Page 98 of Christmas at the Movies
‘Take twenty-two,’ called Kirsty.
Mia started the scene again. ‘It’s good to be—’
‘CUT!’ shouted Noa, before she’d even got all of her line out. ‘Do it again,’ he told Mia. ‘And this time, you might want to try acting for a change.’
‘Iamacting,’ she said, biting her lower lip. ‘I just can’t figure out what you’re looking for.’
Noa gave a huff of irritation. ‘You know, there were hundreds of other actors I could have cast for this part. And it’s not too late for me to change my mind.’
Mia’s eyes filled with tears. A make-up artist hurried over and touched up her make-up.
In the next take, the actress’s eyes shone and her voice cracked with emotion as she surveyed the inn’s dining room.
‘That’s more like it!’ said Noa, finally satisfied with his leading lady’s performance.
Maybe that’s why Noa is being so tough on her,thought Holly as the crew started setting up for the next scene. Maybe that’s how you won Oscars.
Or maybe he was just a dick …
After filming a few more scenes, the background artists and crew were dismissed. Holly grabbed an empty seat on the coach. She was hoping Aaron would sit next to her, but instead Mum slid into the seat.
‘Did you have fun?’ Mum asked.
‘Yes,’ said Holly. ‘But I’m tired.’
‘You and Aaron looked very cosy on the coach earlier. You really like him, don’t you?’
Holly stiffened. God, was it really that obvious?
‘He clearly likes you too,’ continued Mum. ‘But I don’t think you should get involved with an older boy.’
‘Who said I’m involved with him?’
‘I’m not an idiot, Holly,’ said Mum. ‘I can see what’s going on.’
Holly felt her cheeks start to burn. ‘It’s none of your business. I don’t want to have this conversation.’
‘Well, I do,’ said Mum. ‘Aaron is a nice guy, but I don’t think you should rush into a relationship at such a young age. He’ll be off to uni next year and you need to focus on your GCSEs.’
Holly narrowed her eyes at her mother. Her parents had been annoyed with each other for months. Poor Nick was worried sick about it. And judging from Dad’s mood this morning, they still hadn’t sorted out whatever was wrong between them. Holly knew what was really going on here – her parents’ marriage was in trouble and Mum couldn’t bear for anyone else to be happy. ‘What makes you think I’d take relationship advice fromyou?’
You idiot,thought Sarah, staring gloomily out of the coach’s window. She and Holly had been getting along better, but now she’d gone and blown it. She should have kept her big mouth shut. Holly had refused to speak to her for the rest of the journey back to the cinema. Worst of all, Sarah knew her daughter was right – she was in no position to be dispensing relationship advice.
She still hadn’t told James about Noa’s offer.
Because you know he won’t like it …
Being back at Merricourt Manor had stirred up all sorts of emotions. She and James had been so happy as newlyweds. Sure that nothing would ever change their love for each other. Back then, they didn’t keep secrets from each other.
As Sarah stepped off the coach, a short, dark-haired woman in a tailored trouser suit and high-heeled ankle boots was getting out of a taxi.
‘If you want him to commit to another season, you’re going to have to improve the fee,’ the woman said into her mobile. ‘There’s a lot of buzz around him since his BAFTA nomination, so he’s not exactly short of offers.’
‘Pari!’ Sarah exclaimed when her friend finished her call. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘I thought I’d pay one of my biggest clients a visit on set.’ Pari winked at Sarah. ‘All part of the service – gotta earn that fifteen per cent commission. Plus, it was a good excuse to see you.’
Sarah hugged her best friend. ‘Do you want to stay with us? I can make the kids double up.’
