Summer Preston
Four Years Later
"CUT!" I yelled in frustration.
I had finally taken my career to the next level by becoming a movie director. I had put it off for so long, especially after everything with Solené, but after she left, I realized it was time to do what was best for me.
I'm now the director of a movie called The Long Way Down. It's about a group of workers tasked with repairing an isolated mountain road after a landslide cuts off a remote town. As they dig deeper into the rubble, they uncover an old, sealed-off tunnel that isn't on any map. Strange things begin to happenâequipment malfunctions, workers go missing, and voices echo from the tunnel. Soon, they realize the tunnel was sealed for a reason: it's a gateway to something ancient and hungry, and they've just reopened it.
We still have a few scenes left to shoot before the premiere, but for some reason, my cast members can't seem to pull it together.
"August, are you okay? Why aren't you remembering your lines?" I ask, exasperated.
She fidgets nervously with her fingers before speaking. "I'm sorry, Ms. Preston. I'm not sure what's wrong with me today."
"You think this is just a one-time thing? This has been going on for a week, August. We both know this is your big break. Take five, and we'll shoot the scene again."
I watch as tears well up in her eyes. "When you come back, I don't want to see any tears!" I shout after her.
I glance around and see my crew members staring at me. Rolling my eyes, I stand up and head to my office. I sit down behind my desk and rub my hands over my face.
The movie premiere is in two months, and my crew and I have been working tirelessly to make sure everything is perfect. I've invited several A-list celebrities to witness what I've accomplished, and there's no way I'll let myself be embarrassed by a cast member who can't get their act together.
My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. I get up to open it, revealing Nolan and Adrianna.
"I see you two every single day. I need a break," I grumble as I walk over to my mini fridge and grab a bottle of water. I twist off the cap, take a sip, and place it on my desk.
"You're acting like that's a bad thing," Nolan says with a grin. "I come bearing gifts!"
"Well, where are the gifts?" I ask, looking around.
Adrianna snaps her fingers, and a group of women and men enters my office, carrying clothes.
"Hey, what is this? I have work to doâ"
"Oh hush," Adrianna interrupts, waving her hand dismissively. "I told your crew to take the rest of the day off."
"Adrianna, you know I have to finish directing the movie in time for the premiere!" I groan.
"Exactly," she says, gesturing to the people standing by with multiple clothing options. "This is all for the premiere. Nolan and I found your dress... well, dress options, since we know how picky you are."
"This couldn't have waited until later?" I ask.
"No," they both reply in unison.
"Fine, show me the options," I sigh, sinking back into my chair.
"First up, we have this white gown," Adrianna says, holding it up.
The dress reminds me of a wedding gown, exuding timeless elegance with a modern twist. It features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a folded design that adds sophistication, while the fitted bodice beautifully accentuates the waist. The voluminous ball gown skirt flows outward, creating a regal and dramatic effect.
"Am I getting married, or am I attending a movie premiere?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"You do realize you're dissing Vivienne Westwood, right?" Nolan says, raising an eyebrow.
I wave him off as Adrianna presents the next dress.
"For this one, we were thinking you could wear your hair in a slicked-back bun with YSL stilettos!" Adrianna says enthusiastically.
This dress is a deep crimson red, featuring a strapless, fitted bodice that accentuates the shoulders and neckline, creating a sleek silhouette. The skirt is the standout element, made of voluminous, textured fabric resembling layers of oversized roses, giving it a dramatic, sculptural look. The rich color enhances its romantic and daring aesthetic, making it perfect for a glamorous event or unforgettable night out.
"I love this one," I say, admiring the dress.
"I told you she'd like this one!" Nolan says, clapping his hands together.
"Okay, I'll put this in the 'yes' pile," Adrianna says, handing the dress to one of the women.
She grabs another one off the rack and holds it up. It's a black halter-neck dress that would accentuate my curves perfectly. Simple yet sophisticated, it exudes an air of understated elegance.
"Add it to the 'yes' pile," I say, continuing to admire the design.
"Last but not least, we have this navy blue hourglass blazer dress," Adrianna says, holding it up.
I immediately fall in love with it and nod in approval, pointing to the 'yes' pile.
"Everyone, please take the items back to the car. We'll do makeup and hair another day," Nolan says to the group.
The team quickly exits, leaving the three of us behind.
"What would you do without us? Not many people are blessed with best friends who are fashion designers," Adrianna says, making Nolan nod in agreement.
"I think I'd function perfectly fine," I reply with a sarcastic smile.
"She's been very bitchy lately, don't you think?" Nolan says to Adrianna.
"I agree. I think it's the stress from the upcoming premiere. Maybe she needs to be... you know... properly taken care of," Adrianna says with a suggestive grin.
"You both know I'm right here, right?" I say, raising an eyebrow with an amused expression.
"Oh, we're well aware," Nolan replies.
"What we said still stands," Adrianna adds with a smirk.
"I'm not that bitchy; I'm just more snappy than usual," I protest.
"You're bitchy. It's okay to admit it," Adrianna teases.
"I'll be less bitchy once everything is perfect," I say, rolling my eyes.
"Maybe you just need a stress reliever," Nolan suggests, wiggling his eyebrows.
"I don't believe in one-night stands. You both know this," I say pointedly.
"We know, but you also haven't dated since, well... you know who," Nolan says, trailing off.
"I'm not interested in dating at the moment," I say, looking away.
"Are you not interested, or are you scared of getting hurt again?" Adrianna asks.
I snap my head toward her, growing annoyed. "I know you're both trying to help, but I'm perfectly fine. I don't need someone else to relieve my stress or change my attitude," I grit out.
"Summie, we're just trying to helpâ"
"I don't need help! I'm fine," I say in an exasperated tone.
The room falls silent for a moment before Adrianna clears her throat. "Okay, we'll stop prying. How about the three of us go out for a drink?"
"A drink? I desperately need one. Are we going to The Vault?" Nolan says excitedly.
"Yes, that's what I had in mind. Are you coming, Summer?" Adrianna asks.
I nod, and both of them smile. "You guys act so excited to hang out with me, like you haven't seen me in 30 years."
"We just enjoy your presence because we love you!" Nolan says with a grin.
I giggle as they pull me into a hug. "I love you guys more, but please let me goâI desperately need a drink."
They pull away, and we walk out of the set. I make sure everything is in place before locking up.
"Did you guys drive together?" I ask.
"No, we drove our own cars," Nolan says.
"Okay, I'll meet you both there," I say as we part ways.
I unlock my Range Rover Sport P530, hop inside, and connect my phone to Bluetooth. I pull off, heading toward the club.