The Director's Cut (5 page)

He gave me an approving nod. “I never worry where you're concerned. Of all my children, you're the only one I never fret over.” He gave me a look that could almost be described as endearing. “You're the one to make us all proud. The real winner in the bunch.”

His flattery caught me off guard. Still, I could sense manipulation when I saw it. His words were meant to provoke me to action, as always. Tia, the worker bee. Tia, the rescuer. Tia, the only one in the family capable of carrying the load—financially and emotionally—for everyone else.

Nope. Nothing had changed. Except now the words were covered with more dust. I felt like sneezing just thinking about it.

Dad's hand gripped the door, and he turned on the charm once more. Flashing a convincing smile, he offered up a few parting words. “Think like a winner, honey. Stick with your family. Don't abandon us now, not after all we've been through together.”

Funny. As I closed the door behind him, I realized I could have said the very same thing to him.

On Tuesday morning I arose feeling completely wiped out after a late night of taping and retaping Sheetrock in my entryway. Turned out it was harder than it looked. So much for those hunky carpenters on the DIY network, telling me I could do it myself. They'd clearly never seen a neurotic, overworked Hollywood director try her hand at home improvement.

My watery eyes and itchy nose made me a great candidate for an antihistamine commercial, but I didn't dare take any meds. Not on such an important day. It was Tuesday, after all. Some of my toughest work happened on Tuesdays. Blocking and reblocking scenes. Giving instruction to the actors, the camera guys, and so on. Nope. No time to think about a head cold—or whatever this was—today.

As I hit the 405, I shifted gears—internally, anyway—and gave some thought to today's plan of action. After such a great read-through yesterday, I felt sure my cast and crew would be in good spirits. That would help. Hopefully our run-through would be smooth.

My phone rang just as I reached my exit. I pushed a button on my steering wheel and Mama's voice rang out, just as it did every morning about this time.

“Tia-mia, you sweet girl! I just called to thank you for getting Benita the job. It means the world to me. And her too, of course. To all of us. Oh, you always come through for us, Tia.”

“It's not really solid yet, Mama,” I said. “Rex has agreed to meet with her today. I called her last night and made it very clear what is expected of her, if he does decide to hire her.” A chill came over me as I thought about the potential for disaster with my sister in the studio. Thankfully, the SUV behind me provided the perfect distraction as he attempted to rush me down the ramp.

“Oh, I know it's going to be solid before the day's over,” Mama said. “I've been praying about it and feel sure the job's in the bag. But I really called to talk to you about your father. I, um . . . I hear he stopped by your place last night.”

“Benita shouldn't have told you.”

My mother's voice kept me from saying more. “Did he . . . I mean, is he planning to . . .”

Come back home? Again?

“I guess that's your decision, Mama.” I pulled my car up to a stoplight and drew in a deep breath. “It's between you and Daddy. It's not really my business. Besides, he said he talked to you already.”

“Still, you're my oldest, Tia-mia. I lean on you for advice.”

And a thousand other things.

She continued, oblivious to my thoughts. “And yes, I talked to him, but I still can't decide if he's telling the truth this time. Did his apology seem real to you? Hmm, baby girl?”

“Mama, I'd really like to talk, but I'm almost to the studio. It's Tuesday. You know what that means.”

“Yes. Tuesday is one of the most important days of the week.” Sounded like she was reading the words from a book or something. “It's the day the cast and crew do a full run-through of the episode for the first time. You've told me a dozen times.”

“Exactly. And it's the day when I have to stay focused and give direction.”

Especially today, since we're delivering a baby.

“You've never had a problem with focus, honey. Now, your little brother, he's another story. Gabe's teacher tried to tell me that she thinks he has ADHD and needs to be on medication. What do you think of that?”

I think it's about five years overdue, but I would never say that out loud.

“Just one more thing to pray about, Mama,” I said. “Better hit your knees.”

“With as many children as I've got, I spend half my time on my knees and the other half wringing my hands. And when you factor your father into the equation . . .” She sighed. “Anyway, I spend a lot of time praying. And my knees are calloused.”

No doubt.

“I've spent a lot of time doing the same,” I said as the light changed. “That's the only thing that gets me through—on Tuesdays and every other day of the week.”

“I know you have to work, honey, but when things slow down, call me and give me all the news about Benita's new job, okay? I can hardly wait to hear, especially now that Brock Benson is part of your cast.”

I shoved the feelings of panic aside as I realized Benita would be spending one-on-one time with Brock Benson. The very idea terrified me. Still, he seemed like he had a good head on his shoulders. Surely he could deal with a beautiful flirt like my younger sister. I hoped.

I ended the call with Mama, my mind now reeling. Thank goodness Benita was waiting on me when I arrived at the studio. I ushered her into Rex's office, and after just ten minutes of chitchat, she'd landed herself the job. So much for thinking the network execs would have to weigh in on the idea. Rex made the decision as if he'd known all along he would.

As we left his office, he leaned over and patted me on the shoulder. “I like her a lot, Tia. Never would've guessed you two are sisters, though. You're very . . . different.” The creases between his brows deepened.

“Um, yes.”

And not just physically.

Just as quickly, the tension seemed to lift from his face. “Still, I see something in her. And her portfolio is wonderful. She's got quite an eye for color.”

And other things.
I paused and drew in a breath.
Stop it, Tia. Give your sister a chance.

“Have someone take her over to meet with Nora. They'll have a few days together before Nora has to leave. Benita can learn the ropes.”

“Great idea.”

By the time I'd absorbed his words, Benita was ten paces ahead of me in the hallway. She reached the set, then turned back to face me, her eyes shimmering with tears.

“Oh, Tia, it's wonderful. To think I'll be putting the finishing touches on some of Hollywood's hottest—” Her words hung in midair as Brock Benson entered the room. “Oh, mama mia,” she said at last. “It's that all-American boy next door. In the flesh.” She pulled out a compact and checked her appearance. Turning my way, she whispered, “How do I look?”

“Great. As always.”

“Thanks.” She snapped the compact closed and smacked her lips together. “Let's get this show on the road, sis.” She giggled at her own words. “Show on the road. Ha!”

“Yeah, we get that a lot around here.”

“Introduce me to the cast and crew, okay? And play it up like I'm used to working with stars. I've spent time with a few at the salon, you know.” She lit into a lengthy list of well-known people she'd crossed paths with, but I barely heard any of it. Instead, I found myself focused on Jason, who approached Brock and shook his hand.

“Well, not everyone's here yet,” I said. “I see Jason and Brock, but none of the others—”

Just as I spoke the words, the room filled with adults and children alike. Once everyone was in place, I led the way onto the set, Benita on my heels, and clapped my hands to get their attention. My little sister stood at my side nearly humming with excitement. Any minute now I expected her to take off flying around the room.

The guys—Jason and Brock, in particular—seemed spellbound by Benita. Out of the corner of my eye, I took note of the fact that she was watching them. She used her fingertips to brush loose strands of hair around her face. Whether she realized it or not, Benita always did that when flirting. Looked like she had a few girlish tricks up her sleeve. Hopefully the guys would see through her little game.

“Everyone, this is my sister, Benita Morales.” I held my breath and waited for the menfolk to stop gawking.

“Hi, everyone.” She giggled and gave a little wave, her perfectly lined lips curling up in a sumptuous smile. “You can call me Beni.”

“I'd like to call her, all right,” Bob, the youngest on our writing team, leaned in to whisper to Jason.

I chose to ignore him. “With Nora leaving in a few days, we need someone to take over the hair and makeup department,” I explained. “Beni's a natural. And she's graduated from a very prestigious beauty school here in L.A.”

“Cosmetology school,” she whispered. She cleared her throat and spoke to the group. “I went to WBI.”

“WBI?” Jason shrugged. “Don't know that one.”

“Western Beauty Institute. I graduated with a cosmetology license. It's officially recognized by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. My primary focus of study was eyes and lips.” She went off on a tangent talking about eye makeup techniques, but I could tell the guys weren't really interested in that. They were, however, interested in
her
eye makeup. Or maybe the lashes, which she fluttered at will as she spoke. And those outlined lips were apparently a draw too.

The males in the room appeared to be hanging on her every word. She finished up her speech and gave a little giggle. “So I guess you could say I'm a beauty expert.”

“Holy cow, is she ever,” Bob whispered. He elbowed a couple of the other guys. One let out a little snort.

Ugh. How could I turn this ship around? Only one way. Take command.

I upped my volume to be heard above the murmuring of voices. “We've made our introductions. Now it's time to get to work. Erin, would you take Benita to the makeup department and introduce her to Nora?” I gave my sister what I hoped would be an encouraging smile. “Have fun.”

“Oh, I will.” She paused at Brock's side, stammering something about his gorgeous hair, then kept moving.

Thank goodness. We could finally get to work.

Maybe. Jason drew near and touched me on the arm. I looked his way and he smiled. “She's your sister? No joke?”

“Really, Tia?” Bob asked. “You're kidding, right? One of you must be adopted.”

“Of course not. We have the same parents.”
To the best of my knowledge.

“Wow.” Jason shook his head, glancing after Benita. “That girl is . . . well, you have to admit, you two are nothing alike.”

“She's my kid sister,” I said. “Would you like to see her birth certificate?”

“Only if it proves she's old enough to go out with me.” Bob wiggled his brows and everyone laughed.

“Very funny. But I don't think that's a very good idea. Dating your co-workers rarely works out.”
Cardinal rule, right?

“Oh, really?” Kat said, taking a couple of steps in my direction. She rubbed her belly. “I think I can prove otherwise.”

Embarrassment flooded over me. “Well, you're an exception. You and Scott were made for each other.”

“We were indeed.” She laughed. “And apparently so were Athena and Stephen.” She pointed at our two love-struck head writers and shrugged. “I'm of the opinion that God brought them together too.” She gave me a pensive look. “Kind of makes me wonder who's next on this set.”

“Ooo, pick me!” Bob raised his hand and let out a childish squeal. “Beni and Bob! I like the sound of that.” He gazed after my sister and sighed. “And I like the
looks
of that.”

The guys lit into an excited conversation about Benita's assets. I groaned and turned away from them, wondering—for the first time in my life—if perhaps one of us really was adopted. Knowing my father's history suddenly made that possibility seem all too real.

Calm down, Tia.

Athena approached just as I shared my heart with Kat. “I guess I'm a little jealous of my sister. Always have been, in fact.”

“Why?” Kat looked perplexed by this idea.

“She's gorgeous, and she's never had trouble finding a guy. Or two. Or twelve.”

“Well, yeah,” Athena said, looking in the direction Benita had gone. “It's the vibe she puts off. Trust me, if you started putting off that vibe, I'd be plenty worried.”

“It's not that I'm even looking. My work keeps me busy. And I'm perfectly happy single.”

Liar. You are not.

“I used to think that.” Kat offered a delirious sigh. “But then God interrupted my plans with Scott.”

“Funny. I was always the sort of girl who found satisfaction in her work too,” Athena said. “Figured if I wanted a romance I could pencil it in whenever I liked. But God had other plans. He sent Stephen when I least expected it.”

“You guys—girls—are different. You're both so . . .” I wanted to say
pretty
, but I knew they would turn it around and claim that I was pretty too. Instead I just sighed.

“We're not different from you, trust me,” Athena said. “Just at a different stage of the journey.”

Kat patted me on the arm. “The excitement over your sister will wear off soon enough, I suppose. The guys will get over her in time.”

“I'm not sure about Bob. He looks smitten.”

“He's always smitten. Remember the Amish girlfriend? And the girlfriend before that? And the one before that? He falls hard and then licks his wounds.”