Page 55 of Jason
Mallory went into her room and looked out the window at the ocean.She could get used to this, traveling by private jet and living in luxury hotels.She smiled to herself.She was a lucky girl right now.
She checked out her appearance, then went down the hall to Jason’s room and knocked.
“It’s open!”she heard his familiar voice call.
She turned the crystal knob and pushed the door open, peeking around the corner.When she saw Jason, she made a sound of surprise.“Oh my God, Jason!”she exclaimed as she came into the room.He was lying on the bed in sweats and long sleeve tee, and a knit cap on his head.
“Mallory,” he said, his voice full of relief.
“Your back!Surely you’ve been to see someone about it.”
“I have.”He tried to shift, but it clearly pained him.
“Don’t move,” she said, coming forward.She grabbed some pillows and helped him lean up.“What’s going on with your back?”
“According to the doctor, it’s either a herniated disk or maybe an autoimmune disease.”
“No way!”
“I’ve got some tests scheduled for next week and in the meantime, I’ve got some muscle relaxers and pain pills.”He smiled grimly.“You’ll have to drive.”
“Poor Jason,” she said with true sympathy.
He sighed and laced his fingers with hers.“I’m glad you’re here.”
Oh, be still her heart.“Me too.”
“Come here,” he said softly, and pulled her down to kiss her.“I’mreallyglad you’re here,” he said again, and kissed her cheek, then let her go.“Let’s get to work.Do you see my phone anywhere?And can you give me a hand up out of this bed?”
She helped him up, and when he was on his feet, he smiled down at her, pushing hair from her temple.“We need to go to the hospital and see the set-up.We’ve got the site for two days.We have to start filming tomorrow.The crew is finishing the set-up tonight.”
“Okay.”
“Are you ready?”
“Never been readier,” she said, and smiled when he kissed her forehead.
It was excruciating to watch Jason get in the Range Rover.The pain was etched around his mouth and eyes.Mallory thought he ought not to be driving around, but she could also tell by the furrow between his eyes that now was not the time to bring it up.
At the hospital, the crew was hard at work.It never ceased to amaze Mallory how many people it took to bring a project to the screen.All of this was to film Trent walking out the hospital, his character having received the news that his estranged son’s best friend had been killed.
Neil was on set, and greeted Mallory with a smile.“Great to see you,” he said, and to Jason, “Where the hell is Cass?”
“I’m not sure,” Jason said.“He won’t answer his phone.”
Neil stared at Jason.“We have our first shoot tomorrow.”
“Right.Meet your director,” he said, and nodded at Mallory.
“Surprise!”Mallory said sheepishly.
“No way,” Neil said.
“It’s true,” Jason said.
Neil sighed.He nodded and looked at Mallory.“Okay, kid.Let’s do this.”
Mallory didn’t want to turn into a complete nerd in front of everyone, but the next two hours was absolute heaven to her.She and Neil went over the scene, walking the location set, looking at different angles, and determining, together, the camera placement.He actually listened to her.And he showed her different ways to look at the scene.
