Page 109 of Let’s Make a Scene

Maybe this will go some way to explaining why our faces are so flushed.

I’m actually feeling pretty pleased with myself until I see Cynthie frantically gesturing to my shirt behind Brooke’s back. I look down and realize I’ve buttoned it wrong. It seems unlikely Brooke, or the camera, will miss it. The more I get to know Brooke, the more I get the feeling she misses very little. Cynthie’s eyes close in silent defeat.

“Of course,” Brooke says, her face giving absolutely nothing away. There is only the usual sunshine smile, no hint of twinkle, no knowing glimmer. “And I really am sorry to interrupt, only, Cynthie, you said you’d sit in for the interview with Nisha, so we could talk about the role of the intimacy coordinator together?” She sounds apologetic. “But obviously if it’s not a good time—”

“No, no!” Cynthie says brightly. “It’s a great time. Perfect.”

She shoots me a tortured look.

“Perhaps you could give us a minute alone to debrief,” I say, aiming for professional and realizing the second Cynthie starts choking to cover up a laugh that I’ve just made the world’s worst innuendo.

“Of course.” Brooke nods, serene. “We’ll wait outside.”

Cynthie closes the door behind her and slumps against it.

“Fuck,” she says, her voice low. “Do you think they know?”

“Your T-shirt is inside out,” I say.

“Fantastic.” Her eyes close again.

“Hey.” I shrug. “As far as they’re concerned, we’re in a relationship, so them catching us in a clinch is hardly newsworthy.”

I realize it’s the wrong thing to say the second it’s out of my mouth. Cynthie’s eyes shutter.

“Oh, yes,” she says distantly. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Cynthie,” I start, “I didn’t mean… We really need to talk about what just happened.”

“Yeah, I know.” Cynthie rubs her forehead with her fingers. “Just not now. Can you go out and buy me a couple of minutes to deal with this?” She gestures to herself in a way that encompasses her hair, face, and disarrayed clothing.

“Sure,” I agree. “But I’m serious. We should discuss this.”

“I can’t wait,” she murmurs, and then her fingers start undoing the buttons on my shirt, but before I can get too excited, she starts doing them back up correctly.

“Go,” she says. “I’ll see you on set.”

Chapter 36 CYNTHIE

The love scene is being filmed on a closed set. That means Jasmine, Logan, and a very small crew, as well as Nisha, the intimacy coordinator. Brooke and Declan have been allowed in as well, but they’re not permitted to film any footage of Jack and I once the clothes come off, only the process behind the camera.

It feels like an exercise in trust all around.

“Right,” Nisha says, her voice soft and sweet. “So first we’ll run through the scene without removing any clothing. We’ll check in at every point to make sure that you’re both comfortable. If either of you experience any unease, then please say and we’ll make adjustments. Okay?”

Jack and I both nod while Logan pipes up. “Anything at all, guys, anything. We want this to be a totally safe space, okay? It’s important that you know you can talk to us about any concerns, any issues. Particularly you, Cynthie. This is a vulnerable experience, and I think it’s important that we all acknowledge that, right?” He looks around at everyone.

“Logan, I think they’ve got it,” Jasmine says wearily. “Why don’t you let Nisha do her job?”

Logan’s eyes widen. “Oh, Nisha! I’m sorry. I certainly don’t want my voice to be the only one in the room. It’s important to listen, isn’t it? I just want to be an active listener. You’re the expert here. I defer to you, completely.”

Logan always seems to have a lot to say about active listening, but usually, if left alone, he manages to wind himself down like a toddler wearing themselves out.

“Thank you, Logan,” Nisha says calmly. “If everyone’s ready, we’ll begin?”

Jack and I run through the scene, and Nisha takes us through every moment of contact between the two of us. It’s not my first time working with an intimacy coordinator, but I find myself even more grateful than usual for her presence. After what happened in my trailer, it helps to have an air of calm efficiency to the whole business. I currently have the events of this morning locked up tight in a little box. There isn’t time or space to think about it now, despite the fact that my body still hums with pleasure, that I can still taste Jack on my tongue.

If Brooke hadn’t interrupted… Nope, not thinking about it.