Love on Location

by September Roberts

  Table of Contents

  Love on Location

  Publication Information

  Dedication

  Author Acknowledgments

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  About the Author

  Also Available

  Also Read

  Thank You

  Love on Location

  by

  September Roberts

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Love on Location

  COPYRIGHT © 2018 by September Roberts

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com

  Cover Art by Kristian Norris

  The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  PO Box 708

  Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

  Visit us at www.thewilderroses.com

  Publishing History

  First Scarlet Rose Edition, 2018

  Print ISBN 978-1-5092-1988-9

  Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-1988-9

  Published in the United States of America

  Dedication

  I dedicate this book to park rangers everywhere.

  I hope you never stop pointing at things.

  Author Acknowledgments

  This book wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my amazing husband, Rich. Crystal, thank you for the hours you spent talking to me about your job. You’re my favorite ranger. Laurie, I appreciate your love and editing. Both are invaluable. Monica, you are one of my favorite people and a spectacular editor. I also need to thank Megan, Brenda, and my local writing chapter for being my beta readers, and Johnny for encouraging me to query. Mimi from the Utah Film Commission helped more than she knew. Finally, I’d like to thank Sherri at The Wild Rose Press, Inc. for her patience and guidance.

  Chapter One

  Sweat beaded on Alex’s forehead. What had she gotten herself into?

  “Are you listening? I asked about set construction,” Mr. Howard snapped.

  The phone cord stretched taut across the office as Alex walked to the window overlooking the red rock canyon where the corner of a wooden deck jutted out into the sun. “They have most of the framing done.”

  “Are they on schedule?”

  She shrugged. “I guess.” As a park ranger, she didn’t know the first thing about movie set construction. Up until a few days ago, Maggie had been taking care of everything for the upcoming project.

  “You need to find out. If they’re running behind, you must get in touch with the movie crew.”

  “I’m on it,” she said, even though she didn’t feel like she had anything under control. Mr. Howard had been lecturing her about her new job duties for the past twenty minutes, but it felt like an hour. The spotlight never suited her. Shy by nature, she didn’t want to be in charge. She had actively avoided promotions, which is how she had ended up at Twisted Juniper State Park in the first place.

  The park needed an assistant manager, second in command. Park manager was Maggie’s job. Emphasis on was.

  “The governor’s office wants this to be a slam dunk,” he said.

  Alex frowned. “Right, a slam dunk,” she repeated, since she had obviously missed the first half of his statement.

  “Those letters carry a lot of weight, and during the next legislative session they will be used to decide how much money will be allocated to Twisted Juniper, specifically for raises.”

  She sighed again.

  Mr. Howard’s voice took on a sharp edge. “Maggie has assured me you are capable of handling being park manager. Your employees are counting on you. I’m counting on you.”

  “I understand, sir,” she quavered.

  “Don’t screw this up,” he ground out before disconnecting.

  “Right.” She cradled the phone and took a deep breath before walking out of her office. Next door, Maggie sat at her desk. Alex cleared her throat.

  Maggie smiled over her computer monitor and then frowned. “What’s up?”

  “Mr. Howard just called to remind me how much is riding on the filming next week.” Alex took a deep breath. “I totally spaced out and then he was talking about letters and the governor’s office.”

  “It’s ridiculous. We can’t ask for them,” Maggie said, rolling her eyes.

  “Can’t ask for what?”

  “The letters of recognition from the film crew. They make us look good and then the governor gives the park money.”

  “So how do we get them?” Alex’s mouth dried out.

  Maggie’s smile returned. “You charm the movie cast and crew and then they write letters telling everyone how great it was to film here and how awesome you are. It shouldn’t be too difficult. You’re nice and hard working. It’ll happen. I promise.”

  Alex cleared her throat. “He told me there’s a lot riding on it and the park employees are counting on me. He’s counting on me. What if I screw up? What if no one gets raises because of me, or worse yet, what if they start laying people off? I’m not sure if I can—”

  Maggie laughed. “Take a deep breath.”

  She complied while Maggie stood and rubbed her back before she laced her fingers together to support her rounded belly. “You’re the hardest working ranger I know.”

  “Are you sure you can’t keep him in there a little longer? I’m not cut out for this,” Alex whined.

  Maggie stared straight at her and shook her head. “He’s due next week. I’m so done being pregnant. Besides, you’re going to be fine. You know this job inside and out. You just have to trust yourself.”

  “Yeah, you’re right.” She tried to sound cheery but failed miserably. “I need to go check on the construction crew and make sure they’re on schedule.”

  “Thank you for taking care of this. You’ve helped put my mind at ease,” Maggie called out as Alex walked away.

  The first thing Alex did was check in with the construction crew. Mr. Howard would be pleased to hear they were almost done, not that she planned to call him back any time soon. She spent the rest of the day maintaining the trails, helping visitors, and preparing for her full moon hike. She always looked forward to her interpretive programs, even if it meant working a longer day than usual. Nothing helped clear her mind more than being surrounded by pristine wilderness.

  The night temperatures had been dropping for weeks, which meant changing into pants for evening activities. She walked through the parking lot from the Visitor Center and crossed the main road into the tiny neighborhood where all the rangers lived. When the park had opened fifty years earlier, a subdivision of houses had been built for the rangers—five houses fo
r the full-time positions, and two triplexes for the handful of seasonals. The second house, reserved for the assistant park manager, was hers. She had worked at Twisted Juniper State Park for a year and a half and enjoyed it almost as much as her previous position in Oregon. Koko, a little mutt dog, had been a happy addition to the quiet house and gave her something to look forward to each night.

  Koko whined from the front room window where she perched on the back of a squishy couch.

  “Get down,” Alex said through the glass as she unlocked the front door and bent over to hug her dog. Koko wagged so vigorously her entire body bent in half with each wiggle. “You saw me at lunch, silly. Come on, go potty before our walk.”

  Koko wove in and out of her feet with each step toward the sliding door. The pup bolted outside, kicking up plumes of red sand. A chipmunk let loose a startled scream before scurrying under the fence.

  Alex traded her dark brown shorts for dark brown pants, called Koko inside, and hooked her leash. “Come on. Let’s go show our visitors the park’s nightlife.” She ruffled the dog’s ears and locked the door behind them.

  ****

  The next few days passed much like the ones before. Everyone scrambled to get their work done before the Hollywood elite showed up and started filming. Thankfully, the construction crew finished the set on time. After they left, Alex inspected it closely. They had built on an old riverbed, which would look like a compacted dirt road in the movie.

  Wooden stairs led to a saloon with swinging doors that squeaked when she pushed inside. While the building appeared to be finished, it was just a shell with a makeshift roof and walls. Three stools waited just inside; other than that, the room was empty. Outside, she followed the wooden walkway to the next building, and peeked into the general store window. That’s all it was, a wall with a window. It didn’t even have a floor. The door didn’t open. Neither did any of the others. Main Street consisted of a row of two-dimensional buildings and a place to tie up horses. It didn’t look like much, but it didn’t have to. Not when you have movie magic.

  She and Maggie had met with the pre-scout group weeks before, and the first assistant producer, Steve Frederick, had told them the construction crew would build everything they would need for filming external shots. That’s why it looked so weird. Why construct a whole building when you only need the outside?

  When Thursday night arrived, Alex couldn’t wait to tell Maggie about the set. They always left that night free so they could hang out, watch a classic movie, and drink beers, except during the last year. Maggie had begrudgingly given up alcohol when she had begun the journey of trying to get pregnant. Movie night had become a tradition both of them needed. Living inside the park, fifty miles from town, meant neither of them had much of a social life. Not that Alex wanted more. Having one good friend was enough for her.

  Koko barked before Maggie knocked and when Alex opened the door, Maggie’s dog Pelli pushed through. Koko and Pelli tumbled on the floor in a tangle of skinny legs and open mouths, playing as only siblings could. Shortly after Alex had accepted the job, she and Maggie had adopted mutt puppies from a family in town, and their friendship grew out of their love for their dogs.

  “Simmer down, girls. It’s movie time.” Maggie waved the movie back and forth. “We’ve seen this a million times,” she said. “One of these days you need to see something new. Jim could get something from town. Dembi Brewing is right next to the movie rental place.”

  Alex scrunched up her nose. “I don’t really like new movies. They’re all action. I like meaningful glances and well-developed dialogue.”

  Maggie laughed. “The next two weeks might kill you. They’re filming the next Hollywood blockbuster here. You know that, right? Saddles of Glory or something. It’s going to have a ton of CGI and special effects.”

  “It won’t be that bad, will it?” The dread she had been fighting for weeks solidified into a tight ball in the pit of her stomach. Filming would start tomorrow and she would be in charge.

  “Depends. But don’t worry, I’ll be a phone call away.” Maggie put the movie in and eased down on the couch. “You’ve never worked with a crew before?” she asked with an air of sophistication.

  Alex shook her head. “My last job was at a federal park in Oregon, remember? The location manager who came out a few weeks ago said film crews typically work with state parks because they’re cheaper.”

  “Makes sense. The last time we had a crew working here was when Rick the Dick was still manager. What a douche. I’m just sorry my timing is leaving you high and dry.” Maggie popped open the beer with the bottle opener attached to her keys, inhaled deeply, and handed it to Alex. “I miss it.”

  “I know.” Maggie’s moving belly made her smile. “He’s worth it though, right?”

  “Right.” Maggie smiled and caressed the little life inside her.

  Alex settled onto the couch next to her friend, and their dogs eventually tired themselves out and fell asleep together. After the movie, they talked about the baby, work, the dogs, and Maggie’s husband, Jim.

  “He really doesn’t mind the commute into town every day?” Alex asked.

  Maggie shrugged. “He says he’s used to it. Anyway, it’s a pretty drive, and you can’t beat not having a mortgage or rent.”

  “That’s true. In Oregon, we didn’t have housing. We were too close to the city. I like it here. It’s peaceful.” Alex sipped the last of her beer. “Tell Jim thanks for the beer. It’s good.”

  “Will do. One of the perks of being the brewmaster’s wife.” Maggie yawned. “I better push off before I fall asleep on your couch again.”

  “Are you too tired to walk next door?” she joked.

  “Pelli will keep me awake.” She winked and then stroked the dog’s sleeping face to wake her for their walk home. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow,” Alex repeated; the tight knot reforming in her stomach. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake her case of nerves.

  When she woke the next morning, every muscle in her body tensed. Koko tried to help her relax with her daily dose of slobbery kisses before she left home, but even that didn’t work.

  The walk to the entrance gate eased a little of the stress from of her shoulders as she watched thin clouds skirt across the pale sky. By the time she unlocked the gate booth, she had convinced herself the movie crew wouldn’t be as bad as she assumed.

  A long, straight road extended away from the entrance gate in two directions, giving the ranger on duty a view of the Visitor Center and oncoming traffic at the same time. That’s how she first saw the convoy of vans—bright white blobs snaking through the serene landscape, one after another. As they neared, she could clearly see the same design printed on the sides of each van with the words DEMBI WILDERNESS RENTALS above a rosy pile of picturesque boulders. A string of trailers followed clearly marked for costumes, makeup, and food services.

  The first van stopped at the gate, and the window eased down with an electronic whir. The driver didn’t say anything beyond a greeting because the man sitting next to him interrupted.

  “Good to see you again, Alex.” Steve’s silvery head appeared along with a wide smile.

  “Nice to see you, Steve. I wasn’t sure what time you’d be here.” She smiled. “Is this the whole group?”

  Steve nodded. “For today. Are you ready for us?”

  After taking a deep breath, her smile tightened just like her stomach. “I think so.” She turned her attention to the man behind the wheel. “Have the drivers park in the overflow parking lot,” she said, showing him a park map. “I’ll meet you guys there once my replacement arrives.”

  “You got it, ma’am.” The driver nodded. Steve waved and then they drove away.

  Unhooking her walkie-talkie from her waistband, she spoke, hoping someone in the Visitor Center would answer. “The movie crew is here. I need someone to come to the gate and relieve me.”

  Twenty minutes later, Alex waved at the season
al ranger who took over for her as she slipped outside. The bright morning sun warmed her shoulders and the black asphalt under her feet. Taking one deep breath after another, she tried to calm her jangly nerves. It was time to pretend to be in charge.

  As she passed the Visitor Center, Maggie came up alongside her. She slowed down—Maggie didn’t walk so much as waddle those days.

  “It’s going to be fine,” Maggie said, patting Alex’s shoulder lightly, sending a wave of calm through Alex.

  When they reached the worn road to the overflow parking area, there were dozens of people milling around. The sheer size of the crew made Alex and Maggie stop in their tracks. A craft service truck blocked the entrance to the parking lot, offering a variety of snack foods as well as a formidable barrier between the movie crew and the rest of the park visitors.

  Alex swallowed hard and searched for Steve, the only person from the crew she knew. Her anxiety ratcheted up a notch, and she had to remind herself she had promised to do her best, for her friend. It was almost impossible to ignore the pounding of her heart.

  Alex and Maggie wove through the throngs of people and finally located their target.

  “Good. You’re here. Now we can get started,” Steve said, giving Alex a meaningful nod.

  “Started,” she repeated, forcing the word out of her tight diaphragm as her mind went blank.

  “With your introduction and guidelines,” Maggie offered helpfully, nudging Alex’s arm lightly.

  “Right.” Alex chewed on the edge of her thumbnail. Even though she had been preparing for her speech for weeks, the words swirled around in her head like papers blowing in the wind. “Where should I…” She swallowed hard and wrung her hands.