Page 50 of Arranging Ayra
But I was worried, not only about the outcome of the movie and my investment, but also my relationship with Barn. Every time I intervened, I feared his reaction.
Shrugging, I glanced back at the line of trucks following us. “We’re putting so much into this scene. I’m beginning to wonder if that might be a mistake.”
“Don’t worry,” Keely said. “I think Barnaby knows the importance of this scene. He won’t mess this up.”
I wasn’t so sure. The last few days had been filled with little battles that were increasingly difficult to win. I’d almost begun to think that he was deliberately trying to ruin every single scene.
We arrived at the lake and I crossed my fingers.
“This is great,” Barn said as he hopped out of his truck. “Beautiful. Let’s get this scene done. I’m feeling sexy.”
I pressed a wry grin and glanced at Keely who looked up to the cloudless sky.
“Great,” she muttered, then turned to the crew. “I want a camera set up on the bridge, another one in that rowboat and a third...” She looked around for the best option. “How about we try one just about here to capture the entire view?”
“No,” Barn quickly said. “That angle is all wrong. I think the camera should be set up on the far side of the lake.”
Before I could argue with him, Keely stepped in. “You’re right, Barn.” She turned to the camera operator. “Go set up on the other side.”
Pleased, Barn turned to walk across the bridge.
I edged closer to Keely. “Why are you giving in to him so easily? I could have talked him out of it.”
She smiled. “I wanted the camera on the other side to begin with.”
“Ha,” I let out with a laugh. “That’s a risky game to play.”
“When I really want you to step in, I’ll give you a sign.”
“As you say.”
The sun slowly made its way up to the horizon and peered over it to give us the perfect lighting.
Bare-chested and with only his tight black pants on, Barn climbed the railing and dove into the water. Moments later, he stepped out glistening like a god. It was glorious and I instantly knew that Mr. Darcy fans would go wild at the sight.
“Cut!” Keely said at the end of the scene. “That was perfect. Everything was absolutely perfect. Let’s get back to the manor to meet up with Lizzy.”
“Hold on,” Barn said. He looked down at his wet chest. “Why not take advantage of this moment and... you know... make it linger a bit.”
“What do you have in mind?” Keely patiently asked.
“I could lay down in the tall grass and ponder on my relationship with Rho... I mean Lizzy.”
Keely pulled in a long breath, bit her bottom lip, then nodded at one of the camera operators who stepped closer to her. “Get a close up of his face...”
“And chest,” Barn added.
“Get his face and chest and let him ‘ponder’ for a minute or so and then call it a day. I’m heading back.”
We got back into the jeep and were silent most of the way back to the manor.
“It’s a good thing we’re getting close to the end of this thing,” Keely finally said. “His constant changes are driving me up a wall. We’re going to have to shoot the scene with Lizzy later.”
We got out of the jeep.
“How about a nice cup of tea out on the back terrace?” Keely offered.
“Sounds good.”
