His headset met the ground with a forceful thud, ’Can someone please teach her how to kiss! She looks like she’s having an epileptic attack!’

Surrounded by the sprawling flora and pruned hedges, the lead actress stood illuminated by a spotlight, embodying her heroic character in the midst of an intense scene. Her hands released the prop gun with a flourish, sending it clattering to the ground. Her exit, however, seemed hurried and lacking the intended finesse.

’Tina! Now!’ The Director roared.

’On it!’ I was already up. ’Just because you asked so nicely.’ I muttered under my breath as I hurriedly moved behind the lead actress.

She sat gracefully on a bench overlooking the Bassin de Neptune, her gaze fixed on the water, as if she was still caught in yesterday’s scene. ’Catherine, what’s wrong?’

Her response was nonchalant, almost dismissive. ’Nothing,’ she replied, her fingers deftly undoing the hairpin that held her meticulously styled 1940s pompadour.

Hours of painstaking effort had been invested in perfecting that vintage look, only to watch it being unraveled with seeming disregard. I couldn’t help but let out an exasperated sigh. ’It wasn’t nice what he said.’

A spark of anger flashed in her eyes as she retorted, a hint of bitterness underscoring her words. ’He’s an asshole. And a dick.’

Though I agreed completely with her, I couldn’t openly agree, knowing she was fucking the Director. The early spring leaves rustled gently and the gravel crunched beneath my feet, as I crouched beside her. ’Catherine, you’re incredibly talented,” I said, hoping to instill a sense of confidence within her. ’But we can both admit that what happened back there wasn’t your best work.’

She pouted her full Marilyn Monroe lips. ’You think I’m talented?’

’Absolutely,’ I nodded convincingly, ’And Jean knows it too. He’s said it countless times before.’

’Yeah, each time after we…’

’It’s all right, I won’t tell anyone.’ Taking her hand in mine, I offered a reassuring squeeze. The unspoken truth was already a whispered secret among the crew. ’Why don’t you go back out there, give that kiss everything you’ve got? Make him jealous, and mark my words, tonight you’ll find flowers waiting for you at your hotel. He’ll be begging for your attention.’