Page 73 of On Set
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My phone has been vibratingin my pocket for the last hour non-stop. I’d love nothing more than to stop and answer it, or even turn it off, but today has been a clusterfuck since the moment we stepped on set three hours ago. All my time has been spent taking deep breaths and trying not to scream in frustration.
Ansen’s been doing that enough for all of us.
The wrong sets were constructed while we were gone. The plan for the remainder of production completely shot.
The costumes aren’t right.
Celia’s wig is missing.
One of the camera operators decided not to show up today.
There are three cases of equipment that weren’t delivered.
I need a vacation.
If it could go wrong, it has. Every available person has been running around in an attempt to help fix the dozens upon dozens of issues we’ve encountered this morning.
Of course, I’m one of those people. I’ve looked in every nook and cranny for Celia’s wig to no avail. I’m about to head to another studio to check there when Ansen calls everyone back to the set through the walkie.
We’re all gathering in a circle around where he’s standing on a chair. As I scan the crowd for Eli, a feeling of uneasiness washes over me just as my phone buzzes in my pocket again. I haven’t seen him since we parted ways this morning.
We didn’t get back into town until late last night. Instead of driving back to my place, we crashed at his and he drove us in this morning. The short, fifteen-minute drive allowed me to sleep in an extra half hour, and I woke feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything.
Well, anything but this. I couldn’t have predicted the day going like this if I tried. It’s always an adjustment getting back on set after being away. But this … this is beyond my wildest imagination.
“Okay, obviously nothing is getting done today,” Ansen starts, blowing out a breath of frustration. “The sets will be finished by mid-afternoon tomorrow according to the construction team. Until then, there’s not much we can do. If you are missing something from your department, please fill out a report before you leave and give it to Taylor.”
I step forward so everyone can see me. Not that they don’t know who I am.
“I expect everyone to report at noon tomorrow and be ready to get to work. We’re on schedule to wrap early. Let’s keep it that way. The sooner we finish this project, the sooner we get a break before we move onto the next. Enjoy your afternoon off.”
Stepping off the chair, Ansen hands me a stack of papers as people begin to approach me. Handing them out one by one, I’m down to my last piece when I finally spot Eli speaking with Ansen across the room. Both keep glancing in my direction, a clear indication they’re talking about me. That doesn’t bother me. It’s the shared look of concern on their faces that does.
Ansen’s brow is furrowed. Eli’s hands are clenched at his sides, his head hung in defeat.
Marching over to where they are, I stop just short when I hear my mother’s name.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
Their conversation ceases but neither turn to face me.
“I’m going to let you handle this one, son,” Ansen says to Eli, slapping him on the shoulder before turning to me. “I’m heading to the airport to find the missing bags. Can you please make sure all the paperwork is filed with the studio for missing items? They should be able to find suitable replacements so we can restart shooting tomorrow.”
Once I nod, he walks off, leaving me alone with a nervous Eli. The concern on his face has morphed into uncertainty.
“Hey,” he says, his words hesitant.
“Hi. Sounds like I’m going to be here for a while. You can take off if you want.”
“There’s something I need to talk to you about, Taylor. Can we go to my trailer?”
Well, shit. This can’t be good.
Why does this always happen to me? Just when things start to get good, when I let myself enjoy life a little, the rug is ripped out from beneath me.
“I can’t. People will be looking for me. I have to stay here.”
