan?”
“Well, weareshooting together. Or have you forgotten how publicity works?”
I knew agreeing to this movie was a bad idea. “I have other plans, Madi. We can let the PR team handle our publicity.”
Before she can utter another word, I worm my way off set. I head to the door that stands next to the bookstore, the same one where Emma disappeared earlier, and ring the doorbell.
“Who is it?” a cheerful voice asks on the interphone.
I clear my throat. “Auston Buckley. We met earlier. I’m the a—”
A loud curse rips out of her mouth, followed by some ruffling. The sound seems to turn off, then she says, “I’ll buzz you in.”
The buzzer blares, and I push thedoor open. As I walk up the flight of stairs, the door at the top opens, revealing the brunette from earlier. Alice, I think.
“Hi.” I wave. “Sorry to drop by. I was wondering if I could talk to Emma?”