Ch 41: Movie Magic

Back on set later in the week, Claire the PA prepped Luke and I for the scene. Alicia agreed that I would do most of the underwater portions, and she would work on the above water shots from the platform in the pool. Instead of the dowdy bathing suit, I wore clothes identical to Alicia’s. The make-up team had even affixed a blonde wig atop my head in order to appear more like Alicia.
It was still abundantly clear I was a gravy boat compared to her tea cup, but at least I resembled her a bit more.
When we started in the water, I swam around with grace and ease, splashing where we needed to hide my face. Luke and I completed a couple takes, and the director added some shots with Alicia. The director seemed pleased with the takes and gave us a break after an hour.
“Luke,” the director said hurriedly. “Next we have to do the kiss. I want it to look as authentic as possible. I’m just not sure Alicia’s going to be able to do it.”
“We’ll give it a try,” Luke said. I could see the strain on his face. Not only did he have to worry about swimming and Alicia trying not to flail, he had to perform an on-screen kiss in front of me an a dozen or so crew members. Needless to say, I wasn’t looking forward to the next hour.
The make-up artist touched up Luke and Alicia’s faces, then they eased back in the tank. I sat out to the side, hoping my part would be done for the day. Once the director yelled action, Luke and Alicia tried to tread water close to each other. When Alicia tried to grab onto Luke, he fell beneath the surface. They tried it again. The next time, Alicia splashed Luke by accident and he coughed out some water.
After several takes, they hadn’t even gotten close to performing a kiss with their heads above water. On one final attempt, they puckered their lips, and their faces met, but Alicia looked frantic instead of relieved to have been saved by her lover.
The director rubbed his head, his complaints escalating after each take. “Put her back in,” he said to his assistance, pointing toward me. “Let’s see what we can get. Maybe we can cut something in,” he said.
The make-up artist quickly prodded at my skin, and I hopped in the tank, feeling nervous. Luke nodded at me, willing me to be confident. “You can do this,” he whispered. “Just like last night,” he whispered even more quietly, and I giggled.
“Action.” We swam toward each other. I feigned hanging onto Luke, but actually propelled my body upright using a strong kick underwater. He brought me closer, and I looked into his eyes. Our lips met, and I felt Luke’s familiar touch. Unlike the takes with Alicia, we didn’t struggle and stayed with our lips locked until the director yelled, “Cut.”
I separated from Luke who smiled at me. I treaded water, hanging my head, afraid to look at any of the crew.
“Again,” I heard the director say. We performed the scene 3 more times. Each time our lips met, I felt a fiery current pulse through my body. Not only was I kissing Luke, but I was also acting in a movie. It was a strange sensation to have my personal and professional lives collide. Luke, however, made me feel safe and confident, like I could easily have swum the English Channel. After embarrassing myself in front of Luke in the water so many times, I finally found satisfaction in being able to master the scene.
“Great. I think we got something. Better chemistry there anyway,” the director said.
“Not bad for a whale, huh?” I replied. He gave me a snarky grin.
Once we wrapped for the day, I saw Alicia scurrying back to her trailer. I knew how it felt to be humiliated, and I could only imagine how frustrated she must be.
“Alicia,” I said as I caught up to her. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to take your job.”
She turned her head to me, slowly eyeing me like a distrustful cat. “I’m not worried. Things will be much better when the water scenes are over.” I nodded. “And then Luke will be all mine.” I looked at her confused.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“We’re going to need to work on our connection,” she said, raising her chin a little. “It will take some rehearsal. I hope he’s ready,” she raised her eyebrow, showing her skepticism.
I wasn’t sure how to respond. Connection? Rehearsing?
“Of course. He’ll do whatever he needs to for the movie,” I said.
“We’ll see if he’s as committed to his acting as he is to fooling around in the pool.” She looked down at me with disdain.
“Whatever,” I said. “You did realize swimming would be part of the movie, right?” I asked.
“I’m sure my performance in the other scenes will more than make up for it.” She turned slowly and glided away.
Despite my conversation with Alicia, I was in a pretty good mood. When we got back to Luke’s trailer, I checked my phone and saw that Michelle had texted me.
“Yes,” I said.
Luke looked over. “What is it?”
“Michelle aced the LSATs.” I explained. “We have to do something to celebrate.”
“Dinner?”
“No. Something better than that.” I turned toward him, thinking about what to do that Michelle would love.
“I have an idea,” said Luke. As he told me, I clapped and giggled with joy. Michelle was going to love it.