Jeff slapped the cameraman’s back and he hustled down the hill still not shooting anything. Jeff shook his head.
“What do we need to do exactly?” Jane asked.
“Right.” Jeff wiped sweat off his forehead from above his glasses. “This is an old farmhouse built in 1915 and refurbished in 1957. It has been abandoned since 1998. It sits on thirty acres. It has three floors and a loft. Grand fire place. A balcony. Etc. Reece, the host and the money behind the series, has bought it. The winning designer from this week will spend the next two months remaking the house based on their winning design. In addition to the construction/ design budget, there is a quarter million dollar award. Each week a winner is chosen from the three contestants for each project. The winning designers compete in a season finale to remake Reece’s own mansion with a larger budget and a million dollar bonus. This is week three. We’ll have one segment where you present Reece your ideas. That’s all we need from you. You’ll get ten grand for your appearance even if you’re not chosen.”
“You’re already doing demo,” Jane said again.
Jeff shrugged. “This episode was already underway. You are a later than last minute replacement. Normally, we film a walk through. We’ll shoot a couple close-up pick ups of you nodding and looking up at things. We’ll do the voiceover of him doing the walkthrough from the other contestants.”
Jane shook her head. “I don’t have anything drawn yet. Are we shooting the design presentation today?”
“We have to,” Jeff said. “We are behind schedule as it is. Just stand in the room Reece is using as an office. You give some general design ideas. We’ll add some cut away animations later. It will look like you did the same prep the other two contestants did. We’ll make you look good. Don’t worry.”
Jane licked her lips and tilted her head. “How will he know what I really got planned in order to decide if he wants to pick me as a designer?”
Jeff stared at her for a moment blinking behind his glasses. “Oh … ugh, we have pretty much already picked the winner for this week. There is a German designer with some avante guard rustic design ideas. Unusual stuff. We’ll need you to come back in tomorrow. All three contestants stand together and Reece makes his pick. You and your husband will be together for that shot. You’ll look disappointed, but congratulate the winner. Easy work for ten thousand dollars.”
“So, the winner has already been chosen?” Jane asked.
Jeff shrugged. “Well, not officially. Reece really does make the announcement tomorrow and can technically pick whomever he likes. We have to have three contestants though. That’s the format of the show. We appreciate you helping us out in this.”
Jane sighed and looked away.
Marv said, “I don’t think I’ve heard of this show yet.”
Jeff smiled. “It’s brand new. The first episode hasn’t aired yet. A bunch of the old home design shows are going off the air this season, so all those networks are rushing new products into production as quickly as they can. Since Reece can bankroll himself, this show was an easy sell. Million Dollar Design is going to be huge. It’s also going to showcase Reece’s energy efficient building materials and green friendly products. All good stuff for him, the network, and the families that are awarded the houses each week. Really will tug at the heartstrings. Tugging the heartstrings is pure gold with this kind of reality TV.”
“I can’t wait to watch it,” Marv said.
Jane rolled her eyes.
Jeff clapped Marv on the back. “That’s what I like to hear. Let’s get some make-up on you two and we’ll shoot some of those pick ups. Where the hell did my cameraman run off to?”
As the trio walked down the hill toward the house, Jane said, “I want a fair shake at this.”
Jeff shrugged. “What do you mean exactly?”
“If we are contestants,” she explained, “then I want to have the same chance to present designs as everyone else.”
Jeff pointed at wood blasting out of a wall where workers were knocking out rotten boards. “Watch your step. Let’s go around through the inside and then around back for our first shots.”
“Lots of space in here,” Marv said as they stepped inside and he looked up at the high vaulted rafters.
“It’s a good space,” Jeff agreed. “The family being awarded the house and property will be very happy.”
“Thirty acres is a lot to maintain,” Marv said.
Jeff laughed as they stepped back out through the kitchen. “Maybe they can turn it back into a working farm.”
“Can I look at the kitchen to start getting some ideas together?” Jane asked.
“In a minute,” Jeff said. “Let me get these shots in the can. Just looking up. Pointing. You can act like you are talking to each other about the house. Stuff like that.”
“We didn’t get make up,” Marv said.
“Don’t worry about it,” Jeff said. “You both look great.”
“Can I have an extra day to put together designs?” Jane asked.
“Over here with the camera. Hurry up, please.” Jeff sighed and turned his attention back on Jane. “I’m sorry. We have no more time. We have to do all these shots today including your presentation and the awarding of the job tomorrow. We are out of time.”
The cameraman knelt next to Jeff and aimed up at Jane and Marv.
“So us being here is pointless,” Jane said.
Jeff rolled his eyes. “Let’s get eyes up toward the house for this shot, please. I’m sorry about the time crunch. We need three contestants and you guys are a last minute replacement. We can talk about bringing you back for that fair shake next season, but this show has to move forward. Eyes on the house. Work with me, dear. Okay. That’s good. Rolling.”
Jane pointed up and waved her finger back and forth. Marv nodded and scratched his chin.
“Not so much, Marv,” Jeff said. “Don’t look at me, Marv. Still on the house. Just more natural.”
“Sorry,” Marv said.
“Doing fine. We almost have it,” Jeff said.
“So, we are not allowed to win after today?” Jane asked.
Jeff sighed. “Still on the house. Still talking. Listen, Reece can pick whomever he wants. He has not officially decided anything. You get to meet with him today. Technically, you have the opportunity to wow him and take it away. That’s the best we can do this time around. Ten thousand is not nothing. If you want to shoot for the moon and see if he’ll throw you the quarter mill for your performance today, then knock yourself out, but you need to work with us on these shots for the show.”
“All I need is a chance,” Jane said.
Jeff snapped his fingers. “Let’s go to the kitchen. Watch your head for the demo. We need to find an angle that makes the house look like it is still before demo.”
“We better hurry,” the cameraman said. “They’re getting ready to take out the cabinets.”
“Come on. Come on.” Jeff hustled them inside. “Stand behind that old island there. A quarter turn toward me. Let’s get set up quick.”
“Lighting is off,” the cameraman said.
“We got no time for lighting,” Jeff said. “Just get this shot as fast as you can where we can see it.”
“Give me a minute,” the cameraman started working with his equipment.
“This sucks,” Jane said.
Marv bumped her shoulder. “What’s gotten into you?”
“We don’t need ten thousand. We need the big money,” she said.
“We can use any money,” Marv said. “Times are tough and this is ten grand with no work.”
“I want to win,” Jane said. “I don’t know why you are so satisfied with losing.”
“If anyone can win this, you can,” Marv said. “I just don’t think it’s in the cards this time.”
Jane looked away. “I’m not settling for a loss. I’m going to do whatever it takes to win.”
“You have my support,” Marv said.
Jane licked he
r lips. “This Reece guy is the key. I need as much time as I can get with him to sway this in our direction. If you can keep the producer and others busy to give me time alone with the host, I’ll be able to explain our skills to him.”
“You don’t want all that on camera?” Marv asked.
“Jeff is about finishing the shot and hustling us out,” she said. “If we let him start filming, he’ll cut me off before I made my case. Keep them occupied until I can get Reece on my side.”
“Okay, you got it,” Marv said.
“Okay, we’re ready,” Jeff said. “Again. Just act like you’re talking about the kitchen.”
Marv was the one moving his mouth. Jane put on a fake smile and nodded without really listening.
After the shot, Jane asked, “Do you have a working bathroom?”
“Thirty acres around the house,” Jeff said. “Some of it is wooded.”
“Are you trying to be funny or is there not one?” she asked.
Jeff pointed to the hallway behind them. “Up near Mr. Reece’s office there is one. That room will be altered in the design, but for now it is where he conducts business and it’s where we do the presentation shots. You’ll be in there later today to mock up your presentation of designs, but tomorrow we’ll be out front for awarding the job. Don’t disturb him when you go right now.”
Jane looked at Marv and tilted her head. She widened her eyes.
“What?” Marv whispered.
“Distract them,” she said.
“Oh, right.” Marv stood up straight. “Hey, Jeff, while we’re waiting why don’t we get some shots outside. I can be inspecting the woodwork or even crawling under the house to test the joists.”
Jeff smiled. “That’s a great idea. Do we have a light we can use for that shot? That will be different. It will make it look like you were working hard for the job even though you aren’t going to get it.”
Jane frowned and turned away.
The cameraman said, “I think I can find a light. I’ll go look in the truck.”
“We’ll meet you out back,” Jeff said. “Jane, as soon as you are done, come on and find us too. Marv might be good for dirty shots crawling under the house, but you’re the one we want on camera.”
She turned as she reached the hallway behind the kitchen. “Just not after tomorrow, right?”
Jeff sighed. “We appreciate you filling in at the last minute. Did I mention that already? We’ll meet you out back, dear.”
Jane looked at Marv. He nodded and winked at her.
She turned and walked up the dark hallway. The banging and crashes from inside the house echoed back through the tight space. She saw the open door for the tiny half bath powder room on one side of the hall. A door with frosted glass that did not appear to be part of the original house sat on the other side.
She leaned her ear to the door and heard a man’s voice talking. Jane swallowed and tapped her knuckles on the edge of the wood next to the glass.
“Come in,” a deep voice barked out from the other side.
She took a deep breath and opened the door. Jane slipped in and closed the door behind her. The man leaning on the desk held up a finger indicating one moment.
He tilted his head away and said, “Right. We can cut that discount, but no further due to tariffs. We still have to turn a profit … I get that you understand that. I need their minister of the interior to understand that and that is what I’m paying you for … right.”
The man she assumed was Reece was wearing dark suit pants and shiny black shoes. His matching coat, a pressed shirt, and a dark blue silt tie were tossed over the back of his leather chair behind the desk. Reece wore a tank top white tee that hugged his tight stomach and showed off his muscular arms and shoulders. Jane estimated that he was in his early thirties at the oldest. That made him a little older than her and younger than Marv. His blond hair was thick and perfectly cropped on his head. He had the slightest hint of whiskers that looked sculpted and purposeful. Reece was grabbing the front edge of the desk and doing dips as he spoke into the headset. The action made his muscles stand out and ripple with each motion. He was tall, so his legs extended far out into the room between the leather chairs in front of the desk.
Reece said, “And is that going to be a problem for me or are you going to give me what I want? I’m a man that is used to being given what I want … that’s what I was hoping you were going to say. Now, tell me how you are going to do it … yes, I mean right now. I don’t want you guessing when you are negotiating a contract this big for me.”
The room was painted bright red. There were impressionist paintings on the walls. Jane recognized a few of them. They were not well known, but she was wondering if they were the real deal. He had bookshelves loaded with leather bound volumes. They could have been props for the cameras, but they looked real too.
“Then, that’s what I expect you to do and I expect you to make it work. Call me when it is done.” Reece tapped the button on the earpiece and then pulled it off his head before tossing it over on the desk. He held himself up by one hand as he did it before returning to his dips.
“Mr. Reece?” Jane asked.
He stared at her for three more dips. “Yes, do I know you?”
“Not yet.” She took a step forward and was going to extend her hand, but then stopped herself not wanting to interrupt his exercise. She did not want to put him out and she enjoyed watching it. “I’m Jane. I’m the replacement for the contestant that dropped out of this week’s show.”
Reece smiled. His teeth were incredibly white and even. “Great. We appreciate you coming out. I believe we have one scene to shoot together later today and one tomorrow. We appreciate your time.”
“I appreciate the opportunity,” she said, “but I want it to be a real opportunity.”
Reece stopped his dips and stood up straight towering over her. He lifted a towel off the seat of one of the leather chairs and wiped down his exposed skin. “What do you mean exactly, Jane?”
“I know we are rushing through today because of the demands of the show,” Jane said, “but I would like to be fully considered for all of my talents.”
Reece narrowed his eyes. “I don’t believe we will be able to add another day, if that’s what you are asking. It has to be shot today.”
“I understand that. I just firmly believe I have the most to offer and I want you to be able to fully consider my talent when making your decision.”
“I can appreciate that desire, Jane,” Reece said. “I like your passion too. Aren’t you the husband and wife team? Is your husband here? I thought I was shooting with both of you.”
“You are,” she said. “He is distracting your producer Jeff while I sneak a word with you.”
Reece threw his head back and laughed. He dropped his towel back on the chair before he said, “Tricky move. I also appreciate a person that takes some risks and goes for it. Why not just wait until Jeff brought you in here to present in order to wow me then?”
Jane shrugged. “Doing the pick ups with Jeff I’m getting the impression that I wouldn’t get a chance to say or do much once the actual camera is rolling.”
Reece nodded. “Okay, you got your extra time because you took the bull by the balls, but I’m not sure you have much more to show me than if you waited for the actual presentation. What do you hope to accomplish here?”
“I’m told that I look good on camera. I can get your show more attention than some German man turning a farm house into a piece of abstract art. If that’s your choice, the people that watch these shows will start to think you know nothing about design. I can capture the spirit of this house, make it a show piece, be eye candy for the episode, and be more fun to spend time with than your avante guard German.”
Reece smiled and looked away. “Did Jeff tell you we were leaning toward that contestant?”
“He did.”
Reece shook his head. “That is mostly Jeff’s suggestion. This episode has turned into a me
ss. It is making me second guess this whole production. I feel like I’m just throwing money away.”
Jane took another step toward him. “I can save it for you. I can relieve the stress and make this your most popular episode.”
Reece sighed. “I’m a builder and construction mogul. I know shit about design. Last two episodes, I just picked one of the names out of a hat.”
“I’m your best choice, Reece. Give me a chance,” she said.
He stared for a moment and turned away. “I think we already have some better shots with the other two. I think this is just about getting the episode over with.”
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