Eileen had a hunch that Egbert might be coming to see her.
Having recently joined the film crew and just getting used to the new environment, she had already managed to get on the wrong side of the leading female actress.
Egbert, being her senior and an acquaintance of hers, would most likely come in person and give a newbie like her some guidance.
Eileen only left a crack in the door. She kept a wary eye on Egbert outside the door. If Egbert mentioned anything about Teresa, she'd slam the door shut in an instant.
Egbert stood outside the door in a white thin sweater, script in hand. Seeing Eileen's one eye peeking through, he quirked an eyebrow and asked, "Aren't you going to open the door?"
Eileen snapped back with a gruff tone, "What's it to you?"
Egbert held up the script, "I came to run lines with you."
Eileen was a bit puzzled, "Just to run lines?"
Egbert responded, "What else would it be for?"
Eileen thought he didn't seem to be lying. So she opened the door.
Janice was also in the room and was utterly flustered at the sight of Egbert.
Eileen plunked down on the couch, pulling out her own script from her bag. Looking up, she saw Janice shyly approaching Egbert with a notebook for an autograph.
Eileen immediately felt a pang of jealousy. She grumbled, "You've been my assistant for half a month and you've never asked me for an autograph, and I'm the one paying your salary."
Janice was taken aback, unsure of how to respond. Egbert took Janice's notebook, signed it, then asked, "You're her assistant?"
Janice was thrilled that Egbert was actually talking to her. She nodded excitedly, blushing as she said, "Yes, Mr. Reed, I'm Eileen's assistant, and I'm also a fan of yours. I've seen all your movies."
Egbert smiled and gave the notebook back, "Thank you."
Then he added, "She's got a bit of a fiery temper, so please be patient with her in your interactions."
Janice was a bit taken aback. She knew about Eileen's fiery temper, but couldn't figure out why Egbert was advising her to be patient with Eileen.
Eileen was taken by surprise that Egbert was talking smack about her in front of her.
He just smiled, picked up the script, and sat down next to her. He opened a page and said, "Let's start with this scene."
Eileen looked at the page he pointed out, flipped to it, and began her lines. "Darling, you're back."
Egbert, expressionless, just leaned back on the couch and responded slowly, "Mmm."
Janice, seeing them start to run lines, didn't want to interrupt and quietly slipped out of the room.
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