“You okay over there?” he asks, dryly.
“Hm?” I reply. “Uhuh.”
“Why aren’t you looking at me?”
“I’m looking at you.”
“You’re looking at my ear.”
“It’s part of you isn’t it?”
“I’m sure it’s irresistible but I’m sure I haven’t had someone so interested in it before.”
My eyes snap to his with a glare.
“You’re insufferable, do you know that?”
He grins impishly.
“Ici,” Jaques says from the front seat.
I fling myself out of the car, desperate for fresh air instead of the lingering scent of Danny’s shampoo and what I can only assume is some sort of aphrodisiac. “I’ll get your sides.” I slam the car door behind me.
The production truck is busy which is my first warning. I sidle up to Sarah who is frantically typing on her phone.
“Morning,” I say. “Busy in here today.”
Sarah grunts, “Yup. Bigwigs are here.” She gestures with her head to the door separating the office to the rest of the truck.
I raise my eyebrows but before I can say anything the door swings open and a tall middle aged man walks out. His intimidating presence steals the air from the truck, his self satisfied gaze assessing the room. I try to mold into the wall to avoid the attention of who I quickly realize is Charles Covington, Danny’s father. Although they don’t look alike, I can see enough of Danny in his hair and frame that the relation is unmistakable.
He makes polite conversation with Sarah and Brian, or at least what I’m sure he considers polite. I pretend to be engrossed in the schedule hanging on the wall behind him, desperate to escape his notice.
“You’re Danny’s girl right?” the booming American voice sounds. I jump, bristling at the moniker.
“I’m his assistant, Anya,” I say, stumbling over the term. Even to my ears it sounds inaccurate for my job. From his raised eyebrow, I know Mr Covington feels the same.
“How is he doing?” he asks, not quietly. I can see everyone in the small truck barely hiding their eavesdropping.
“Uhm, yeah good,” I say. “He’s very passionate about the role.” I know that’s an outright lie. It’s a struggle to get Danny to care about the job at all, but at least he’s trying.
Mr Covington barks a laugh, “That’s good to hear. Just make sure he shows up, alright?”
I nod. He gives me a long lingering stare, his beady eyes glistening and his tongue licking his lower lip. My skin bristles under his attention but thankfully Sarah presses Danny’s sides into my hands and I’m able to make my escape.
Danny is in his trailer, leaning on the wall opposite the door as if waiting for me. I jump at his presence.
“Are those the sides?” he asks, taking them out of my hands before I can reply.
His brow furrows as he reads them, turning away from me. I shift my weight from foot to foot as I wonder how to approach the topic.
“So, uhm,” I start. “I think your dad is here.”
Danny freezes, his shoulders seizing up.
“I mean, he’s definitely here. I just spoke with him.”
Danny straightens, “I know,” he says, in a way that convinces me that he probably didn’t. He turns to me and runs his fingers through his hair. “How long until I’m needed on set?”
