Lights Camera Action Cut

Lex barely made it into the club when Benny's voice echoed through the empty space like a cannonball.

"Latham! You really dragged me out of bed for this, huh?" Benny marched in, camera bag slung over his shoulder, his crew trailing behind him like a parade. "Twelve hours, you said? I don't even need half that."

Lex smirked, stepping aside to let the crew file in. "Twelve's the deal. Eight in the morning to eight at night. After that, the doors open to customers, and you're out."

Benny waved him off, already scanning the club with an appraising eye. "Please. Six hours, tops. Maybe seven if your band actually knows how to keep a rhythm."

"Eddie's regulars," Lex said, following him inside. "They're pros. They've been playing here longer than you've been complaining about mornings."

"Good," Benny replied, setting his bag down on a nearby table. He turned on his heel, clapping his hands to get his crew's attention. "Alright, people! Stage, lighting, test shots—go, go, go! We've got a lot to do, and apparently, I've got time to burn."

"Stage and rooftop only," Lex called out, leaning against the bar. "Save the rest of the building for another day."

Benny turned, giving him an exaggerated look of mock offense. "The Art Deco room, though? You're letting me have that, right?"

Lex nodded. "That and the rooftop. The others stay under wraps. We're not giving everything away in one shoot."

Benny grinned. "Smart. Build the mystique. I like it."

The sound of the door opening pulled their attention as Rose walked in, her sneakers squeaking faintly against the polished floor. She looked completely different—her makeup was flawless, smoky eyes accentuating her sharp features, her lips painted a soft rose. Her hair, loosely styled, framed her face with an effortless beauty.

Benny let out a low whistle, spinning toward her. "Rose! Look at you! What's the occasion?"

Rose blinked, glancing down at herself like she'd forgotten what she was wearing. "My mom did this," she said, motioning vaguely to her face. "She said it's easier to come ready."

"Your mom," Benny said, pointing at her like she'd just solved world hunger. "Deserves a medal. You're camera-ready. This is perfect."

Rose shifted, clearly unused to the attention. "Uh, thanks?"

Lex stepped forward, a small smile tugging at his lips. "She's right. You look great."

Rose's cheeks flushed slightly as she adjusted the strap of her bag. "Thanks, Lex."

"Alright, enough flirting!" Benny shouted, clapping his hands again. "Rose, you're with me. We're starting upstairs. Lex, you hanging out or what?"

Lex shook his head. "I'll check in on Eddie and the band. Make sure they're good to go."

"Fine," Benny said, waving him off. "Go do your boss stuff. I'll handle the magic up here."

Upstairs in the Art Deco room, Benny moved like a whirlwind, directing his crew with a mix of sharp commands and dramatic flourishes.

"Lights here! Softer on the edges! And for the love of God, don't touch the furniture—it's older than your grandparents!"

Rose stood by the window, watching Benny's antics with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"This is a lot for a music video," she said, turning to him.

Benny scoffed, adjusting the angle of a spotlight. "A lot? Honey, this is barely scratching the surface. You're charting—charting—on Billboard. You're about to blow up, and you think this is a lot? No. This is the bare minimum."

Rose smiled faintly, folding her arms. "You're really passionate about this, huh?"

"Passionate? Please." Benny pointed his camera at her. "I'm a genius. And geniuses don't half-ass things. Now, stand right there and look like you own the city."

Rose laughed softly but did as he said, resting her hands on the windowsill. The soft morning light streamed in, catching her profile perfectly.

Benny crouched, adjusting his angle. "Yes, yes, that's it. The city's behind you, but you're not looking at it. You're looking ahead—like you're already on top of the world."

"Do you always talk this much?" Rose asked, her voice teasing.

"Only when I'm inspired," Benny shot back, snapping a photo. "And right now? You're a freaking muse, Rose. Keep doing what you're doing."

Meanwhile, Lex was downstairs, leaning against the bar as Eddie tuned the piano. The musicians were already warming up, their casual banter filling the space with a lively energy.

"Band's sounding good," Lex said, glancing at Eddie.

Eddie grinned, his fingers running lightly over the keys. "We've been doing this for years, kid. You think we're gonna mess it up now?"

Lex smirked. "Just making sure. This has to be perfect."

Eddie leaned back, crossing his arms. "You're serious about this girl, huh? Rose Russo?"

"She's got the talent," Lex said simply. "I'm just giving her the stage."

Eddie nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "Your dad would've liked this. The club, the music, helping someone find their break. He was good at that—seeing the potential in people."

Lex's gaze flicked to the stage, his expression softening. "I'm not letting this place slip through my fingers again."

"You won't," Eddie said firmly. "You're your father's son, Lex. You've got this."

By the time Benny and Rose came back downstairs, the stage was ready, and the club felt alive. The band was in position, the lights were set, and the air buzzed with anticipation.

"Alright," Benny said, clapping his hands once more. "This is it. Live performance, full energy. Rose, you're center stage. Band, keep it tight but lively. We're capturing magic here, people. Let's make it count."

Rose stepped up to the mic, her nerves visible but contained. She glanced at Lex, who gave her a small nod.

"You're ready," he said simply.

She took a deep breath, her fingers brushing the mic stand. The band launched into the opening notes, and as soon as she started singing, the room transformed. Her voice filled the space, rich and soulful, weaving effortlessly with the music.

Benny moved like a man possessed, his camera capturing every angle, every moment of raw emotion.

"Damn," he muttered to one of his crew members. "She's a star. This is going to blow people's minds."

Lex leaned against the wall, watching it all unfold. Benny was right.

Rose wasn't just singing. She was owning the moment.

And this?

This was just the beginning.