The shoot wrapped early, and Leo, still high on the energy of the day, suggested a crew hangout at a cozy rooftop bar downtown.
Scarlet was suprised when Leo mentioned inviting the extras who had been consistent over the past few weeks, because she and Kendra were among them. She was glad to be included, but also hesitated, clutching her purse, almost ready to decline. But when Leo flashed that friendly grin and said, "Come on, you've earned it," she caved.
She wasn't used to this side of Hollywood, the casual hangouts that blur the line between work and play. Still, she changed in to a simple dress and let her hair loose, ready to enjoy the night.
At the bar, she sat next to the other extras, as they listened to endless chatter of the other crew members. She wasn't suprised that George wasn't there. Knowing his personality, he probably declined and went home. Maybe it is for the best..She thought. But she felt nervous, because, apart from Leo, she had barely interacted with the main crew. Kendra however constantly reminded her to let go and have some fun.
Scarlet, of course, noticed everything, Lydia seemed uncomfortable. Was it because George wasn't there? She had been watching George closely, the way he looked at Lydia between takes. She had also noticed Lydia's shy smiles everytime George talked to her. Scarlet had a feeling the two liked each other..that George's love wasn't unrequited. But if she couldn't have his love and attention, Lydia wouldn't either.
She instantly came up with a simple plan. Get Lydia to loosen up a little too much, then she would be on the news with a sex scandal.
But, when the drinks started coming around, Lydia politely declined.
"I'm good, thank you," she told the waiter, who looked surprised.
Scarlet was quick to swoop in, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"Oh, come on, Lydia. Just one. Loosen up!. Leo will be offended if he invited you out but you didn't drink a little."
"I really shouldn't…" Lydia began, but before she could finish, Scarlet pressed a chilled glass into her hand.
"It's light. Hardly anything in it. You'll be fine."
Kendra giggled beside her, already halfway through her own drink. "Live a little, Lydia."
Lydia hesitated, then took a cautious sip...sweet, harmless enough. But the second drink hit harder, because Scarlet had secretly swapped her glass with something stronger.
By the time the crew moved to the dance area, Lydia was swaying gently, her laughter betraying her. She pulled Kendra for a dance, Both completely drunk at this point, they kept giggling to each other.
The assistant director, Mark, had been watching from a corner. He had taken a liking to Lydia since she appeared on set a few weeks ago. The third actor, Dean, joined him, murmuring something under his breath that made them both grin. Scarlet noticed that the two men were watching Lydia and her friend dance. She slowly walked to them, silently plotting.
"Looks like someone is having too much fun." Scarlet said, eyes on Lydia.
"She is beautiful, isn't she Mark?" She added. " You two should go talk to them, I hear they are both single."
Dean raised a brow. "You're sure George won't mind? I have seen how he looks at her."
Scarlet smiled. "George? Why would he? She is just an extra."
That was all it took. Within minutes, Mark and Dean had drifted over. Kendra, already a little tipsy, giggled at Dean as he wrapped his arm around her. Lydia smiled politely, trying to stay focused as Mark offered another drink. She shook her head, but Kendra laughed and took it instead. The music grew louder, the lights dimmer, and the air heavy with laughter and perfume.
Across the bar, Leo was caught up in a conversation with a producer about upcoming shoots. But he did notice when Lydia stood to leave with Kendra, Mark and Dean trailing behind them toward the exit. At first he was confused, then he spotted Scarlet scrolling through her phone with a cunning smile. Something in his gut twisted.
She must be up to something!
"Where's Lydia and her friend?" he asked, striding over.
Scarlet looked up, feigning surprise. "Oh, didn't you see? Mark offered to drive her and her friend back. You've just missed them."
Leo froze. "What?"
"She looked fine, don't worry," Scarlet said lightly, sipping her drink.
But Leo's pulse spiked. He didn't like how she said it .. too casual, too calculated. He muttered something under his breath and rushed toward the exit, pulling out his phone.
That's when he saw headlights flash across the street, a black car pulling by, then the door openned as a familiar voice called out to him.
"Leo. Sorry I'm late, I'm just from a meeting with my manager. What did I miss? Wait, is the party Over?" George sounded suprised.
Leo was now breathless. "Man, you have to help me..Lydia and Kendra just left with Mark and Dean. Something's not right."