Page 4 of Love Unscripted
“We keep the film alive,” Ray said. “Without her, they’ve already floated reconsidering you as director.”
The words landed exactly as Ray intended.
Aaron’s jaw flexed. “Even after I got my father to agree to play Mordecai, they’re still not satisfied.”
Ray sighed. “Robert has wide appeal. But let’s face it—Camille’s fan base is astronomical.”
Aaron stood, pacing now, agitation breaking through his restraint. “She’s associated with a series known for debauchery. That matters. Christian audiences will notice. They will ask why we passed over women who have been faithfully serving in this space for years for this Johnny come lately.”
Ray didn’t answer immediately. When he did, his voice was quieter. “I’ve seen those actresses. All of them. Some are good. Some are very good. Camille is… sensational.”
Aaron stopped pacing. “She’s sensational alright,” he said.
Ray waited.
“She brings an air of seduction to the role,” Aaron continued. “It’s subtle, but it’s there.”
Ray smiled faintly. “Does she? Funny. I didn’t notice.”
Aaron shook his head. “Sure you didn’t. Esther needs dignity, reverence, restraint. Not allure.”
Ray tilted his head. “Well, I trust the director would know how to shape that. Channel it. Refine it. If he’s competent.”
The challenge hung in the air, unmistakable. Aaron looked away. He had one more reason. The real one. The one he would not name. The reason his stomach had tightened the first time he’d seen Camille’s audition. She could be a snare to him. But he would not say it. He would not dignify it with breath.
Ray watched him for a long moment, then spoke with finality. “I value your opinion, Aaron. Truly. But I’ve made my decision. I’ve seen every actress who came through that door. Camille Carlucci is the one who stayed with me long after the audition. She’s the one I believe can carry this film.”
Aaron’s shoulders slumped—just slightly.
“She’s getting the role,” Ray continued. “With or without your blessing.”
There was silence again.
This time, heavier.
Aaron nodded once, stiffly. “Then I hope,” he said, voice controlled, “that you’re right.”
Ray picked up his phone. “So do I.”
And as Aaron walked out, he knew with a certainty that unsettled him deeply: this casting decision would cost him something.
He just didn’t yet know what.
Chapter2
Ten months later
Camille stepped out of her ice-blue Mercedes-Benz and surveyed the studio parking lot. Trucks lined the far end. Crew members moved back and forth, talking quietly, coffee cups in hand.
As she walked toward the building, a few people noticed her. Some smiled politely. Others nodded. There was recognition in their faces. She swallowed a sudden nervousness that had crept up on her when she had entered the studio property.
Perhaps it was because she remembered how high the stakes were. When she got the call from Liv that she had gotten the role she had been surprised and elated. She made a vow to herself that she would do all it took to show them that they hadn’t made a mistake casting someone with her background in their Christian film.
A young man with an easy smile approached her. “Good morning, Miss Carlucci.”
“Hi,” she replied, shaking the hand he offered.
“I’m Jimmy, production assistant. Follow me. We’re on Stage Three.”
