On Location

Water

The plane touches down in a small regional airport in Georgia. It's my fifth film this year and we're only half way through the year. I haven't seen my home in more than a year – about which I'm grateful. I told my agent that I wanted as many roles as possible and back-to-back preferred.

As soon as the plane stops, Martha, the flight attendant, unbuckles herself from her seat. She disappears into the galley and returns with a warm washcloth so I can wipe my face and hands. "I hope you had a pleasant flight, Jack. It's 7 pm and the weather is about 95 degrees."

"Seven and it's 95 degrees?"

"Yes sir. Welcome to Georgia."

"Thank you Martha. Oh and I did have a pleasant flight – as always." I place the washcloth on my face - the moist heat wakes me up.

Martha opens the aircraft door with the stairs to disembark. The hot, muggy Georgia air slices through the air-conditioned cabin.

Captain Jim Garcia exits the cockpit.

I stand to greet him as Julie, my assistant, gathers our things.

"I hope you have some cooler clothes with you. You're going to need it," he points out as he shakes my hand.

We both laugh, realizing I'm still wearing jeans and a bulky sweater from our time filming in the Australian winter – about 24 hours ago.

"I warned him about the weather difference. He had to agree to do a film in Georgia in August. God, help us all." Julie heads out onto the tarmac, already assembling everyone she can find to help with our bags.

"She's still feisty as ever, I see. Nine months in the outback didn't slow her down?" the captain wonders.

We chuckle. "She keeps me on my toes. And she's good at what she does," I point out.

"She is, indeed." We both watch as Julie simultaneously talks into her cell phone and barks orders at the ground crew, who run in circles trying to keep up with her requests.

"Another city, another project," I sigh.

"Maybe you need a break Jack?" Captain Jim proposes.

"I wouldn't know what to do with myself."

 "I would be happy to show you the world. You just say the word."

"Aren't we already seeing the world? And now it's – where are we again?"

"Georgia."

"Right!" I can't keep it all straight. Give me a few days and I'll be able to pretend it's like home. Feeling the wall of heat in front of me, I take off my thick sweater. My T-shirt is already drenched.

I say my goodbyes to Martha and Jim and I disembark the plane. Julie escorts me to a nearby Cadillac Escalade that is waiting for me.

"Nick, will take you to your hotel. I'm going to touch base with the assistant director and get your schedule."

"How long are we here for?" I ask.

"A month. Then we're back to Australia for another six months." I nod, feeling good that I still have a few more months away from reality. I wonder how long I can keep running from my life. Yes, I know I'm running. But I have a good excuse. I'm making movies. I'm living the dream. I should be happy. 

Julie's phone rings. "Yes, we just landed. He's heading to the hotel now. Oh, okay, hold on."

"Do you want to have dinner with the producers tonight?"

I nod okay.

"Sure, what time? And you'll have a car pick him up, right? Okay great." She hangs up. "The car will take you to the restaurant at 8."

"Fine." I jump in the Escalade and close the door.

"Welcome to Georgia sir. There's some water in case you're thirsty."

"Thank you," I say. "I'm Jack." I grab a bottle of water and let the cold liquid cool me off.

"Nice to meet you Jack. I'm Nick. I'll be your Teamster driver for while you're here. I'm a big fan of your work."

"Flattery will get you everywhere Nick."

"I like to think so. Now just sit back and relax. We'll be at your hotel in about twenty minutes."

I nod and look out the window at the passing landscape not sure if I'll ever be able to relax again.