Chapter 11 Keeping a Pretty Boy, Right?
Mackenzie eased her white Land Rover to a halt beneath the shadow of Jessica's apartment complex. "Just one week until 'Charles the Second' begins production. Thankfully, we're shooting all around Xyleria, so you'll have your evenings free to be with Danielle," she remarked, glancing over at Jessica, who had been immersed in the script on their drive.
Mackenzie's eyes held a spark of intensity as she continued, "Your character is pivotal—she starts as this pure, unblemished character, then life's injustices harden her into a compelling antagonist. She may not be the protagonist, but her arc is vital to the fabric of the story. I have a strong feeling this series could be a hit."
Jessica was still absorbed in the script, replying softly, "The emotional shifts of the character are very nuanced; I need to review the script more."
Jessica had only been in the industry for two or three years, but even the small roles she had taken on had been handled with great diligence. Mackenzie had no doubt about her professional attitude and didn't worry about this, "They'll have you do a read-through before filming starts, so don't fret too much. But what's been going on with you these past days? You usually come by the office more often when you aren't working on a project. Lately, you've been cooped up at home."
Still focused on the script, Jessica nonchalantly replied without even looking up, "The weather's just been too hot lately; I don't want to get a tan before joining the set."
Mackenzie let out a snort of laughter, " Is Danielle not at home?"
Jessica unbuckled her seatbelt, "Nope, I have to pick them up from kindergarten at four thirty."
"I was hoping to hang out for a bit, but since Danielle isn't home, never mind," Mackenzie glanced at a message on her cell phone and suddenly exclaimed in astonishment, "Oh my gosh, can you guess who just got confirmed for a cameo role in this show?"
Jessica hadn't even fully opened the car door when she heard Mackenzie drop this bombshell.
Seeing the gleam in Mackenzie's eyes, Jessica lifted her eyebrows slightly. "Sounds like a big name?"
"Big doesn't even start to cover it! It's Trinity Jenner! You might not be totally up to date since you were abroad, but Trinity, five years ago, became famous overnight for her dancing in the movie 'Red.' Her dance gave the film a huge boost, earning major award nominations and actually winning top honors. She was the first one so young in the country to snag a lead actress award.?"
Jessica's fingers paused on the car door lock.
"Even though she wowed everyone with that dance, over the last five years, she's done a lot of variety shows and hasn't danced again. Two years ago, she injured her leg during filming and said she'd never be able to dance again," Mackenzie sighed, "Back then, she danced behind a curtain, so her face wasn't clear, and that's always been a big regret for her fans. A classic that can never be revisited is truly a shame."
Jessica was unmoved, "Is that so?"
"When Trinity first started, I heard that she had her older sister with her all the time, but that sister never stepped into the spotlight. Something happened to their family five years ago. Hey, Jessica, I'm talking to you; why are you so eager to get out of the car?"
"Mackenzie, I need to get upstairs," Jessica said, urgency in her voice as she gathered her things. "The new injured rabbit I'm caring for must be famished. I've got to hurry back and feed it." With a swift "Bye," she stepped out of the vehicle, closed the door with a firm push, and strode toward the building.
"Hey, take care with the spicy dishes," Mackenzie called out as Jessica hurried away. "We don't want a breakout making our makeup artist's job tougher!"
Without turning back, Jessica lifted her hand toward the direction of the car, flashed an OK sign, and quickly slipped into the building entrance.
"It's not like there's anyone home, so what's the rush to get back." Mackenzie wondered. Just as her gossip-hungry soul breakout, she suddenly noticed a slightly crumpled note on the passenger seat. Curious, she picked it up and read it.
"1. Men's body wash, 2. Razor, 3. Around 6'2", standard weight; ask the store clerk for clothing sizes, 4. Men's slippers..."
The handwriting was unmistakably Jessica's. It seemed to be a quickly jotted-down shopping list so she wouldn't forget what to buy.
Mackenzie looked up at the building not too far away, her gaze holding steady for quite some time. Gradually, her expression shifted from seriousness to outright terror. She couldn't shake off the thought. Could Jessica be keeping a gigolo in the house behind her back??
