Page 77 of Fake Married to the Grumps

Jack, a seasoned assistant director with a penchant for classic films, is quick to chime in. "Without a doubt,The Godfather. It's a masterpiece in every sense—iconic performances, intricate storytelling, and unforgettable cinematography."

I nod, acknowledging his choice. "Solid pick, Jack. But what about you, Sam? Any thoughts on the greatest movie ever made?"

Sam, the youngest member of our group and a fervent fan of modern blockbusters, grins enthusiastically. "For me, it's gotta beThe Dark Knight. Christopher Nolan's masterpiece. It's not just a superhero movie; it's a gripping crime thriller with complex characters and moral dilemmas."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by his choice. "Interesting. And what about you, Mike? Any contenders for the top spot?"

Mike, our resident cinephile and self-proclaimed film buff, strokes his beard thoughtfully. "Ah, that's a tough one. But if I had to choose, I'd go withCasablanca.It's a timeless classic—romance, drama, and intrigue set against the backdrop of World War II. Plus, it gave us one of the most iconic lines in cinematic history."

I chuckle, appreciating the diversity of opinions among my colleagues. "Well, it seems we've got quite the range of tastes here.The Godfather,The Dark Knight, andCasablanca—three very different films, but all equally worthy of the title of the greatest movie ever made."

"And you, Marissa," Jack says, turning to me with a playful glint in his eye, "what's your pick?"

I pause, considering my options carefully. "Well, it's tough to narrow it down to just one, but if I had to choose, I'd go withThe Shawshank Redemption.It's a timeless tale of hope, friendship, and redemption that never fails to move me."

The guys acknowledge my choice with nods of agreement. "A classic pick. Can't go wrong withThe Shawshank Redemption," Sam says, echoing their sentiments.

In a world where egos and ambitions often clash, it's refreshing to find a group of colleagues who share my enthusiasm for the art of filmmaking.

It's moments like these—bonding over our love for cinema—that remind me why I fell in love with this industry in the first place.

The director announces a break, and everyone disperses to go for lunch, but I'm not that hungry. I had a heavy breakfast,so I sit back and relax. Bryce approaches me, his expression unreadable.

"Mind if I join the party?"

I gesture to the empty chair beside me. "Of course, pull up a seat."

"Saw you with some guys."

"We were just discussing the new Tarantino film."

Bryce takes a seat, his face unreadable. "Quite the lively discussion you were having there."

I raise an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He shrugs. "Just an observation. You seem to have a lot of male admirers."

"They're just friends, Bryce. Besides, it's not like I'm the only woman on set."

He nods. "True, but not all of them have your ... charm."

I roll my eyes. "Please. They're just being friendly. It's not like they're trying to sweep me off my feet."

"Just be careful, okay? I know you can handle yourself, but I still worry sometimes."

"I think I can handle myself, thank you very much. Besides, I trust my instincts."

"I know they seem harmless, but you never know. I just want you to be cautious, that's all."

Bryce is now leaning in with an unreadable expression, his voice low and urgent. These guys are harmless, and I don't see why he's going on and on about such a trivial matter.

"I appreciate your concern. But like I said, I know how to take care of myself."

He shakes his head, frustration is evident in his tone. "I know you like to see the best in people, Marissa. It's one of the things I admire about you. But sometimes, it's okay to be a little guarded."

I bristle at his words, feeling a surge of indignation rising within me. I'm not the same little girl he knew years ago.

A distant memory flashes through my mind. I remember a time when we were kids, and a group of older boys were bullying me. Bryce stepped in, putting himself between me and them, ready to take on the world to keep me safe.

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