’I’ll compromise.’ Kate offered. ’I’ll swap out the Panavision for the IMAX and shoot the scenes in Bordeaux using the IMAX setup.”

’I’m afraid that won’t work.’ I said. ’The set in Bordeaux is already being prepared based on the Panavision equipment, as per your own request.”

’Tomorrow you will stand here, praying you could re-do this moment and say; ’Kate, you were right. I wish I had listened to you. Custom lenses.’ Kate playfully swept her lustrous brown hair behind her ear.

’You’re driving me nuts.’ I pointed my fork at her. ’I just had an hour with Jean-Pierre, roles reversed, I pleaded for more budget.’

’I like that thought.’ She gave me a quick once over. ’Just wait what I will do to you in Bordeaux when I start about an upgrade for the Panavision.’

Slightly uncomfortable with the shift in the tone of our conversation, I looked away. Outside, cones and barricades were strategically positioned, delineating the boundaries of the set and ensuring the safety of both the cast and passersby. Across the street cables were laid out along the pavement, forming a complex network that would soon bring light and life to the scene. One of Kate’s team members stood huddled, at a portal of one of the apartment buildings. ’What’s up with her? Is she crying?’

Kate followed my look and shrugged. ’She had an abortion last week. Boyfriend didn’t want it, she thought she didn’t either. Now she regrets.’

I pushed my plate away. A surge of anger erupted within me, a sudden and intense blaze that coursed through my veins like molten lava. I wasn’t a religious person, didn’t believe in God. I even championed abortion rights during my college years. But at this stage in my life, the idea of intentionally ending a likely healthy life, in a seemingly healthy body, was more than I could bare.

’Shit,’ Kate whispered, placing her cutlery down. Her gaze was sympathetic, eyes radiating warmth. ’This must be hard for you.’

’How do you know?’

’People talk. Sorry.’ She said and for a moment it felt like she wanted to place her hand on mine, but she only leaned forward. ’They said it was a late miscarriage. How far were you?’