Page 61 of Backed By You
It’s like watching someone prepare for combat, but with words instead of weapons.
The door swings open without a knock. A man strides in—tall, tan, the kind of teeth that can’t possibly be real. Jack Turner.
“Callie,” he exclaims, arms spread wide as if he expects her to leap into his arms. I already don’t like him. “The genius herself! Ready to make horror movie history?”
Callie stands, a professional smile replacing her genuine one from moments ago. “Jack, hi—” Before she can finish, he’s embracing her, lifting her slightly off the ground in a bear hug that lasts several seconds too long by my estimation.
When he sets her down, his hands linger on her waist.
My jaw ticks.
“You look amazing,” he says, gaze scanning her appreciatively. “As always.” He winks.
Definitelydon’t like him.
“Thank you,” she says, taking a subtle step back.
Jack’s gaze finally registers my presence. His brows lift slightly, assessing me as I am him.
“Oh, Jack, this is Beau. He’s my—”
“So listen, I was thinking after this wraps, we should grab dinner, catch up properly. It’s been what, six months? I’ve missed our little chats,” he says, his attention solely on her. I note how his hand has somehow found its way to the small of Callie’s back.
The makeup artist returns, forcing Jack to step back as she applies a final touch to Callie’s lips. I catch my girl’s eye in the mirror, a silent communication passing between us.
Boyfriend.
That’s what she wanted to announce to Jack.
“Actually, I have plans tonight,” she says coolly. “But I’ll see you at the premiere.”
“Places, everyone!” a production assistant calls from the doorway.
Jack leans in, his lips brushing Callie’s ear as he whispers something that makes her smile tighten. As they walk toward the door, his hand drifts lower than appropriate on her back for a split second before she casually shifts away.
I fight not to force my way between them and stay back a reasonable distance.
Ellen falls into step beside me as we follow them. “You’re doing great,” she says quietly. “Just remember—”
“Stay out of the shot, maintain sight lines, no visible reactions,” I recite. “I got it.”
She gives me an appraising look. “Good.”
We enter the interview set—a minimal arrangement of modern chairs against a backdrop featuring the film’s poster. Monica, the interviewer, is already seated, reviewing notes. Callie and Jack are directed to their marks, positioning them closer together than I would deem necessary.
I take my position off-camera within Callie’s line of sight. From here, I can watch without being watched, which suits me fine.
“And we’re rolling in three, two…” The producer points silently, and Monica’s professional smile activates.
“I’m here today with writer and director Callie Ryan and star Jack Turner of the highly anticipated thriller and trilogy finale,The Devil’s Lake: Final Descent, in theaters this Friday. Callie, Jack, thank you both for being here.”
The interview starts smoothly enough—questions about the film’s development, Jack’s preparation for his role, Callie’s vision as creator and director. Callie transforms before my eyes, becoming more animated, more confident as she discusses her work. This is her element, and despite my general distaste for the Hollywood machine, I can’t help but admire the joy on her face at this moment.
“Now, Callie,” Monica pivots after about ten minutes, “your move to Montana earlier this year sparked quite a bit of industry speculation. Some suggested it was a creative retreat, others wondered if you were stepping back from directing altogether. Can you tell us what prompted the change?”
Callie’s smile doesn’t falter, but her hands tighten in her lap. “I needed a change of perspective to really see clearly. Montana offered me space to focus on what matters in my work.”
“And what a focused creator she is,” Jack interjects, placing his hand on Callie’s knee. She flinches and I quell the urge to move. My fists ball at my sides. “The character development in this final act is what really sold me on the project.”
