Chapter 282: Gratitude

Karen and Jay were so focused on what they were doing, that neither woman had noticed Mina or Director Porter watching from a distance. Mina took the opportunity to figure out what was going on, and her boss told her that it was normal for actresses to hire photographers that took pictures behind the scenes.

Mina had always thought that behind the scenes photos were semi candid, but she was once again witnessing firsthand that not everything was as it seemed.

Apparently, actors and actresses were not allowed to take photos that were not part of the film promotions. They could, however, take their own pictures, but they had to be careful not to show any of the props or even the set.

Mina was still listening when director Porter started to make his way toward the busy women. She matched his pace as she took in all the new details.

"Director!" Karen said excitedly, while Jay flashed a flirtatious smile at the man and winked without words.

Mina watched the silent exchange with wide eyes. Evidently Jay had found out that Director Porter was single. Mina could not stop herself from envying Jay for her forwardness. She had never been able to be so upfront with her desire, even when the opportunity presented itself to her.

As Mina stood in a daze, the women in the room gasped. Director Porter and Mina turned to face the source of the reaction and Mina's eyebrows arched.

"What scene is that for?" She asked, confused.

"Those were probably ordered by Karen's manager," he said.

"Why?"

"So the photographer can capture candid shots of her receiving flowers from a fan." Mina was still confused so she asked for clarification. "That way rival fans will feel encouraged to send gifts." Mina made a noise of understanding, but she noticed that neither Karen, nor her manager moved toward the delivery man.

"Mina Harlow," the delivery man shouted, and Mina shifted her body behind her boss.

"Why is he calling me?" Mina was absolutely mortified by the looks she was getting.

"Go find out who sent them," her boss said with a smile. Mina shook her head, but Jay opened her big mouth

"She is back here," Jay shouted. The delivery man made his way to Mina and handed her the giant bouquet of peach and yellow roses. There was a beautifully penned note attached to the flowers and Mina pulled it out to read.

{Mina, I cannot express my gratitude for the help you provided my family. You not only saved us money, but you also stopped us from losing a lot more. Please accept these flowers as a small token of my thanks; with more to come.

- In your debt, Oric.}

Mina's face flushed red as she glanced over the card. She had received flowers from Cylus, but she had gone on a trip with Luna shortly after they were received, and they were gone before she returned.

Even though the flowers Cylus had given her were beautiful, they paled in comparison to the roses Oric had sent. Mina allowed herself to take in their soft beauty, no longer caring who was looking at her.

"How odd," Karen's manager said. "Usually, small role actresses do not receive any gifts or flowers. Especially not when the leads photographer is on set. Very odd indeed." Mina did not bother to reply, but Jay made sure her piece was heard.

"Mina is the woman who got Mr. Oric Lamar to add additional funding to the production, which in turn is why your actress will be able to promote herself before the filming and after it."

"Well said," director Porter remarked. Both Karen and her manager looked down in shame.

Mina was still staring at her flowers when Jay reminded her that they would not grow legs and walk away.

----

Filming had gone more smoothly than normal and with Jay handling Karen's wardrobe, there were less costume changes. Before the end of the workday, the crew had completed their schedule.

"If everyone is willing, we can shoot scene 26A through 26F," Mina said. "It would save us a whole day on location." Director Porter flipped through the script and looked up at Mina.

"Did you memorize the scenes?" He asked.

"I did, and if you want, I think I can reorganize the filming in a way that should save us a full week."

"Do it," director Porter said. "Everyone else, prepare for the scenes."

----

When Mina walked out of the studio, she was still staring at her flowers with a smile on her face. She now understood why Willow fell for Oric, he was a complete charmer. Mina was so taken by the roses, that she had only heard half of what Jay was rambling about.

"Well? Can you?" Jay asked.

"Can I what?"

"Can you give me a ride home?"

"Oh, I- well someone kind of picks me up and drops me off," Mina said.

"That's fine, I can follow you to your house and my sister can pick me up from there," Jay said.

Mina did not know how to answer Jay, so she excused herself and went to ask James, who then asked President Lee, who agreed.

Mina waved her hand toward the woman who jogged up to the car. She was glad that Jay had not questioned anything.

"Thanks Mina, my sister went apartment shopping, so she borrowed my car. She texted me and told me that she was still stuck in traffic. What is your address?" Jay asked. Mina called out the information and Jay sent it to her sister.

"Does your sister still live with your father?" Mina asked, feeling a bit uneasy.

"That's why she is looking for her own place. My father has been trying to force her out of her shell, but she doesn't want to." Mina experienced being coaxed out of her shell in the past, and then when she let herself shine, she was asked to go back inside.

----

Mina and Jay sat on her sofa in an uncomfortable silence. Jay did not expect James to accompany them into Mina's apartment and she had been subtly trying to ask Mina why the man was there. No longer able to take it Mina tried to break the ice.

"Jay. Why don't you ask your sister to come up? I can get dinner started and you can both eat here," Mina offered. Not knowing what to think or feel, Jay agreed, and she was surprised to see James agree as well. "Great, why don't you come join me in the kitchen," Mina said.