Page 97 of Mr. Fixer Upper
“No problem. We can run out, pick up lunch for everyone while they set up, eat when we come back, and then start there.”
She eyed him. “Look at you being accommodating.”
“I can be accommodating. Charming, too. Handsome, strong, fairly intelligent, high tolerance for pain, I can hold my liquor, and I make a decent red sauce.” He counted off his attributes.
He saw her lips quirk, knew she was fighting to stay cool, and he pressed his luck. “I don’t know if you know this about me, but I can also burp the alphabet. Maybe I’ll show you sometime.”
She made a strangled sound that she tried to cover with a cough. “Damn it, Gannon.”
“Princess, all’s fair in love and war.”
“If that isn’t the biggest misstatement ever, I don’t know what is.”
“Biggest demo bang for this floor is the kitchen and that horrible fridge. Then we can hit the master bath,” Gannon said, switching gears to throw her off balance.
“Don’t destroy that tub,” Paige warned him.
He held up three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”
“Let’s rally the crews,” she said with a curt nod.
He listened in as she talked her crew through the day, answering questions, delegating. She knew what she was doing. Giving everyone specific roles, detailed instructions. Paige wasn’t big on ambiguity. He’d learned that a little late.
“Tony’s first unit this morning, and we’ve got Chantay and Nina on second unit. We’ll switch up this afternoon. Felicia’s our sound wizard for the duration, and Bradley is our very energetic production assistant. He’s also going to be equipped with a GoPro so he can pick up any behind-the-scenes stuff we might miss with the first or second unit.” Paige consulted her tablet. “Everyone set?”
They nodded, glancing around their little circle.
“Good. Let’s do the best job we can, be safe, learn something good, and try not to piss off Gannon. He can be temperamental.” She winked at him.
“If I’m temperamental,” Gannon interrupted, stepping into their circle. “It’s because it’s warranted… mostly.”
They grinned at him. He motioned his crew over and made the introductions. And for those of you who don’t know, this is Eddie. Eddie’s our EP and money man, so definitely don’t piss him off.”
Eddie doffed his cap affably.
“And just so we’re on the same page,” Gannon continued. “We’re all going to get to know each other real well over the next few months. It’ll be hard work, but worth it. At least for me since I get to move in here in the end.”
There were a few smiles, snickers. “Paige and I are going to treat you like family, and we expect you to return the courtesy. That means, what happens on set is family business, and it stays here. Got me?”
Everyone nodded, and he caught Paige shooting him a warning look.
“Here’s your first bit of family business. I’m in love with Paige here, but she won’t give me the time of day. So I’m going to be wearing her down during the course of this shoot, and I’d appreciate you all singing my praises to her.”
“He isn’t totally hideous-looking, Paige,” Flynn called from the fringe of the circle.
The crews chuckled, and Paige shot poisoned darts at him from blue, icy eyes.
“Try a little harder than Flynn,” Gannon suggested. “Now, let me apologize to Paige for bringing up personal business, and then we can get our day started. Everyone can move out. I don’t know if this floor can hold all of us for much longer.”
They dispersed, and Paige scowled at him. She yanked her headset off. “What the hell was that, Gannon?”
“I’m putting everyone on the same field.”
“I’m directing. I’m the boss.” She drilled a finger into his chest. “How am I going to be the boss when everyone has just been given permission to stick their noses into my private life?”
“Honey, I don’t want to sneak around. I didn’t say you were panting after me, begging me for a quick bang.”
She slapped a hand over his mouth. “Just. Stop. Talking. Or I’m going to use a nail gun to shut your mouth.”
