Michael Balkind - Sudden Death

As Reid was yelling, “No, I’m not ready. Which line am I reading?” the refrigeration machine was turned off mid-statement. He finished his sentence, yelling at the top of his lungs, realizing too late that the noise had stopped. Everyone began to laugh and clap. He took a silly bow and said, “Thank you, Thank you.”

“Well, folks,” Craig announced, “I think he’s a natural, maybe a ham, but a natural, nevertheless.” Then he said to Reid, “Let’s try the second script first and see where we go from there.”

Reid kept repeating the lines in his head. He was a nervous wreck. He walked over to the tee, picked up a club and started swinging it. Missy came over and dabbed some make-up on his chin. Craig’s assistant yelled, “Quiet on the set.” “Okay, Reid,” Craig said, “when I say action, I want you to hit the ball, then look up here toward the camera, look right at this red light and say your lines. Got it?” “Got it.” “Okay, here we go. Three, two, one, action.” Reid swung and hit the ball, looked up and said, “Hi, I’m Reid Clark.

I use the Eagle from Freeze.” “Cut,” Craig yelled. There were some giggles around the room. “Why’d you stop me?” Reid asked curiously. “You don’t have any idea what you said, do you?” Craig asked. “I said my first line. Why?” “You said the Eagle from Freeze .” “No way,” Reid said. Craig and Aimee nodded. “I did?” he said with a look of embarrassment. “Sorry.” “Ready to try again?” Craig asked. “Yeah, let’s do it.” “Positions,” yelled the assistant. “Quiet on the set.” Reid was back at the tee with a new ball teed up. “Three, two, one, action.” He hit the ball, looked up and said, “Hi, I’m FREEZE, I…” He stopped and groaned, “Oh, Shit.” “Cut.” “Sorry.” Reid shrugged. “Okay, Reid, I want you to practice your lines once, right now.” Reid closed his eyes and everyone could see his mouth moving as he said the lines to himself. “No, Reid, out loud, out loud .” Craig was a little agitated. “ Alright . Sorry!” Reid exclaimed, also a little annoyed. He closed his eyes for a second, took a deep breath and said loudly, “Hi, I’m Reid Clark. I use the Freeze from Eagle. Use Freeze only when you want to ice your competition. Freeze, the ball that flies like an Eagle.”

“Very good,” Craig said. “Okay, one more time in front of the camera, ready?” Reid nodded, took another deep breath and exhaled. “Positions! Quiet on the set!” “Three, two, one, action.” When Reid looked down, a new ball had been placed on the tee. He took a deep breath and exhaled. He hit the ball, looked up at the camera and said his lines perfectly.

“Cut, that’s a take. Good job, Reid,” Craig said triumphantly. “Okay. Let’s do it one more time,” he said loudly.

Reid looked up at him curiously. “What! I thought that was good. We need to do it again?”

“I want three takes of each segment. Two more here, then three on the fairway, then three more on the green. And I want to try the first script in all three spots as well. I hope you don’t have any other plans for the day.” “No, I’m all yours, Mr. Director, sir,” Reid said sarcastically. “That’s more like it,” Craig played along. They made it through the rest of the takes with only a few mistakes. It was 7 p.m. by the time they wrapped for the day.

Craig announced, “Thanks to Reid’s perseverance, we knocked off two days of work in one. I want to thank you all for a job well done.” He walked over to Aimee. “I have to get out of here. I’ll talk to you in the morning. Let’s reconvene at 9 with the editing team.”

“Thanks, Craig, see you in the morning. By the way, nice job,” Aimee said.

“We got lucky. Don’t tell him, but for a first timer, Reid was unbeliev ably smooth. He could change careers tomorrow and be in film. I guess some guys have all the talent, huh?” “You’ve got plenty yourself, and you know it. See you tomorrow.” “Bye,” he said and kissed her on the cheek. “Goodnight all,” he yelled to everyone else. The camera crews had another hour of breaking down and packing up. The caterers were just about done. The lighting people would be working late into the night.

“I made reservations at Nobu,” Carl said. “It’s just around the corner. Why don’t we all go have dinner and relax?” “Good thinking,” Buck said. “Let’s go, everyone.” “I’m bushed,” Reid said with a yawn. “I think I’ll just go home.

Thanks, anyway.” Betsy piped up, “No way, you’re not going home yet. It’s only 7:30.

Come join us. Pleeease.” “Okay, if you’re going to twist my arm. But I need to make a call first. Can I borrow someone’s cell?” All at once, about 10 cell phones were offered by outstretched arms. It was a funny sight.

“Now that would have made an excellent cell phone commercial,” Reid said. He looked over at Aimee, who was already writing it down.

He grabbed the closest phone and walked away from the group. He pulled Shane’s card from his wallet and dialed her cell. To his disappointment, her voice-mail came on; just hearing her voice again gave him a chill. He left a message that they were heading to Nobu. “Okay, let me go change and we can leave,” he said to everyone.

They walked to the restaurant and were led to a private dining room in the back. The subtle yet distinct scent of hot sake filled the air. After they took their seats, a waiter described Nobu’s famed Omakase dinner, a multicourse meal of the restaurant’s best and most exotic signature dishes. In front of their place settings were personal sake flasks, each resting on a flame warmer.

During the second course, there was a quiet knock on the door and Shane entered the room. All heads turned. A little embarrassed, she gave a quick wave and quietly said, “Hi, everybody.”

Reid jumped up, knocking his chair over. He hurried over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I can’t believe you came, I’m thrilled.” Everyone was looking at them and whispering quietly. Shane wore an olive-green silk blouse, black capri pants and sandals. Her long hair was braided down her back. The only make-up she wore was lipstick. She was breathtaking. Reid turned toward the tables. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Shane.” He brought her to his table and, after a quick seating adjustment, they sat next to each other. A moment later, Joan came over and said, “Reid, don’t you want to introduce me to your friend?”

Reid rolled his eyes and said, “Of course. Mom, meet Shane; Shane, this is my mom, Joan.” They exchanged hellos and agreed to talk more after dinner. Reid was relieved his sisters hadn’t lined up behind their mom. Shane listened intently as he told her about the commercial shoot. He felt very good with her next to him. She actually seems interested in what I’m saying, he thought. Finally, a girl who might not only be attracted to my bank account. He asked if she would join them tomorrow evening for a classical concert at Caramoor, an outdoor theater on a beautiful estate. To his delight, she accepted the invitation. Shortly afterward, the party broke up.

Heads turned to admire Shane as they left the restaurant. Reid was glad the attention was on her instead of him for once. The group squeezed into the waiting vehicles. When they dropped Shane off at her apartment, Reid jumped out and walked her to the door. They stepped into the vestibule, out of sight of the others. He thanked her for coming and gave her a quick goodnight kiss; he wanted more but he was determined to prove himself a gentleman. As he started to back away, she quickly put her arms around his neck and pulled him back for another, more passionate kiss. She smiled and said, “Thank you for a wonderful evening. I can’t wait for tomorrow.” She gave him another quick kiss and said goodnight, then turned and walked to the elevator. He smiled and watched in silence thinking, I guess Jamie is out of the picture.