It Starts With One

Script Read Breakfast

There was a small break area complete with a refreshment station next to a kitchenette. A few comfy looking chairs here and there with charging stations. I washed my hands and set out the beverages and necessities, then stacked the boxes of breakfast orders on top of one another. I could hear muffled discussions in the room nearby where they were. I could hear JJ's voice explaining things in great detail. I swallowed hard.

"Here goes. Stay calm. Don't fuck up." I whisper to myself.

I had been told to just open the door, try not to make too much noise, and use the place cards to distribute the orders. Should be easy.
I open the door and push my way in. A few of the crew glance at me, obviously not recognizing me, but accepting nonetheless. The actors are all paying close attention to JJ and listening intently, paying me no mind.

My boss had told me to start with the crew. It was a long and large table that stretched the length of the room on both sides, and the place cards were in decent view. I began placing boxes on the table next to the place cards, being as courteous, respectful and as quiet as I could. A few crew members would look at me and smile, nodding or thanking me, some paid me no mind.
One of the crew members very hushed asked where Roger was, I silently answered by mouthing "he called in sick", which they responded with a silent "Oh.", nodding and smiling. I felt less intimidated by the crew... but I got butterflies as I approached the head of the table.
JJ himself next to Kathleen Kennedy, then a few other big names in the production and script writing departments... then the actors. They all looked magnificent despite being out of costume and a bit more casual for the read.
I was told to be careful when serving the actors, to make sure I attend to whatever they need quickly.

I gave Daisy Ridley her box, who gave me a brief smile as I placed it by her. She was very sweet. John Boyega was always humble from what I had been told, and they were right. He was very kind and said thank you when I gave him his box, looking me in the eye as he spoke.
I got really nervous as I approached the end of the table. My favorite actor, Adam Driver.
He was sitting with a large cup of coffee at his place setting, rested casually leaned back in his chair, script papers in hand and his eyes on JJ.

I came over with his box, placing it on the table, trying not to show my jittering nerves. He didn't seem to notice me as I slipped past, so I mentally dismissed myself as I turned to move on. "Thank you very much." I heard him say softly. As I turned to look back, his eyes met mine, and he had a warm smile on his face and briefly nodded in acknowledgment. He quickly went back to paying close attention to JJ after that.

All I could do was look dumbfounded... or blank. I'm not sure which I emoted, but either way I was too star-struck to smile back... I think...
I would like to think I remained calm and contained on the outside in that moment, but inside I was shrieking like a fan girl.

I continued on, finally getting to JJ, who for some reason decided to pipe up as I approached. "Where's Roger today?" He asked unexpectedly. I almost froze in place but I smiled through my shock. "Wasn't feeling well, called in." I answered abruptly.
"Ah. Well thank you for serving us ‪this morning‬. Uh, I think we'll take a short break here so we can all eat. Sound good? Yeah?" He remarked, looking to the room, all murmuring in agreement. I handed JJ his box and he smiled and thanked me politely. Some of the crew and cast stood up from their chairs to head to the small adjacent break area, others stayed at their seats and began conversing and eating.

I checked my cart and went into the break area to check on things to restock or refill. Oscar Isaac was laughing and joking around with John while he ate his breakfast while several crew members ate and chat, some going outside to smoke.

I was cleaning and restocking some items under the bottom cabinets when I felt someone behind me. I tried to move a little quicker so I could get out of their way as I knew I was probably blocking whatever they were needing. "Oh, no... please, don't rush on my account." I heard a deep, familiar voice say.
As I realized who it was, I jolted and hit my head as I turned to stand up. I exerted an "oof" and grabbed my head, which was now throbbing, but my pride hurt more. "Oh!" his eyes widened and he reached his hands out toward me, "...are you alright?" He asked with concern. Adam's tall figure was looming over me as I was crouched, clasping my head. He looked like he was genuinely concerned as he looked down to me.

"I'm fine... just ridiculously embarrassed..." I said, trying to crack a smile through the pain. He chuckled a little. I had knocked a few things out of the cabinets upon my exit, so I began trying to clean up after my mess. "Here, let me help..." he says, crouching next to me to hand me some boxes of sugar packets on the floor. Before I can stop him, and out of fear of being rude, I just accepted the help.
He hands me things on the floor as I replace them, my nerves not helping the throbbing pain on the back of my head, seemingly making it all seem so much worse. I must have been pretty obviously distraught because Adam was giving me this look of gracious pity with his smile. "Sure you're okay?" He asks again. I giggle nervously, "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Thank you." I reply as calmly as I can manage. I put away the last of the stock that fell out and close the cabinet door.

As I turn to stand, there's Adam, reaching a hand out to help me up. I smiled, accepting his hand up. My heart practically skipped a beat as his hand grasped mine, strong yet gentle.
His hands were enormous compared to my own, and that was saying something for me since I'm a taller girl. He practically lifted me up by his own strength, and I was quickly on my feet. I was a bit shocked, but still managed to give a small "thank you" as I straightened. He smiled with a soft reply of "Sure." And reached for his coffee cup on the top of the counter.
I dust off my pant legs and proceed to wash my hands off in the sink while he takes a sip from his cup. I turn back to my cart for a moment to grab a couple things, looking for distractions from my utter embarrassment.
The crew and other cast are still enjoying their meals, so I decided to look busy so I could replace everything immediately.

Great. Just embarrassed myself in front of my favorite actor and crush. Ugh, off to a rough start.

"So, you're American?" I hear Adam say after a sip of coffee. I had been so distracted I didn't realize he was still standing nearby... and I was honestly surprised he still was, considering.

I had to refocus; What did he just ask? Oh yeah...

"Yes, yes I am." I replied with a nod, still searching my cart for supplies. "I hope that didn't, uh, seem rude, I... just haven't known of or seen many American staff in the studio." He adds with a slight glimmer in his eyes. I give him a warm smile, "Oh no, not at all, that's not rude. I know what you mean. I'm the only American that I know of for the catering staff."
"And where are you from?" He probes gently, continuing conversing in kind. The look on his face is genuine and charming.
I'm shaking with nervous energy. "Oklahoma. Long way from home." I reply with a nervous laugh, my nerves are bursting.

He chuckles at that, smiling again, "Wow, yeah, long ways for sure. Oklahoma... I've, uh, I've never been there, what's it like?" He mentions while he swirls his coffee. "It's a boring place, really. I think we're best known for tornadoes, the Murrah Bombing, football and the 'Ain't Nobody Got Time For That' lady..." I reply immediately without hesitation, almost not thinking. Adam begins chuckling at that which startles me a bit. I hang my head for a moment, realizing what I just said.

"Sorry, that was a bit dark, I know..." I stifle a chuckle as I grip the handle of the cart. "No, no, that was honest, it was funny." He replied with a genuine smile, waving his hand to emphasize his meaning. I chuckle awkwardly, patting myself down to make sure I'm not forgetting anything. "Well, um, I guess I'll be back with lunch later." I look toward Adam, but I can't look him in the eye long without feeling like I'm going to turn bright red. "It was nice to meet you and thank you for your kind help..." I nod my head at him. He sets his coffee down and swiftly moves closer to me with an outstretched hand to shake. "Yeah, of course, yeah... and what is your name?" He asks me graciously. I smile and nervously accept his hand to shake. "It's Ruby, I mean, I'm Ruby." I nod quickly, smiling too big. He smiles back warmly as he shakes. "Nice to meet you, I'm Adam. And thank you for taking over for Roger today. We won't starve now." He chuckles a little as he says this, nothing but genuine kindness in his eyes as he speaks. I can't help but chuckle with him as he says this and I'm suddenly lost in his aura.

I finally realize what I need to do now as he releases my hand. I nervously withdraw, smiling and waving as I turn to leave. Everyone else seemed completely entranced in their own worlds while this happened and I was a little shocked, but maybe it's normal for all I know. I wheeled the cart down the small hallway to exit the room, looking back one last time to see Adam opening his box to eat his breakfast, glancing up at me just as he's about to take a bite, he smiles.

My heart was beating too fast. I finally made it back to the kitchen and I put the cart back where it belonged. I rushed to the bathroom and had to splash some cold water on my face to get a grip. Breakfast, done. Lunch hour would come soon and I had to be prepared.

Unfortunately for me, Adam wasn't present the rest of the day after the morning read. He was apparently off doing costume design and other tests. I served the rest of the team regardless and it was a joy. I even finally got to meet Joonas Suotamo aka Chewbacca and Antony Daniels aka C3PO, and I felt lighter than air.