Claire blew out a breath. “I have to get through this scene; then I’ll call my publicist. I’ve got another scene after that. Then Josh.” She put her hands on her hips. “It’s going to be a long day.”
Hailey tried to hug her, but Claire quickly pulled away. Hailey felt bad for her part in this mess. She’d really thought Josh would be a nice break for Claire. She was still having trouble believing that Josh would deliberately hurt Claire. Was he that desperate for money for his dream bar? She didn’t want to think that about him, she always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt, but it wasn’t looking good.
Blake stopped Claire on her way back to the set and spoke quietly to her, his hand on her lower back in a close rather intimate hold. Claire nodded, put her hand on his arm, and seemed to be thanking him for something. Odd because she thought Claire didn’t like him much and that Blake didn’t talk to women unless he knew he had a shot with them. Hailey shook her natural love instincts off. It must be because Claire was the boss that Blake spoke to her, and, of course, all the sex scenes in the movie would naturally lead to a comfortable intimacy.
A short while later, they were ushered onto the set where Claire and Blake were acting out the scene. Hailey and the other extras were soon given their instructions—stand around, mouth pretend conversations, and occasionally toss back nonalcoholic champagne. They all started with great enthusiasm, and Hailey even threw her head back a few times in silent laughter at something Charlotte mouthed to her. Her enthusiasm didn’t last long.
Claire stopped by to ask Hailey to keep it low-key. The focus should be on Damon and Mia.
Hailey worked on being low-key, which was very difficult for someone used to shining in the spotlight as she had in all those pageants. And also she was in a movie! And not just any movie. Her favorite book come to life! They had to shift groups and people several times during filming, bringing her to mingle with Angelo’s older brother, Nico, who was as good looking as Blake Grenier! Maybe even better. Pure Italian hottie. If there were beauty pageants for men, he’d have a closet full of tiaras. Nico was super good at being low-key, not even moving his mouth at all. Just standing there. She kept up her animated nonconversations as she worked through Angelo’s brothers and their wives, then her friends, even once at the bar in the background behind Damon.
Four hours later, her enthusiasm was flagging. Claire must’ve made them run through the same scene a hundred times. Hailey was so bored. And hungry too. Didn’t they break for dinner or something?
By the time they finished an hour later, Hailey was so over show business. It looked a lot more glamorous on the big screen than it was in real life. She didn’t know how Claire managed all the repetition. Each time they had to bring all their energy to the scene over and over and over like it was the very first time, until the take was perfect. If even one thing was off with lights, sound, the actors, wardrobe, makeup, they had to set up all over again!
Hailey drooped back to the green room where they’d left their purses. She checked her cell for a text from Josh and was relieved to see he agreed to meet Claire tonight as she’d requested. She let Claire know, who was already bossing people around to set up for the coatroom scene. Claire thanked her and went back to work. Poor Claire. Who knew how many takes that scene would require?
Mad was pumped. She snagged her canvas messenger bag and flung it over her shoulder. “I can’t wait to see us in the movie. We’re famous! Let’s hit Garner’s. First round’s on me.”
The women agreed heartily and made their way back to the limo, chattering about their exciting day. Hailey just felt tired. She’d probably worn herself out with full-throttle excitement from the moment she’d woke this morning at six. Now it was five thirty. She told herself to rally. What was the point in getting all glam with her besties if they didn’t celebrate together?
It was nearly seven when they got to the bar. Josh was working his usual shift. He should leave soon if he wanted to be in the city for Claire’s requested meeting at nine. Claire’s hours might be long, but they were strictly defined by the union regulations for everyone she’d hired.
Mad slapped her hand on the bar. “Beers on me.”
“I’ll take chardonnay,” Julia said.
“Martini,” Charlotte said.
All of them changed their drink orders except Mad. Hailey remained quiet. She’d just have water. She was already tired and alcohol would likely put her to sleep. She should probably grab some dinner soon.