Ep 21 - Off-Script and On-Site (Pt 1)

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KALEENA (V.O):
"You can tell a lot by who claps for you—and who watches you when they think you're not looking."

Her phone buzzes — a text from Desiree:

ZOE:
<(Your daddy dearest is hosting the wrap party for the movie tomorrow night. Want to hit the boutiques?)

Zoe glances at Ethan again, then replies:

DESIREE:
(Sure. We can find something for tomorrow. Just us two.)>

ZOE:
<(Cool. Could use a distraction anyway.)

Camera pans back to Ethan and Thomas, standing in quiet conversation amid the fading cheers.

ETHAN:
"She really pulled this all off."

THOMAS:
"Give yourself credit too, Mr. Blake."

ETHAN:
"I know, but you and Holly did too. Honestly— everyone from Hollywood U. Even the devil himself contributed somehow."

THOMAS
(smiles faintly):
"I'm impressed by all of you. Good work. Keep it up."

ETHAN:
"Thanks. And hey, You're coming to the wrap-up party, right?"

Thomas hesitates — his gaze flicks toward Kaleena across the room, laughing lightly with Holly.

THOMAS:
"I suppose I can stop by. Briefly."

ETHAN:
"Good. You deserve it."

ETHAN
(smiles):
"Even if Anders'll probably count it as another one of his blackmail favors."

THOMAS
(dry):
"Don't remind me."

ETHAN:
"So, have you talked to Kaleena lately?"

Thomas's expression hardens slightly.

THOMAS:
"Tried. She's been avoiding me again — excuse after excuse."

ETHAN
(snickers):
"That sounds like Kaleena. What happened?"

THOMAS:
"She has... a talent for conjuring up stories. Let's leave it at that."

Ethan's mouth twitches as he tries not to laugh.

THOMAS:
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you, Mr. Blake?"

ETHAN:
"Me? Uh— hey, Crash!"

Ethan waves across the room toward Crash. Crash turns waving.

CRASH:
"Yo Ethan!"

ETHAN
(to Thomas):
"Let's finish this convo at the party, yeah? Later, Hunt!"

He gives a quick peace sign and ducks out before Thomas can press further.

Thomas watches him go, brow furrowed, suspicion mounting.

THOMAS (V.O):
"Hmm...."

—Beat.

He checks his watch.

THOMAS (V.O.):
"I'll let it slide for now. But tomorrow night — I'm getting answers."

He turns and exits.

KALEENA (V.O):
"Everyone's waiting for their moment. I've already chosen mine."

Cut to:
Kaleena and Holly standing near the set entrance as the last of the crew trickles out.

HOLLY:
"I still have to thank you and Ethan for bringing this script to me... It was worth it. It was rocky, but we made it. "

KALEENA:
Of course, Holly.

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