An Object in Motion

Chapter 6: Acceleration

Filming days are long, but the real challenge isn't the cameras, it's keeping your mind in check.
Harlow juggles wigs, social media, and her own nerves, all while navigating complicated friendships and sibling dynamics. And with one big scene coming up, she's got more than just makeup to worry about...

Over the next week or so of filming, Harlow noticed that she wasn't often on set at the same time as Finn and when they were, he wasn't particularly inclined to spend much time around her. A part of Harlow was disappointed, because after spending time on set with people she admired, respected, and almost trusted (almost), she realized that it was finally time in her life to do better. Finn felt like the first logical hurdle; he was still her brother and she would never turn her back on him after all they had been through, but to be professional equals on the same project felt like a small step in the right direction.

But a small part of Harlow was secretly pleased that she hadn't had to face Finn yet, and an even smaller part of Harlow wondered if Finn had made that happen.

If that were the case, who was Harlow to look a gift horse in the mouth?

"Are you recording yourself?"

Harlow glanced to the doorway and saw Tom entering the hair and makeup trailer, wearing a cotton robe over a white cotton sleeveless top and slacks, his dark hair loose and soft over his forehead.

"It's embarrassing." Harlow felt her cheeks heating, closing the book in her lap after folding the corner of the page she was on. "My social media manager has been begging me for content that she can post to tease the movie once it's closer to coming out and she said these sorts of 'getting ready' videos that are played in double speed with no sound are super popular so I figured today was as good as ever, since we're doing a flashback and I get to wear a wig." She gestured to her hair, which was currently stuck down very tightly to her head. The hair team had originally tried braids and knots under a wig cap but found that it just looked bulky under the cropped look for someone in the early thirties growing out their 1920s bob so they had gone for a fractured wrap, which involved quite the amount of gel and bobby pins. Currently, Harlow was waiting for the gel to set so they could move onto the next stage in the process.

Tom nodded silently and sat down in the chair next to Harlow, propping his elbows on the arm rests. "Social media, eh? And you'll be posting this look for all to see?" Harlow shot him an exasperated look. "No, no, don't mind me, I don't know the trends. I'm sure the whole Pale Man, Gollum thing is really in with the youth right now."

Harlow's jaw dropped, almost comically wide, looking between her reflection in the mirror and Tom, who looked as nonchalant as ever. She held his eye contact for just a moment too long before her reply.

"Damn it, I was going for Nosferatu."

It was a rare thing to catch Tom Bennett off guard, but when it happened, Harlow couldn't help but savor it. She loved the subtle shift in his expression. The brief flicker of doubt in his eyes, as if he were momentarily questioning whether he'd heard correctly. Then the smile would spread, slow and genuine, starting in his eyes and shifting down his face to his mouth. His nose would scrunch just enough to show his amusement, his lips stretching wide. And last came the laugh. It was a deep, throaty laugh and he threw his head back like he couldn't possibly try to contain his laughter.

Harlow bit the corner of her lip to keep from smiling too much, looking at her hands in her lap as Tom leaned back in his chair, reveling in her pride at having elicited such a reaction from him. It felt good to make Tom laugh. It felt natural. More natural than a lot of things felt lately.