Page 28 of Love Unscripted
“I didn’t say you’re bad,” she replied, softer now. “Just… maybe be a little more accommodating.”
He went quiet.
She glanced at him, trying to read him, but his expression gave nothing away.
The music filled the space, and she started humming along toSong Sung Blue, letting her voice drift lightly into the air as if his silence didn’t matter. But it did. A few songs later, she turned toward him again.
“If you’re not going to speak,” she said, “you might as well turn around and take me back to the diner.”
He glanced at her then, like he’d momentarily forgotten she was there.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I was thinking.… I owe you an apology.”
She stilled.
“You’re right,” he continued. “I should have listened more. Ray said something earlier today that bothered me. He suggested we might have a directing issue.” A small pause. “I didn’t like hearing that.”
She watched him now, completely still.
“But I was just reflecting and I realize he wasn’t entirely wrong. I made assumptions about you—because ofShadow Peak. I decided what kind of actor you were before I ever asked you how you work.” He shook his head slightly. “That wasn’t fair. And it wasn’t wise.”
Another beat.
“I’m sorry.”
Silence filled the car—but it was different now.
She had never met a man like this. No defensiveness. No deflection. No carefully crafted excuse. Just ownership. Her heart thudded harder than she liked.
She cleared her throat, blinking quickly. “Thank you, Aaron. That… means a lot. Truly. I just—I need room to actuallyplaythe role.”
He nodded once. “You’ll have it.”
Relief flickered through her. Then—
“However…” He lifted one finger slightly, eyes still on the road.
Her stomach dipped.
“Thereisa way to do this well.”
“Of course,” she said quickly.
“I need two things. First—before we shoot, you bring your ideas. We talk them through. During filming, you can improvise within reason. But if I redirect—” he glanced at her briefly, “—you adjust. No debate in the moment.”
She nodded immediately. “That’s fair. What’s number two?”
He didn’t answer right away. Then he said, “We study Esther together.”
She blinked. “I’m sorry—what?”
“You say you know her,” he said. “But do you know the context? The culture? The theology behind her choices?”
She hesitated. Then shook her head.
“Then let’s fix that,” he said simply. “We study it together. It’ll strengthen your performance—and the film.”
“When would we even have time for that?”
