Ring of Truth (A Silver Script Novel Book 1) (5 page)

“You went out with him last night? How was it? Did you kiss?”

“I just met the guy. Besides, we were busy the whole time. It was more of a business thing.”

“Right. Well, if you two have anymore ‘business dates,’ you better tell me as soon as you get home. I want details.”

“Got it. Now, I really need to get to work. I’ll talk to you tonight.” Erin slipped on her shoes.

“You’d better.”

Erin put her phone in her purse, then headed out to the kitchen.

“Sorry, Coco. I don’t have time to eat breakfast with you.” Erin dished out Coco’s food before throwing some bread into the toaster.

Coco meowed and watched everything Erin was doing before turning to her food. Erin picked her up and scratched under her chin before setting her down and grabbing her bags. She hurried downstairs and flagged a cab, then pulled the paper out of her purse so she could give the right address to the cab driver.

Usually they filmed the commercials in a studio that was close to her office building, but since they were going all out with this account, she’d found a higher end studio to work with. She just hoped it was worth the extra cost.

They pulled up to a building near where Jake had auditioned the night before. Erin paid the driver, and climbed out. She stared in awe at the large glass building in front of her. They’d pulled out all the stops when it came to the contemporary architecture. Erin walked in through the main doors and past the sleek, modern couches toward the reception desk. While waiting for the receptionist, she took in the splashes of bright colors in the paintings, and the almost sterile look to the waiting area.

“May I help you?” the receptionist asked.

“Yes, I’m here for the commercial shoot for Smithson Jewelers. Erin Tyler.” Erin tapped her fingers for a moment before she made a fist. Her mom was always getting after her for the nervous habit she’d had since she was a kid.

“You’ll be in studio four, just down the hall and to your left. The crew is here, but I haven’t seen anyone from your party yet.” The woman handed Erin a badge, and then went back to whatever it was that she was doing on her computer.

“Thank you.” Erin clipped the badge on and readjusted the strap of her purse before heading to the studio. Her heels clicked on the tile hallways. She nodded to a group of people walking down the hallway and stopped outside of the studio. Everything would be fine. Jake was a great actor, and would do fine. Erin took a deep breath and opened the door.

The room was large and full of film equipment. The director and his crew moved around getting everything in place. Erin put her bag down and walked around the set, making sure things were how she wanted them.

By the time the set was ready, the others had arrived. Jake stood in the center of the set talking to the director and the woman Erin had chosen. She was a good height for Jake, and with her dark hair and brown eyes, she complemented Jake’s lighter hair and blue eyes. Erin pushed down the slight twinge of jealousy, surprised that it affected her so much. She’d only met him two days ago. This was ridiculous.

Jake looked up and smiled when he noticed Erin. She smiled back and nodded, then headed over to where Debra stood.

“Morning.”

Debra nodded toward Jake and Sophia. “What do you think?”

Erin watched them for a minute. “They look good together. We’ll just have to see how their chemistry works on camera.”

“I’m still deciding. Where’d you find this guy?” She checked the clipboard in her hand. “I couldn’t find much on him.”

 “I met him a few days ago and he mentioned he’s an actor.” Erin rushed on after catching the look on Debra’s face. “I’ve seen him act as well. I went to an audition last night. Trust me. He’s good.”

“We’ll see about that. Sophia wasn’t very easy to convince to do this, so I hope it works out. She wasn’t cheap, but she was also the only one available.” Debra’s disapproval was apparent. She walked over and sat down in a chair, and Erin sat next to her.

The director stood and shouted a few orders before Jake and Sophia got into position.

“Quiet on the set!” one of the crew yelled.

“Action!” the director called. He leaned forward to watch the scene. They’d only gotten two lines in when the director yelled “Cut!”

Jake and Sophia broke apart and turned to the director. He walked over to stand between the couple.

“Look, you’re just about to get engaged. You need to show excitement, love, passion. This is the perfect Christmas gift. Show it.” The director sat back down. “Okay, take it from the top.”

By take fifteen, the director looked ready to pull his hair out. Sophia snapped her lines instead of pretending like she was in love, and it seemed to be throwing Jake off. The director whipped around to face Erin and Debra. “Seriously, do something about these two. I can’t work with them.”

Debra leaned forward, but Erin hopped out of her chair first. She had to make this work. She hurried over to Jake and pulled him aside so the crew could set things back up for another take.

Erin walked up to the director. “Let’s take a short break so they can cool down.”

“Fair enough.” He set his clipboard down and headed for the refreshment table.

Jake walked over to Erin, while Sophia grabbed her script and dropped into her chair.

“Hey, what’s going on? You were just fine last night.” She brushed a piece of cotton off his shirt.

“I don’t know. She’s so stiff.” Jake glanced over his shoulder and flinched.

“Hey, don’t you blame this on me. I delivered my lines perfectly,” Sophia snapped. “You just don’t know how to charm a lump of coal.”

“You said it yourself.” Jake laughed at his own joke, but cleared his throat when he looked at Erin. “Sorry. I’ll make it work.”

“Let’s run through it really quick. They’re pretty simple lines.”

Jake nodded. “That would be great.”

Erin ran through the lines a few times, making sure to do the actions as they went so Jake would know what to do next. Once he was relaxed, Erin grinned. “That was perfect. Do it just like that.”

“Thanks.” Jake walked over to the set and stood on his spot.”

Erin nodded to the director. “Okay, let’s try again.”

The director studied her for a moment before turning back to the set. “Okay, let’s try again. Action.”

Jake moved in again to talk to Sophia, but there was still a definite lack of chemistry. Erin sunk down in her chair, mortified. This couldn’t be going any worse.

“Stop, stop.” The head of Smithson Jewelers, Mr. Smith, stood near the doorway.

Erin looked over at Debra in horror. How long had he been here? If they blew this commercial, her job would be on the line.

Debra moved around Erin and hurried over to Mr. Smith. They spoke quietly, but the gesturing told Erin that it wasn’t a very pleasant conversation. At one point, they all turned to look at Erin, and she suddenly felt lightheaded. This couldn’t be good. They finally nodded and parted ways.

“Sophia, step aside for a moment. Erin, is it? I need you over here.” The director snapped his fingers.

Sophia huffed and stomped off the set. “I don’t have to work with this.”

“We’re just giving you a break. Go see Makeup.” The director turned back to Erin. “Now, please.”

Erin stood and looked over at Debra, who smiled and gestured for her to do what the director asked.

“Is something wrong?” Erin asked. She really didn’t want to find another guy. Jake was perfect for this.

“We’ll see in a moment.” The director handed her the script. “Study this. I want you to do exactly what you were doing when you practiced with him.”

“Okay.” This hadn’t happened before with any of her other clients, but she was desperate to keep this account, so she’d do whatever it was they wanted her to do. She read through the parts until she had it down. “Got it.”

“Perfect. Now. Stand here, and do just what the script tells you to do.”

Erin stood on the x and looked up at Jake. “Ready?”

Jake nodded. “Ready.”

The director yelled action, and Jake took Erin’s hands in his own. His hands were warm and so … protective. She looked up into his eyes, her heart in her throat.

“I know we said we weren’t doing gifts this year, but I couldn't help it.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jewelry box. “Merry Christmas.”

Erin gasped like it told her to in the script. “It’s beautiful.”

Time seemed to slow, and the studio faded into the background as Jake slid the ring onto her finger, then embraced her. Erin looked up into his eyes and they closed in for a kiss just as the director yelled cut.

Erin pulled away from Jake, but it took a couple of seconds to remember to breathe. It had felt so natural, and she wanted his arms back around her. From the dazed expression on his face, he seemed to feel the same way.

“That was brilliant.” The director jumped from his chair and hurried over to them. “Welcome to the commercial, Erin. I’m Steve.” He held out his hand, and Erin shook it. He turned to Sophia. “Sorry, but this won’t work. We’ll send you a check in the mail. Ed will show you out.”

Erin felt like she’d been punched in the face. “Wait, what?”

“You two have the perfect chemistry together. I need you to make this commercial work. Sophia’s out. You’re in. We’ll get a contract filled out after we shoot. Back to your marks.”

“You can’t do that. This was my part.” Sophia stomped over to Steve.

“It
was
 your part, but now it’s Erin’s. Now, please go before I have to call security.”

Sophia glared before letting out a string of curse words as she stormed out of the room. Steve shook his head and turned back to Erin and Jake.

“Let’s try this again. Do it the same as the first time. Don’t mind the cameras. They’re just trying to get different angles.”

Erin nodded and got back into place with a quick glance over at Debra and Mr. Smith. Both seemed happy with how it had gone, so she must have done something right. She could do this. She just had to concentrate on Jake. Simple. Right?

***

After running through the scene several more times, Steve declared the commercial done. He pulled out the contract for Erin to sign and then started packing up his equipment. Erin slipped her ring off and handed it to the guard.

“Oh, you keep these. They’re fake rings. I have the real diamonds in a box over here. They’re only used for the close-ups.”

Erin looked down at the ring he gave back to her. “Are you sure?”

“Part of the payment. Mr. Smith does this with all of his ads.” He winked and went back to talking to one of the crew.

Erin stared at the guard for a moment before walking away. She’d heard of other clients receiving gifts, but this was the first time she’d received anything. After making sure she had her bag and jacket, she headed over to where Debra sat.

“Why didn’t you tell me you two were dating?” Debra shook her head.

“We’re not. I told you we just met two days ago.” Erin didn’t want to get into this right then. She was still sorting things out in her mind.

Debra smirked and stood. “I realize you’re trying to keep things professional and everything by not dating him, but let’s face it. You two have more chemistry than most couples I’ve met.”

Erin stared at Debra’s retreating back. She couldn’t be right, could she? Jake was just a friend. A gorgeous, sweet friend, but still. Just a friend. Erin left the studio, surprised that so much time had passed. It felt like they’d just started recording.

Mr. Smith stood to the side, talking to a few of his employees. When he saw Erin, he shook their hands and walked over to her. “Well done. I’m impressed. You saved the commercial in there.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you liked how it turned out. Next week we’ll start the newspaper and magazine ads.” Erin pulled out her portfolio. “I’ve drawn up a few ideas, and a list of which models we can hire.”

Mr. Smith held his hand up. “We won’t be needing any of those. We have our models already. I want to use a real couple, and you two seem to be the perfect choice. We’ll be seeing you next week, Ms. Tyler.”

“See you then.” Erin shook her head.
Seriously. What had just happened?

“Hey, Erin, great job in there.” Jake shoved his phone in his pocket, and blushed.

“You were fantastic. The owner just told me he wants to use us for all his ads.” Erin smiled, unsure of how to act around him. They’d just met, but what she felt back there on the set …

Jake laughed. “Seriously? That’s great. I just found out I have the other gig too.”

Erin smiled, wanting to throw her arms around him. “Congratulations!”

Jake grumbled as his phone rang. The country ringtone belted out across the room. He pushed a button to silence the phone, but didn’t answer it.

“Is everything okay?” Erin asked.

“My parents are driving me crazy. They think I have a date tonight and want to invite themselves to dinner with us.” He punched a message into his phone before sticking it in his pocket.