Bri took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage.
Her voice, calm, but firm, cut through the noise:
"All rise. Court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Philip presiding."
She then handed the case file to the Judge,
glanced toward the defense table, and announced.
"Case number 411C, The People versus Richard Hayes."
When the assistant producer finally shouted, "Cut!" Bri breathed out as everyone around the set began to clap.
"Great job! Just one take! Everyone take notes from Brianna!" he praised her in front of everyone.
She stepped off the stage, and to her surprise, Jake walked up to her, pride written all over his face. Before she could say anything, he reached out and gave her a tight hug.
Great job, movie star" he said with a soft laugh. "I'm so proud."
"Thank you," she replied with a smile. "I didn't know you were coming. What are you doing here?" she asked, still catching her breath.
" I couldn't miss your official debut in a big film. You're now a movie star." Jake grinned, handing her a paper bag.
"Delivery," he said, lifting the bag. "Your favorite.. pretzel bites and iced coffee."
Bri's smile widened. "You are too sweet Jake."
He shrugged as he joked. "I'm practically your food sponsor."
Anna spotted them from a distance and waved. "Don't start without me!" she called out, earning a laugh from Bri.
Before Bri could reply, Nancy, her manager, appeared out of nowhere, a clipboard in hand and her sharp eyes scanning the set. She had met Anna before but paused when she saw Jake.
"And who is this?" Nancy asked curiously.
"Oh!" Bri said quickly. "This is Jake."
Nancy raised an eyebrow. "Boyfriend?"
Bri's laugh came too quickly. "No, no he is my best friend. I'm single."
"Good," Nancy said with a nod. "Let's keep it that way."
With that, she walked off toward the production team as she answered a phone call.
For a moment, no one spoke. Bri was staring at Nancy, and when she finally turned, both Anna and Jake were staring at her.
Anna crossed her arms, amused. "You're single?"
Jake didn't say anything. He just looked at Bri, waiting for an explanation.
Bri exhaled slowly, her eyes dropping to the half eaten pretzel bite in her hand.
"It's… it's complicated," she said softly.
Anna's gaze didn't waver. "Yeah," she said finally. "I bet it is. Does your husband know that you're apparently single?"
Sounding upset, Jake sarcastically replied "Does her husband know that he is married?"