Summer

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.

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