Hollywood Flirt - Alexa Aston Page 0,74
off the set. Dash sensed the tension melt from the crew as she exited. The next set-up occurred and one more after that before Sydney called for the lunch break.
“Would you like to eat in my trailer?” he asked hopefully.
“No, thanks. I have a few notes to go over with Cassie before we shoot the upcoming scenes.”
“I’m sorry—”
“You have nothing to be sorry about, Dash, because you’re giving me everything you’ve got.” Sydney turned and walked away. Cassie fell into step with her.
An hour later, Marlyn was late. Everything was ready to go but the actress was nowhere in sight.
“Bernie, please retrieve Miss November for me.”
The plump intern’s eyes grew large behind his glasses. Conflict was the last thing the college student wanted. Bernie disappeared and returned minutes later without Marlyn.
“She said she’s on her way.”
Ten minutes later, Marlyn waltzed in, a triumphant look upon her face. Dash could feel hostility oozing from the crew.
Marlyn went to take her place but Sydney called her over.
“What now?” Marlyn asked, not bothering to keep the aggravation from her voice. “I know what you’ll want in this scene.”
“It doesn’t matter if you know what I want. You’re off the shoot,” Sydney said coolly.
“You’re firing me?” Marlyn shouted. “You . . . you can’t do that!”
“I just did. I’m the director, sweetheart. Security?” Sydney called out. “Please escort Miss November to her trailer and make sure she has all her things.” Sydney turned back to Marlyn. “Your lot pass will be revoked so don’t embarrass yourself by trying to return tomorrow.”
“I’ll sue you, bitch! For breach of contract,” Marlyn said, venom dripping from her words. “You and this studio. You’re already deep in dog shit with your daddy almost dying. Firing me will only multiply your problems and put you way behind budget.”
“That’s not your concern. I’d keep quiet and off Twitter, Marlyn. Any interview you do or any social media firestorm you ignite will turn ugly for you. If you ever want to work in this town again, take the high road and keep your mouth shut.”
Marlyn raised her hand to slap Sydney but Sydney’s quick reflexes stopped her. She grabbed Marlyn’s wrist and twisted her around, forcing her arm against her back. Marlyn squealed like a stuck pig.
By that time, two security guards appeared. A large, beefy one said, “We’ll take it from here, Miss Revere.” They each latched on to one of Marlyn’s arms and led her off the set. The actress screamed obscenities and threats the entire way as everyone stood silently watching.
Then for the second time that day, applause exploded.
CHAPTER 23
Elation and fear rushed through Sydney at the same time as she listened to the crew’s ovation. Firing Marlyn was her first big move as a director and would probably give Ron Sampson a conniption fit. It would improve the spirits of everyone involved in the production but it frightened her at having to replace the actress.
She held a hand up and circled her wrist, motioning those present to come closer. “Gather around, everyone.” She paused as they waited for her next words. Sydney wanted to project confidence and give reassurance.
“We’re shutting down for the rest of the day. What’s done is done.”
Big Jim, a giant of a man at 6’8” and yet as gentle as a lamb, stepped forward. “I’ve worked on Monty’s films since before you were born, Sydney. I want to say you did the right thing. It had to be tough but we’ll do whatever it takes to keep things running smoothly for you.” The cameraman gave her a swift bear hug. “You’ve got balls, darling. You’re definitely your old man’s kid.” Big Jim moved back to join the others.
Sydney scanned the crowd and saw by the looks on the faces of the crew that she did have support from this tightknit group.
“Thank you. I appreciate hearing that more than you could ever know. I want to assure everyone we’re in good shape. We’ll have to replace footage that Marlyn shot two days ago and a little from yesterday before Dad’s heart attack. Then everything that was filmed today. All of that can be made up in a day and a half or two at most. We were already three days ahead of schedule so I know we can get those few scenes reshot and still be on track. It’ll take some juggling but I have complete faith in everyone here.
“Let’s break for the day. If Britt, Jayla, and Bernie could stay behind, we can