Another week of filming drifted by, and the production was now more than halfway done. Lydia's role had gradually diminished, her appearances reduced to few background moments. Most days, she found herself watching as the main actors brought the story to life, her own involvement feeling like a distant echo. Yet, she didn't mind. Being on set, observing the mechanics of a major film production was an experience in itself.
During this time, Lydia and Kendra had grown inseparable. Kendra was a whirlwind of energy and warmth, her stories about growing up in Miami often leaving Lydia in stitches. She had recently graduated from an art school in L.A., moving to the city with dreams like Lydia's. Their shared ambitions created an easy bond. After long days on set, they would take turns visiting each other's apartments, sharing meals, watching old movies, or simply venting about the chaotic world of acting. For Lydia, Kendra's presence was a sanctuary.
Despite being on the same set, Lydia's interactions with George remained minimal. He was the lead, after all, constantly surrounded by directors, assistants, and co-stars. Still, he always made a point to greet her and Kendra, offering casual hellos and brief smiles. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep her on edge.
She noticed how he lingered near them during breaks, longer than what was typical for a main actor and extras. His conversations were light, often just small talk, but there was an ease in his manner, a familiarity that other people noticed.
Leo, in particular, had become observant. His usual charm remained, but Lydia could feel his eyes lingering on George whenever he approached her. Leo had been persistent from the start, always finding a reason to strike up a conversation or invite her to post-filming hangouts.
She had kept her distance, wary of distractions.
But Leo was insistent, and his persistence was wearing down her defenses. One afternoon, as the crew packed up, Leo caught up with her and Kendra.
"Alright, ladies," he began with his trademark grin, "the last week of filming is coming up, and we haven't had a proper night out. How about a casual dinner? No cameras, no scripts, just good food."
Lydia exchanged a glance with Kendra, who immediately nodded in approval.
"Come on, Lydia," Kendra urged. "We deserve a night off."
Lydia hesitated. Her mind flashed to George, to Scarlet's icy stares, to the growing whispers around the set. Maybe a night out with friends wasn't such a bad idea.
"Alright," she agreed, offering Leo a soft smile. "Let's do it during the last week."
Leo's grin widened. "That's what I like to hear."
As they left the set, Lydia remembered the one afternoon, during a quiet moment, when she overheard two crew members chatting near the makeup station.
"You notice how Rowe always hangs around those two extras?"
"Yeah, especially the blonde."
"Wonder if Scarlet's noticed."
Lydia pretended not to hear, focusing on the phone in her hands, but her cheeks warmed nonetheless.
Scarlet, of course, had noticed.
Her glances toward Lydia had grown sharper, more appraising. Lydia could almost hear the unspoken challenge in those looks. She wasn't interested in rivalry, especially not over a man who had once broken her heart.
Whatever had existed between her and George was part of the past. She was here to build a career, not to reopen old wounds.
And yet, every time George said her name, every time he flashed that boyish smile, a part of her defenses cracked. But she was not here for distractions. She couldn't afford them.