"The nerve of this woman to still come to you after what she did to you. If it wasn't for you trying to protect her, would you have gotten ill-attention from 'that person ', which ruined your life and almost drove you suicidal? Let me tell you, if you ever run into her, just ignore her. No, in fact, I won't let you go out alone again. If I'm not with you, then, you must go out with Gita."
"That's enough! After what I told her, she wouldn't attempt to talk to me again."
"Oh, it's gone!" Sari exclaimed. In the midst of chatting with June, Sari tapped on her phone and noticed the trending video was gone. It was replaced by another breaking news.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?" June asked anxiously.
"This.... Take a look yourself." Sari handed the phone to June.
'Breaking News'
Actress Greta Owe replaced by Noella Adams in the upcoming crime series 'Database 2 '
June looked at Sari. "Isn't that the series, she gloated about to me yesterday? How did she suddenly get replaced?"
"I will make a few calls and find out. Filming will start in a few minutes. Drink the coffee and come out. Don't ruin your lipstick. You look so beautiful in it." Sari took the phone from June and went out of the changing room.
Outside the filming area, everyone was discussing the news in their small groups.
The news of June exchanging unpleasant words with Greta was completely blocked by the news of the latter getting replaced.
June stepped out of the changing room and some crew members gasped. Indeed, the shade of red lipstick mixed with dark tones made her stand out. She had a smoky makeup, perfect for a woman on a mission to seduce a man.
June exhaled deeply and walked forward. After not being in the midst of many people, acting, it was not strange to not be uneasy under their gazes.
"June, the director is calling you. He said he wants to discuss something with you and Luigi." Alicia, one of the actresses playing the character of June's sister in the movie walked over and pulled June along as she spoke.
When they got there, June noticed Luigi first. There were only four seats, and Selena sat next to the director, leaving the seat next to Luigi empty. June had no choice but to sit next to him.
But as usual, he didn't spare her a glance. He was wearing his usual blue-colored pair of glasses. He was looking down at the script on the table and casually joting down some notes on it with his left hand, because he was left-handed.
June realized, over the past week, especially after that kiss, she was beginning to notice a lot of details about Luigi. This was new and unsettling in her heart.
"June, sit. Luigi gave me a few ideas and I think they are excellent...." Director Sun mentioned.
Between Luigi and Director Sun, June wasn't really sure who was really directing, because Director Sun always changed the script according to Luigi's suggestions.
Since she didn't have much to add, June simply listened and followed their orders. When it was time to execute the scenes, she did them on one takes each, which earned her a lot of respect from the production crew and others.
Even Luigi was impressed with June's ability to immerse herself into her character, so well. But he couldn't help but akin her to a robot that only did what she was told to do.
He really wanted to break through the wall she built around herself, didn't want to alarm her, least she puts up more layers of blocks to the wall.
.....
After a hectic filming day, all June wanted to do was go home and take a hot bath, but since today was Luigi's final day of filming, the Director suggested they go out for some drinks together and she couldn't say no.
June changed into a purple blouse and a pair of blue pants. She looked chic and alluring with minimal makeup on and red lipstick.
"Do you mind joining me in my car, June?" Luigi asked just as June was about to walk out with Sari. They wanted to take a taxi as they've been doing for the last few days, since Sari's second hand car broke down...
June looked around. The others that were about to get into their cars all paused and stared at them curiously.
Luigi completely ignored them and opened the door to the front seat of his yellow Ferrari. He wasn't giving her a choice to reject.
"June, go with him. We are all going to the same place. Besides, Luigi might have business to discuss with you." Tony stepped in because it was getting awkward. "Why don't you join me in my car, Miss Sari?" He looked at Sari.
"June, you go with him. I will join Mr. Tony." Sari smiled and followed Tony to his car.
June reluctantly got into Luigi's car and he drove out of the hotel's parking lot.
"What exactly does Luigi want with June? Is he interested in her?" Sari asked Tony.
"Well, I am not in his head, so I might not know what he's thinking. But Luigi is a responsible guy, he will never cross the line. Don't worry!" Tony replied.
"I hope so. June hasn't had it easy these past few years. I don't want her to get into another slump."
"Slump? Care to elaborate?" Tony was trying to fish for information for Luigi.
"People like to kick you when you are down and helpless. When June was rising and still had fame, she helped a lot of people. But what did they do to her? As soon as she wronged that man, they all turned their backs on her."
"That's human nature. It is just more apparent in our industry. But you still stayed with her, right?" Actually, Tony admired Sari's work ethics. At the set, she was always professional, didn't do too much and actually made sure that June was comfortable.
He didn't know why he was particularly noticing all the things she did, but he did.
Sari sighed. "That's true. I'm June's family after all. We are best friends, but before that we are cousins. When June decided to be an actress, Gita and I were happy because she really is talented. We left Canada, where our home is and came to New Jersey and never looked back."
"You guys are from Canada? I didn't know that. " Tony was surprised.
"We are from The Province of Ontario, Toronto." Sari smiled. She really missed home, but it was also a place they couldn't go back to. "Enough about me. Why did you suddenly become a producer? I remember you used to work with Fox TV as a journalist."
"You even know such details about me?" Tony chuckled. "I just got tired of living that life and wanted to get into movie making. Luckily for me, I got in touch with Luigi and we hit it off since then." Tony explained.
"Are you directly related to him?"
"Luigi's parents and mine are from the same place and grew up together, so we just call each other cousins. We are not related by blood, but he's my brother for life."
"I see! Are you married?" Sari suddenly asked.
"Huh? Why are you asking me this?" Tony chuckled.
"Nothing! Just curious." Sari stared at him.
"No, I don't even have a girlfriend yet. What about you? Do you have a boyfriend?"
"No! I haven't had one in three years! Tony, what do you think about me?" Sari was straightforward.
Tony forced a brake and turned to look at Sari. "You really have a knack for breaking the rules. Isn't this supposed to be my line?"
"So, it's your answer no because I asked you first? I noticed you staring at me for some time now, so I thought, maybe you like me. If I'm mistaken, then forget it!" Sari replied nonchalantly.
"No! You are right!" Tony held her hand. "I indeed think you are pretty and capable."
Sari smiled. "Then, let's date for just three months. Let's have a very passionate relationship for three months and go our separate ways afterwards."
"Uh? Why three months?" Tony was confused.
"Because I believe that love dies after three months." Sari saw the hesitation in Tony's eyes. "It's fine if that's not what you want."
"No! As long as it's with you, I will take it." Tony agreed but he wasn't just going to really end things that easily after three months.
Sari leaned in and kissed him before they continued their drive.
....
Facts Bar
Luigi and June were the last people to arrive. Luigi had intentionally taken a longer route, to spend more time with June, although they barely had much conversation in the car.
When they arrived, there was a two-seater couch, which was left empty for them. Naturally, the two sat on it.
There were freshly cut melons, grapes and strawberries on the table for their palate, and a couple of drinks for them to choose from.
Luigi picked a slice of melon and gave it to June. "Eat this!" He said soft and calmly.
With everyone's gaze on them, June immediately grabbed two grapes and stuffed into her mouth. "I prefer this." She managed to say.