Page 45 of Christmas at the Movies

‘Three. The first assistant director organises the shoot schedule and liaises with the producers, and the second assistant director supervises the actual filming.’ Aaron grinned. ‘I haven’t figured out what the third one does yet.’

‘So what does Noa do?’ asked Holly.

‘The whole thing is his vision. He, ah, definitely knows what he wants …’

Before Holly could ask Aaron to elaborate, the coach went round a sharp bend. ‘Whoa!’ She started to slide off the seat.

As Aaron put his arm around Holly to steady her, one of the drinks on his lap pitched forward, spilling onto the floor. Luckily, it missed Holly’s costume.

‘Oh, crap!’ Aaron said as green liquid pooled by their feet. ‘That matcha was for Noa.’

‘It was an accident,’ said Holly. ‘I’m sure he’ll understand.’

She leant her head against Aaron’s arm, which he hadn’t removed. Holly closed her eyes and inhaled the smell of him – the fresh, clean scent of washing powder and Lynx deodorant, undercut by the slightest hint of sweat. He smelled of … boy.

She wished the journey would last for ever, but soon they were pulling up the long drive to Merricourt Manor.

The extras were herded into the dining room of ‘Pine Tree Inn’, which would rival Santa’s workshop for festive vibes.

It had been festooned with pine garland and poinsettias.

Fairy lights twinkled around the windows looking out onto the frosty garden.

It looked beautiful – no wonder Noa had chosen this for the movie’s location.

‘Dad and I got married here, you know,’ said Mum.

‘Sarah!’ called Noa, beckoning Mum over to him. ‘Can you please have a look at tomorrow’s pages – I still don’t think they’re working.’

Mum took the script he was brandishing. ‘Will you be OK if I work in the hotel lobby where it’s quieter?’ she asked Holly.

‘Of course,’ said Holly, rolling her eyes. When would Mum stop thinking of her as a kid?

They were filming the scene when Eve first arrives at the inn after a long absence. Most of the extras were instructed to sit around tables set for breakfast, with flowery china teacups and silver toast racks. A props person handed Holly a tray and a notepad.

‘Extras playing inn guests, pretend to be talking to each other,’ instructed a petite woman wearing a headset. That was Kirsty, the second director, Holly guessed.

Holding her notepad as if she were poised to take a breakfast order, she hovered by the table where Ian and Hermione were sitting. They weren’t pretending to talk – they were deep in conversation.

‘My ex virtually lived in hotels because he had to travel so much for work,’ said Hermione.

‘That must have been lonely for you,’ said Ian sympathetically.

‘Yes, it was,’ confided Hermione. ‘He never wanted me to come with him, and I now know it’s because he was having affairs.’

‘Well, he was obviously a fool,’ remarked Ian, placing his hand over hers. ‘And you’re better off without him.’

The sound of Noa shouting drowned out Hermione’s response.

‘Where the hell’s my matcha!’

‘I’m really sorry, Noa,’ said Aaron, stepping forward nervously. ‘It spilled on the bus.’

‘Are you serious?’ Noa looked annoyed. ‘I thought you wanted to make it in this industry, kid?’

‘I-I do,’ stammered Aaron, looking terrified. ‘More than anything.’

‘Well, that’s never going to happen if you keep screwing up,’ snarled Noa. ‘Go back to base and get me another. Now!’

Holly felt terrible. It was her fault Aaron had been reprimanded. The only reason Noa’s drink had spilled was that Aaron had been trying to keep her safe.

Holly tried to catch Aaron’s eye as he hurried off, but his head was lowered in shame. She hoped he wouldn’t hold it against her – on the minibus they had been vibing.

After a flurry of last-minute make-up and lighting adjustments, they were ready to start shooting. There was an excited murmur when Mia Winslow appeared in the dining room, holding a suitcase. The actress was tall and willowy, with honey-blonde hair – and, yes, perfect skin.

‘Right, everybody,’ said Kirsty once everyone was in position. ‘DON’T LOOK AT THE CAMERAS. Pretend they aren’t there.’

‘And … action!’ called the cameraman.

As she’d been directed, Holly pretended to write down a breakfast order on her notepad. Mia – playing Eve – came into the dining room, holding her suitcase, and gazed around the room, eyes shining with emotion. ‘It’s good to be home for Christmas,’ she said, setting her suitcase down on the ground.

They did the scene several times, trying different camera angles. Holly thought Mia was giving a great performance, but Noa wasn’t satisfied.

‘You’re not giving me anything,’ he complained to Mia. ‘Your character hasn’t been back at the inn since splitting up with her ex. Her grandmother has just died. She should be overwhelmed with emotion.’

‘I’m trying,’ Mia said.

‘Well, try harder.’

During a break in shooting, Aaron returned with a new cup of matcha. Noa took it without a word of thanks. He had a sip and pulled a face. ‘It’s cold.’ He handed it to his assistant, who whisked it away.

Rude, thought Holly. But maybe that was just how things worked on film sets. Everyone on the crew seemed really busy – perhaps there wasn’t time to be polite.

‘Take twenty-two,’ called Kirsty.

Mia started the scene again. ‘It’s good to be—’

‘CUT!’ shouted Noa, before she’d even got all of her line out. ‘Do it again,’ he told Mia. ‘And this time, you might want to try acting for a change.’

‘I am acting,’ she said, biting her lower lip. ‘I just can’t figure out what you’re looking for.’

Noa gave a huff of irritation. ‘You know, there were hundreds of other actors I could have cast for this part. And it’s not too late for me to change my mind.’

Mia’s eyes filled with tears. A make-up artist hurried over and touched up her make-up.

In the next take, the actress’s eyes shone and her voice cracked with emotion as she surveyed the inn’s dining room.

‘That’s more like it!’ said Noa, finally satisfied with his leading lady’s performance.

Maybe that’s why Noa is being so tough on her, thought Holly as the crew started setting up for the next scene. Maybe that’s how you won Oscars.

Or maybe he was just a dick …

After filming a few more scenes, the background artists and crew were dismissed. Holly grabbed an empty seat on the coach. She was hoping Aaron would sit next to her, but instead Mum slid into the seat.

‘Did you have fun?’ Mum asked.

‘Yes,’ said Holly. ‘But I’m tired.’

‘You and Aaron looked very cosy on the coach earlier. You really like him, don’t you?’

Holly stiffened. God, was it really that obvious?

‘He clearly likes you too,’ continued Mum. ‘But I don’t think you should get involved with an older boy.’

‘Who said I’m involved with him?’

‘I’m not an idiot, Holly,’ said Mum. ‘I can see what’s going on.’

Holly felt her cheeks start to burn. ‘It’s none of your business. I don’t want to have this conversation.’

‘Well, I do,’ said Mum. ‘Aaron is a nice guy, but I don’t think you should rush into a relationship at such a young age. He’ll be off to uni next year and you need to focus on your GCSEs.’

Holly narrowed her eyes at her mother. Her parents had been annoyed with each other for months.

Poor Nick was worried sick about it. And judging from Dad’s mood this morning, they still hadn’t sorted out whatever was wrong between them.

Holly knew what was really going on here – her parents’ marriage was in trouble and Mum couldn’t bear for anyone else to be happy.

‘What makes you think I’d take relationship advice from you? ’

You idiot, thought Sarah, staring gloomily out of the coach’s window.

She and Holly had been getting along better, but now she’d gone and blown it.

She should have kept her big mouth shut.

Holly had refused to speak to her for the rest of the journey back to the cinema.

Worst of all, Sarah knew her daughter was right – she was in no position to be dispensing relationship advice.

She still hadn’t told James about Noa’s offer.

Because you know he won’t like it …

Being back at Merricourt Manor had stirred up all sorts of emotions. She and James had been so happy as newlyweds. Sure that nothing would ever change their love for each other. Back then, they didn’t keep secrets from each other.

As Sarah stepped off the coach, a short, dark-haired woman in a tailored trouser suit and high-heeled ankle boots was getting out of a taxi.

‘If you want him to commit to another season, you’re going to have to improve the fee,’ the woman said into her mobile. ‘There’s a lot of buzz around him since his BAFTA nomination, so he’s not exactly short of offers.’

‘Pari!’ Sarah exclaimed when her friend finished her call. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘I thought I’d pay one of my biggest clients a visit on set.’ Pari winked at Sarah. ‘All part of the service – gotta earn that fifteen per cent commission. Plus, it was a good excuse to see you.’

Sarah hugged her best friend. ‘Do you want to stay with us? I can make the kids double up.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ve booked into a spa hotel in Stowford. I haven’t taken any holiday for months, so I might stay in the Cotswolds through Christmas. I desperately need to recharge my batteries.’

‘That’s amazing,’ said Sarah. ‘You can spend Christmas with us.’ Her best friend was so busy, they rarely got a chance to hang out. She’d been gutted to miss their meet-up on Holly’s birthday.

‘Now, where are the trailers?’ asked Pari. ‘I need to find Mateo.’

Sarah led the way to the car park.

‘Wow – the film crew have completely taken over,’ said Pari, looking round at all the trailers and tents.

‘I feel like I’m on a Hollywood lot.’ Approaching the door of Mateo’s trailer, Pari knocked on it.

‘Yoo-hoo! It’s the toughest negotiator in Tinseltown.

’ She grinned at Sarah over her shoulder. ‘That’s an actual quote from Variety.’

‘Come in,’ called a voice with an American accent.