Although Mr. Smith couldn’t make it home in time to accompany Ruby to her audition, he had already made all the necessary arrangements. Ruby, being still a child, needed an adult to go with her.
The driver was waiting downstairs, so once Ruby and Stella got into the car, they headed straight toward the movie set.
Stella had never been to a place like this before. From a distance, she could see the wide-open space filled with countless pieces of equipment. The central stage was brightly lit, with a person standing there, holding a walkie-talkie and directing the crew with quick commands.
Ruby, however, seemed completely familiar with the environment. It was clear this wasn’t her first time on a film set.
“Miss Steele,” Ruby said when they arrived, “I think you should contact the director’s assistant. Every time I’m here, Daddy always takes me straight to him.”
Stella nodded and followed the procedure the nanny had instructed earlier. She had been informed that the assistant would take over once they arrived.
When the director’s assistant noticed Ruby was with Stella, he hesitated briefly, then asked, “Isn’t Mr. Smith coming today?”
“No,” Stella replied, “He’s a little busy today.”
The assistant, who had been scrambling all day with a list of tasks handed to him by the director, took a moment to look Stella up and down with a curious gaze. He wore light gray overalls, and his tired eyes showed signs of being overworked.
“May I ask if you are Mr. Smith’s…?” He trailed off, unsure of what to call her.
Ruby wasn’t new to the entertainment industry. Despite her young age, she had already been involved in commercials, and while she wasn’t a full-fledged child star, she had considerable experience.
Mr. Smith, on the other hand, had a less-than-ideal reputation in the industry. As a wealthy local man who spoiled his only daughter, Ruby’s career had advanced because of his extensive resources, not necessarily her talent. While he might have lived a chaotic personal life, he always ensured it didn’t affect Ruby. His daughter was his world.
This made it all the more confusing for the assistant to see a woman accompanying Ruby, especially since he had never seen her with Mr. Smith before.
Stella quickly understood the assistant’s confusion and immediately clarified, “I’m Ruby’s private tutor,” she explained. “I was teaching her today, and since Mr. Smith couldn’t make it, I’m here instead.”
The assistant’s tone softened, though he still seemed unsure. “Alright,” he said. “Follow me. We’ll get Ruby’s makeup done backstage, and then you’ll wait there until she’s called.”
Turning to Ruby, the assistant asked, “Have you practiced your lines?”
Ruby nodded eagerly. “Yup!”
Stella, relieved that she wasn’t required to do much more than accompany Ruby, felt more at ease. Once the assistant left them, Ruby sat down and pulled out a small notebook from her backpack. Stella, curious, watched as Ruby began practicing her lines.
“Miss Steele!” Ruby exclaimed, handing Stella a copy of her script. “This is going to be my first audition! I’ve been in commercials, but I’ve never done a movie before!”
Stella smiled. “Oh, that’s exciting! So, this is a movie set?”
“Yeah!” Ruby answered with enthusiasm. “Don’t you know the director? He’s really cool and famous! All the movies he makes have huge stars in them!”
“Oh!” Ruby paused, then her eyes brightened with excitement. “Do you know Guinevere Cohen, Miss Steele?”
Stella froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat, but she quickly regained her composure. Ruby, completely unaware of her reaction, continued speaking with innocent excitement.
“When I grow up, I want to be a famous actress just like Guinevere Cohen!”
Stella didn’t respond right away. She pursed her lips, rubbing her temples lightly, trying to push the uneasy feeling away. But she didn’t say anything. There was no need to address Ruby’s innocent enthusiasm.
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