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“I have no idea why I need to be there.”
We walk around Studio Two slowly. The production crew is still setting up, so there’s not a lot of action. The director for this one is far more experimental and more unique in her visual approach, but it’s something that I’m willing to explore. After all, masterpieces often come from the most surprising places.
“Right, well, they’re requesting you specifically for this meeting because it is going to be a big summer release, and…”
“I’m going to delegate this to Peyton. Let his assistant know. I have things that are more pressing,” I quickly cut Isa off.
“Peyton, sir?” Peyton is our COO and yes, my cousin. Usually Isa doesn’t press when I make direct statements. But she seems unsure of this request. She hesitates for a moment before speaking again. “Leo, I know he’s your cousin and everything, but I’m sure you’re aware of his… tendencies.” There is such a sureness in her light brown eyes that it’s almost impressive. It takes a lot for someone to speak badly, even if it’s subtle, about her boss’ relative.
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m sure he’ll be fine. After all, it’s just a meeting about money and how to make more of it. If there’s one thing Peyton loves, it’s money.”
I give her a wry smile and Isa doesn’t say anything else. As she looks down at her clipboard, a piece of her long dark hair swoops down and she quickly tucks it behind her ear. I'm suddenly taken by her prettiness. It's an exotic kind of pretty. Stunning eyes and high cheekbones. She brings a touch of mystery to my office and I can easily admit having such a looker in my front office doesn't hurt. Even though her exotic beauty shines through, it's her ability to keep on top of things that keeps my office humming, and in this moment, I am very grateful.
But, back to business at hand.
I look around the soundstage as the crew continues to put together the gritty scene and I say a silent prayer of hoping that I’m doing the right thing by greenlighting this movie. I know the cast and crew take a lot of the burden on themselves when a movie doesn’t do well. And that’s why I try to stay so involved, so we can share that burden as best as possible. The crew work tirelessly long hours trying to capture some magic and it can be demoralizing when the one thing they worked so hard on for months, or even years, underwhelms at the box office or in the ocean of social media critics.
This is all a team effort, and if something goes wrong, well, we did our best. If it goes well, we all get to celebrate.
Thankfully, most issues get solved by the film premiere, which gives everyone the opportunity to ditch the work clothes, dress up, and party after working so diligently.
“By the way, you’re coming to the romantic comedy premiere, right?” I ask Isa. It’s fairly rhetorical. She’s always there, but this one is a little different. “It’s a long flight to Australia, but Kira Nichols really wanted to do a red carpet premiere in her home country in addition to one here. And she’s the star.” I chuckle as I flip through the rack of some of the clothes the wardrobe department is working on, making adjustments and making sure they’re comfortable enough for the actors to wear.
It takes a minute, but I realize Isa never answered my question and a tense silence is stretching between us. I look back to make sure she didn’t leave, when I see her looking at the ground.
“Isa?” This silence is not like Isa at all, and she has my full attention now.
She snaps her head back and I can see the light brown in her eyes is glistening with… tears?
“Is something wrong?” I ask her, fully concerned now. “Does this have anything to do with your disappearance earlier and your meeting with Teresa?”
Isa blinks her eyes rapidly, and they’re kind of blank now.
“Sorry, I’m just, I probably just need some coffee.” She fiddles with the hem of her blouse. “Do you need anything else, sir, er, Leo.” She clears her throat, clearly trying to focus. It took forever to get Isa to stop calling me “sir” or “Mr. Camden” when she first started, so when she reverts back to the formality, I’m concerned. It’s rare to see her in such a daze.
“Well, now that you’ve reminded me, since Jordan’s going to do evenmorereshoots with Gina Cloissone, there might be an issue with that upcoming week off you requested. With production being extended, that shifts the schedule. So, you need to be here.”
“But…” Isa tries to speak up, but I cut her off.
“I’m not particularly happy about it either, but it’s what we have to do to get everything somewhat on track.”
Isa’s mouth opens to argue back, but she immediately snaps it shut.
“I hope you didn’t have any important plans?” I don’t mean for it to come out as a question.
“I have a trip booked to go visit my family in the Philippines.” She sounded a bit defeated, like there was something more behind the visit.
“When was the last time your family suggested that you quit this job, Isa?” I don’t even mean to ask the question. It just tumbles out of my mouth and Isa’s breath hitched.
She clears her throat before responding.
“Last week.”
I chuckle, unable to stop it.
“Family is important, Isa,” I say honestly. “I’m not going to stop you from quitting this job if you want to.”
Something in Isa’s eyes flames as she stands up taller.
