Page 56 of Arranging Ayra
“Theyareone of the finest in the city,” Barn said with an approving nod.
Rhonda turned to me as if suddenly remembering that I was still with them. “Did you know that Barnaby is truly an expert in beauty? He has an eye for these things... a natural instinct.” She leaned back to admire him. “I mean... look at him. He is the epitome of manliness, of masculinity, of virility.”
Indeed.
She cocked her head to the side and looked at me, her eyes narrowed with a touch of reproach. “You know, if you truly want to capture the full essence of this man and all his masculinity, you really should listen to the directions he offers on set. He knows what his best angles are.” She smiled and winked at him. “Although, I think he’s fabulous from every angle.” She looked back to me. “It really is a shame that you don’t accept his views more.”
“Well,” I began, not really sure where to go. Clearly, she was taking his side and suggesting I not meddle. But... this was my project, too. I had a say in the making of this movie. Not only did I want to make it clear that Keely had asked me to meddle, but that Keely was the best director for this project, that she knew what she was doing. “I think...”
“Actually,” Barn cut in. “The more I think about it, the more I realize that I was right about just about every suggestion that I made... especially those regarding a close up of my face. I mean, that’s the whole idea with this movie, right? We want the world to fall in love with Mr. Darcy and... well...” He grinned and pointed up at his face with both index fingers. “Who in the world wouldn’t fall in love with this face?”
Rhonda giggled and leaned heavily into him, causing him to laugh along with her.
“Isn’t he just so artistic,” she said to me.
Indeed.
“And you are just so full of flattery,” Barn said, leaning into her so much that I thought he was going to kiss her right then and there.
He turned to glance at me, and I could’ve sworn there was a touch of disdain playing on his lips.
“You know, Ayra,” he said. “You really should be supporting me in this. I mean... I am the star of this movie and... It’s not cool that you ignored my suggestions Not cool at all.” He winked at Rhonda who giggled some more.
I felt certain that my cheeks were ruby red. How dare him scold me in front of a cast member. How dare he question my devotion to this project by insinuating that I wasn’t doing what was best. And in front of her. In front ofher!
His tone of reproach was like that of a man to his wife... too customary and too at ease... and yet... Hadn’t he been the one to ask that we remain discreet... especially in front of Rhonda.
My confusion was almost debilitating. What was he doing... and why? My, God, why?
“You know... if you ask me,” Rhonda offered, though no one had asked for her opinion. “Barn here is a stud... a real stud... a man among men. And he deserves all the adoration and admiration that comes his way. And he should only be surrounded by people who show their adoration for him. Clearly, you don’t appreciate him as you should.”
What the hell does that mean?
I considered her words for a moment and truly questioned; did I not appreciate him enough?
Yes, Barn was a good-looking guy. He had a great body, great muscle tone, perfect proportions. He had everything going for him. And yet... I looked at him. Did he perhaps think a little too highly of himself? As great as he looked... a little humility wouldn’t hurt.
“Rhonda’s right. I really should be surrounded with people who adore me.” He looked at her. “I mean, what’s not to adore, right?”
Rhonda playfully pinched his cheek.
“Besides, Ayra,” Barn said as he pulled Rhonda’s hand away from his cheek and held onto it. “I hate to sound like a big shot, but I am the star of this movie. I am the big name. My name alone is going to draw crowds whether this movie actually turns out to be good or not.”
As I stared at him in disbelief, he turned to squarely face me.
“If you really think about it, you were wrong to side with that female director. I mean, she’s nice and all, and I’m sure she’s a decent director, but... come on... I’m the star here. Whatever I say should go.”
“I think we’ve argued the point enough,” Rhonda said as she grabbed his arm. “Let’s go have some fun.”
Stunned, I stood there as they walked away.
Really? Did Barn just turn and leave me stranded in London?
“Seriously?” I muttered to myself as those who passed by looked at me funny.
