The set was busy with its usual morning energy. Crew members darted around, adjusting lights and cameras, while actors huddled in corners, rehearsing lines or sipping on coffee. George stood at the edge, scanning the flurry of activity, eyes trained on one person.
Lydia.
She was standing with Kendra, both of them laughing softly as they walked toward the coffee station. He took a deep breath, deciding this was his moment. He started to make his way toward them, weaving through cables and equipment. But before he could reach her, Leo appeared.The guy was always effortlessly charming. He slid into their conversation with a wide grin, tossing out a joke that made both Lydia and Kendra laugh.The three of them stood there, chatting casually as they poured their coffees.
George slowed his pace, watching from a distance. There was a bittersweet satisfaction in seeing her smile. At least she was making friends here.
He let the moment pass.
Two more hours of filming rolled by. Intense scenes, countless retakes. George was professional, delivering his lines flawlessly, but every break his eyes sought Lydia. He wasn't sure what he was waiting for..a signal? an opportunity? but he knew he had to try again.
When the next break was called, he saw her at the snack table, serving herself some trail mix. She was alone this time.
This was it.
George grabbed a small plate and strolled over, pretending to be interested in the snacks. His heart pounded, but he kept his expression relaxed.
"Hi Lydia. Long time," he said casually.
She knew the voice.
Her hand paused mid-scoop. Slowly, she turned to face him. For a split second, her surprise was evident. But Lydia was composed. She gave a small smile and said, "Hi, Georgie."
George's chest tightened.
Here, everyone called him George. Polished. Perfect. But hearing her call him "Georgie" was like being pulled back to Illinois. To home.
He smiled, soft and genuine. "Nice to see you."
Lydia's eyes flicked around, noticing the curious glances from nearby crew members. Without another word, she gave him a polite nod and stepped away, heading back toward the set.
George watched her leave, understanding why she had ended the conversation so quickly. People were staring.
He slid his hands into his pockets and played it cool, his heart racing as the director's voice called the crew back to position.
Scarlet, who had been by the wardrobe rack, noticed everything. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched the exchange. George had smiled. Not his usual professional grin, but a real one. He had even said more than one word, something he rarely did off-script.
Scarlet's jaw tightened.
How did a simple extra like Lydia know George Rowe? They shared a familiarity Scarlet couldn't ignore. It bothered her.
Still, even she couldn't deny it.
Lydia was stunning. Effortlessly beautiful, in a way that didn't try to compete with the flashy world around her.
Scarlet's envy simmered quietly. The day wasn't over and she intended to find out more.
The day dragged into evening as filming wrapped up. Lydia gathered her things, slipping into her jacket as she waited for Kendra near the exit. Leo strolled over with his easy grin, hands casually in his pockets.
"You ladies up for dinner? My treat," Leo offered, flashing a look between Lydia and Kendra.
Kendra seemed tempted, but Lydia shook her head politely. "Thanks, Leo, but I have somewhere I need to be. Rain check?"
Leo raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but respectful enough not to push. "Another time, then."
As the cast and crew began to disperse, murmurs filled the air. Gossip spread like wildfire.
"I heard Leo's into one of the extras," someone whispered near the makeup station.
"Didn't they already go out on a date?" another chimed in.
One of the makeup artists, a blonde with a sharp tongue, smirked. "She's playing hard to get."
"Or maybe she has a boyfriend," someone else joked, earning a round of quiet laughter.
"Or maybe," another voice added, "she's eyeing the main actor. I saw her chatting with George Rowe at the snack bar today."
Scarlet, adjusting her costume nearby, caught every word. Her lips thinned as she stole a glance toward Lydia, who was now walking out with Kendra.
What was so special about this extra?
Scarlet intended to find out. Because George Rowe had never looked at anyone like that.
And Scarlet wasn't the kind of woman who liked being overlooked..Not for someone like Lydia.
George, meanwhile, stayed behind for a quick director's note. But his mind wasn't on work. It was still replaying the sound of her voice.
"Hi, Georgie."
It was a start.