Heat and makeup don't go together, especially when a medium-toned foundation starts to melt over the white turtleneck of a French lace dress. Summer came early, and no one was prepared for it. The actress's nervousness in front of a wedding scene doesn't help either.

- Is everyone ready? You'll be on set in minutes! - a high-pitched voice comes through the trailer door, making everyone even more anxious.

- Make-up ready in five... - the make-up artist, with his palettes spread out on the brightly-lit dressing room, tries to ease the situation.

- The hair is okay! - confirms the hairdresser, threading the last clip into a braid of locks with flowers.

The cold air coming through the small gap in the air conditioning is not enough to cool the small space. Gasping, the actress waves her hands.

- Excuse me, whoever has finished, please leave! - a velvety but firm voice cuts through the claustrophobic atmosphere, making room for the actress to breathe. - Let me see you, darling!

Rachel approaches Lana, a popular actress used to playing strong characters in action movies, but who was now starring in her first novel.

- Humm... - Rachel examines the hem of the lace dress, the satin ribbons at the waist, the pearl buttons at the zipper, the embroidered hearts on the sleeves, the slight transparency at the bust, all while checking in her binder that everything is as requested in the script. - This isn't right... Something's not right. - Rachel steps back to get a wider view. - I know. The bride was asked to wear long light blue nails. Why is she wearing short French nails? Where's the manicurist? - she asks, rummaging through the accessories folder in search of blue false nails until she finds them.

- I'm here! - hastily enters the manicurist, who, in a single movement, settles down next to the actress's hands and begins to apply the false nails, which take no time at all.

- I've finished here. - the make-up artist hurries off, putting the final touches on with fixative.

In exactly nine minutes, Lana is in position, ready for the long-awaited scene.

The scene consisted exactly of a bride walking alone down a long stone walkway to the altar, where there was no one waiting, no one watching and no one accompanying her. It was just the bride and the long stone walkway.

On the side of the set, away from the cameras and overhead microphones, Rachel walks silently, assessing the fluidity of the dress as the actress moves. Until...

- What the hell is that? - A shout comes from the director's chair, who immediately gets up and walks to the center of the set where the actress is standing. - Who did your makeup? - Thomas asks rigidly, leaving Lana without a reaction.

Everyone on the set falls silent, startled by Thomas' outburst, who realizes he has overreacted and briefly steps back.

- It wasn't the make-up artist's fault... - Rachel takes charge of the situation. - It's hotter than usual today, so it's common for makeup to smudge a bit.

Thomas approaches Rachel.

- What do you think you're doing? Are you going to act as a shield for other people's incompetence now? - she says in a low, but still firm voice.

- No, I'm not, but if you give me a minute, I'll sort it out.

Thomas laughs scornfully as he looks around, noticing that everyone is paying attention.

- You have five minutes,” he says quietly, turning away without looking her in the eye. - Someone get me a cold water, this place is like hell today.

Quickly, the commotion on set begins. Rachel runs to the trailer, where she rummages through the wardrobe until she finds a French lace ribbon similar to the one on the dress. Back on set, she runs over to the actress, who is standing under a fan, trying to cool down. Rachel wraps the stained collar of the dress with the piece of lace ribbon, completely covering the stain and finishing with a discreet bow at the nape of the neck.

The five minutes given by the director passed and the situation was resolved, allowing filming to continue.

The pressure of the shooting environment, coupled with the excessive heat, tested the skill and balance of everyone involved in the production. However, Rachel's speed and calm, combined with her experience, ensured that the problem was solved effectively and discreetly. The scene, which could have been compromised by a simple mistake, went ahead without any major setbacks.

After filming, the team got together for a celebratory dinner, celebrating the success of the shoot and taking the opportunity to relax after an exhausting day. The atmosphere was full of laughter and conversation, and everyone was amazed at how a simple scene could turn into such a stressful task.

Rachel, however, remained aloof, refusing the invitation once again, as she had done on other occasions. Her eyes didn't follow the excitement of the others, and her silence seemed to clash with the festive atmosphere around her.

When she gets home, Rachel realizes that her stepson is not alone. The pair of men's shoes on the door leads her to conclude that there is a visitor. Determined to ignore the situation, she goes straight upstairs to her bedroom, where she plans to spend the next few hours relaxing in her solitude. However, the sound of excited chatter from downstairs interrupts her.

“Has Thomas arrived yet? Has he brought the people from the set home? No, he's not that sociable... But then, who could it be?” thought Rachel, confused.

Curious, she left her room cautiously, almost as if she were committing a crime. As she leaned gently on the mezzanine, she noticed three male figures gathered in the living room.

Thiago, her stepson, with his hair as messy as ever. Next to him, Thomas, her husband and Thiago's father, with crumpled clothes and looking tired. And lastly, a tall boy with black hair that was just as messy, but whose features were unknown to Rachel.

The three of them were talking and laughing loudly, while she watched, trying to understand what this unexpected meeting was all about. But, in a subtle movement, the young stranger turned his head, and his eyes met those of Rachel, who was peering over the mezzanine. Startled, she ran back into the room. The gesture was so discreet that, it seemed, no one else had noticed the brief eye contact - just her and the boy.

The small clock on the bedside table read 04:30, and Rachel still couldn't fall asleep. She refused to rely on medication, so sleeping pills were out of the question. Thomas, on the other hand, had taken two pills and was sleeping soundly beside her, as still as a stone.

Fifteen years of marriage had left her ears calloused to her husband's incessant snoring, but not even the loudest sounds could silence her mind that night. Everything indicated that the visitor had stayed for the night, as Thomas didn't take long to go upstairs after she had locked herself in the bedroom, and Thiago soon retired as well, but there was no sound at the front door and no farewell was made, so Rachel deduced that the visitor was still in the house. But she hadn't left her room since she had been caught off guard by the stranger spying on her on the mezzanine. A sudden shame overwhelmed her, something she didn't usually feel.

“It must be a friend of Thiago's. After all, he has so many friends that I can hardly remember their faces... Yes, it must just be a friend passing through,” Rachel thought, trying to push the thoughts away and convince herself that she would be able to get a peaceful night's sleep.

But the attempt was a failure. The clock woke at 6am, waking only those who had actually managed to sleep. Rachel was already in the bathroom, getting ready to leave for work, as she had a meeting scheduled with the team at 07:30.

- Why do I get the feeling that this damn clock is going off earlier and earlier? - grumbled Thomas, dragging himself from the bedroom to the bathroom, his hair messy, his face crumpled and his pajamas twisted. Meanwhile, Rachel was quietly choosing clothes for her husband's work.

- It's serious! Soon, time will pass so quickly that we won't even realize when it's bedtime,” he said, already under the shower.

Every morning, Thomas seemed to be invaded by unexpected thoughts. Some days, he lost himself in the mysteries of the universe and its immensity; others, he was filled with an inexplicable rage, as if something or someone was provoking him. And on more random days, ideas for a totally unusual breakfast would pop into his head. His head always woke up agitated and his words came out unfiltered.

At 6:30 a.m., Rachel went downstairs to the kitchen, where Sarah, the person responsible for keeping the house in order, was already waiting for her with the table set for breakfast.

Next to the kitchen was the dining room with fine, elegant furniture and a giant dining table, but Rachel had always thought it was overkill and preferred to eat at the small kitchen table.

- Toast or pancakes, ma'am? - Sarah asked, pouring a cup of coffee with milk.

- Toast, please! - replied Rachel with a kind smile. - And for Thomas, black coffee with pancakes, please.

- Of course, ma'am!

- I'd like the same, Sarah! - exclaimed Thiago, entering the kitchen in two strides. - Good morning, auntie! - he said, hugging Rachel from behind the chair where she was sitting.

- What's going on? What's all this excitement in the morning? - Rachel asked, surprised.

- Don't you know? - Thiago looked at her, confused. - My childhood friend, the one who went to live abroad, came back yesterday. He's staying here for a few days until his apartment is ready. - He settled down at the table, still excited. - Didn't you see him here yesterday?

- No, I didn't. - Rachel answered quickly, without even realizing she was lying.

- Ah, how long have you been standing there? - Thiago said, turning to someone who was standing right behind Rachel. - Come and have coffee with us! - he gestured with his hand, calling out.

- Good morning! - a deep voice rang out next to Rachel.

- Good morning! Make yourself at home, sit down and help yourself! - Rachel replied quietly, trying to look distracted as she fiddled with the toast with her knife, without looking directly at the boy.

She was sure it was the same guy from last night, and for some reason she feared making some kind of mistake that she didn't understand, if the two of them exchanged any kind of glance. So the wisest choice at the moment was to pretend to be distracted.

- This is the friend I mentioned, his name is... - Thiago had started, but was interrupted.

- Lohan, are you awake yet? - Thomas entered the kitchen to interrupt Thiago. - How can you be in such a good mood at this time of the morning?

Lohan smiled shyly, watching everyone at the table, playing with their fingertips, while noticing that Rachel had already drunk her entire cup of coffee, without touching the toast. Still standing, he thanked her with a slight nod:

- I'm grateful, but I don't want to bother you. - He thanked Rachel out of the corner of his eye, who noticed.

“What's that boy doing?” she thought, confused, trying to read Lohan's intentions and take action.

- Imagine! You've been friends with Thiago since you were a kid, haven't you? - Rachel pulled out the chair next to hers and finally looked him in the eye. - Come, sit down and have coffee with us.

Lohan stopped playing with his fingers, placed his hands at his sides more naturally and opened a smile as wide as the sun, without saying a word, but sitting down next to Rachel, as if he were already part of that daily routine.

Thomas settled into the bed, as usual, and before he could finish his coffee, Rachel was on her feet, ready to go.

- I'll lead the way, I have a meeting with the team. You don't have to come with me, Thomas, you can go straight to the set. I'll meet you there. - she said, full of energy.

She then turned to Lohan, smiling in a relaxed way and extending her hand in a cordial gesture.

- And as for you, my boy...” she said sympathetically. - It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope your stay is comfortable, and since you're Thiago's childhood friend, you can call me auntie.

“Let's put this boy in his place,” she thought, keeping her gentle smile, but with a touch of amusement in her eyes.

Lohan smiled, first with his eyes, then letting the smile widen to reveal all his teeth, before standing up and, with an elegant gesture, positioning himself in front of her.

- It was my pleasure...” he said, gently holding Rachel's outstretched hand. - ... Auntie! - he added, whispering as he bent down and kissed her hand, with a touch of daring in the gesture.

Rachel was surprised for a moment, but then Thomas laughed, breaking the tense atmosphere.

- Take it easy, kid. I know you grew up in another country, but make sure people don't confuse your manners, eh? - said Thomas, laughing at Rachel's surprised expression. - Go to your meeting, dear, and don't scold the boy. I'm sure he was only trying to be nice, weren't you, Lohan?

- Of course, Sir, it was just a kindness. - Lohan replied, but his smile disappeared instantly. Now he was looking at her with an unsettling seriousness that seemed to hold Rachel hypnotically.

“That's what I was trying to avoid. That boy has that look. The same look as last night. A look that makes my stomach bubble,” thought Rachel, forcing herself to break away from Lohan's gaze.

Unable to force a smile, she turned around, picked up her bag from the sideboard in the living room and slammed the front door behind her.

In the kitchen, all that was left was Thomas, quietly finishing his coffee and following the day's online news on his tablet, Lohan, standing there with a lost look on his face, staring at the empty space where Rachel had been, and Thiago, who had just positioned himself in front of Lohan, his countenance completely changed from when Rachel was still present.

- Hey, Lohan... - Thiago exclaimed, his voice carrying an intensity that hadn't been there moments before. - What was that all about?

Lohan, as if oblivious to what had happened, looked away and sat down again, in no hurry to finish his coffee.

- What was that? - he asked indifferently, trying to disguise the weight of the situation.

Thiago didn't hesitate. He moved closer, and his words cut through the air.

- Don't do that again! - he said firmly, his tone grave, almost desperate, as if it were an ultimatum.

Without waiting for an answer, he turned and headed for the door. Without even noticing the watchful eye of his father, who was now staring at him, tablet dropped on the table and a look of curiosity on his face. And, as he stood on the threshold of the exit, he muttered, without looking back:

- I'm going to work.

______________________________________________________

The production company's office is a vibrant and dynamic environment, with tables covered in sketches, fabric samples and historical references scattered throughout. The soft light of modern design lamps illuminates the space, while large windows offer a panoramic view of the city, still quiet before the frenetic movement of the day. At the center of this creative scene is Rachel, an experienced professional who is passionate about what she does. She listens attentively to her team's ideas about the costumes for the production company's newest project: an epic historical action film that tells the origin of a hero reborn.

The movie demands precision, as the costumes will be crucial to conveying the authenticity and grandeur of the era portrayed. Rachel knows that, for this type of movie, the costume tells the story all by itself. Every detail, from a simple brooch to an imposing cape, needs to be meticulously thought out, ensuring that the work is impeccable and faithful to the historical narrative.

The meeting continues to be lively, with the team making enthusiastic suggestions. Rachel, with the watchful eye of someone who understands the challenges of a project like this, takes notes as she absorbs each proposal. Her personal assistant Laura, sitting next to her, observes everything closely, ready to intervene when necessary. Laura, with her calm and organized demeanor, is Rachel's right-hand woman. She has a unique ability to manage the chaos surrounding these major projects, keeping everything on track.

- Rachel, the costume material for the hero is ready. We can start the analysis as soon as the meeting is over,” says Laura, with an assured smile, handing over a notebook full of detailed notes.

Rachel looks at her gratefully and nods.

- Great, Laura, thanks. We'll take a look as soon as we've finished. And get the models ready for the cast meeting, please,” replies Rachel, with the same devoted attention she has for the team.

Meanwhile, the team discusses the latest suggestions. The members are excited, and Rachel feels the positive energy in the air. She leans forward, marking the end of the meeting.

- Guys, you've done an amazing job gathering all this material! - says Rachel, a satisfied smile on her face. - Now, our next meeting will be to present the costumes to the main cast. Get ready to rock!

The room fills with murmurs of approval and excitement. Everyone knows they're about to create something great.

At the end of the meeting, the team members are divided into two groups of three: the first, led by Laura, who is ready to make sure no detail is forgotten, is in charge of preparing the presentation for the cast of the historical film, and the other, led by Rachel, goes to the set to finish the last chapter of the series they are working on.

- Make sure everything is ready for the weekend, Laura. I want the cast to be happy with the costumes they've chosen, it's very important that everyone is comfortable in their outfits," Rachel orders with the confidence of someone who knows she's in good hands.

Laura smiles and nods, already organizing everything to make the transition as smooth as possible.

- It's okay, Rachel. I'll take care of it," she replies with the calmness of someone who has anticipated every need.

The meeting ends just before lunch, and as soon as Rachel picks up her cell phone, a message from Thomas appears on the screen.

"Are you ready? Let's have lunch together!"

It was typical of him to always have an agenda. In the fifteen years they'd been married, the times they'd had lunch together just for fun were rare. Almost always there was a hidden agenda - business or some obligation to Thomas' family. Rachel took a deep breath, thought for a second, and replied:

"Let's get on with it. I had planned to have lunch with my team.

Actually, what she had planned was to have lunch alone after dismissing everyone for the break, with an agreement to meet later on the set. But there was no need to tell Thomas.

"Cancel your lunch and meet me at the usual restaurant!"

He was as uncompromising as ever, no concessions, no room for negotiation. Thomas wanted things his way, and Rachel hated that. But for the sake of peace and not complicating her career, she avoided getting into arguments.

"Okay."

Distractedly organizing the small mess on the table, Rachel lost herself in her own thoughts, trying to guess what Thomas wanted this time. "Money? That would be the last thing he'd ask me for. Help with the job? No, he's too proud for that. But... wait a minute..." She paused, put aside a pile of magazine clippings, and picked up her purse from the shelf in the corner of the room. "The last time we had lunch together, he asked me to convince Lana to star in his series. And there was this other lunch where he brought three actors for me to choose who would be best as a surgeon because he couldn't decide between them who would be the best protagonist for his hospital series. So who knows, maybe he'll need help again?"

In the elevator, Rachel smiled with satisfaction as she imagined that Thomas, despite underestimating her, might be about to ask for her help again.