When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 170: Between Takes and Texts

Chapter 170: Between Takes and Texts

Zinnia shook her head, chuckling lightly at his remark. "You’re impossible sometimes, Marcos," she said, leaning back in her chair. She let her gaze wander over the screen where the final moments of the lifeboat scene replayed. "But seriously, I still find it amazing how everything turned out. Watching the final output now, it’s hard to believe how it actually looked during the shoot."

Marcos leaned forward, resting his elbows on the console. "Yeah, especially considering the chaos on set earlier," he said with a grin. "Victor kept swinging the pipe a little too far, and Daniel had to keep adjusting his dodges. And don’t even get me started on how many takes it took to get that knife to land exactly where it was supposed to."

Zinnia laughed, the memory fresh in her mind. "Right? And then there was that moment when the make-up team rushed in because Victor’s fake blood smudged during the fight sequence. It’s like we were racing against time to keep everything consistent."

Marcos nodded, his expression softening as he glanced at the crew still working tirelessly behind them. "It’s all worth it in the end, though," he said. "When you see the audience’s reaction—when they gasp at the explosion or hold their breath during a fight—it makes all the hard work pay off."

Zinnia smiled, her admiration for the craft evident in her expression. "Absolutely. I mean, look at how convincing that ship explosion was. It still blows my mind that it started as a miniature on a soundstage. And the way Daniel and Alex’s emotions came through on screen? That’s storytelling magic."

Marcos leaned back again, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "That’s what we’re here for, isn’t it? To tell stories that stick with people. And to keep them hooked."

Zinnia glanced at him, her smile widening. "Well, mission accomplished. I can already imagine the audience biting their nails, waiting to see what happens next."

The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the screen where the playback continued to roll.

After some time, Marcos glanced at his watch and let out a low whistle. "Alright, everyone," he called out, clapping his hands to get the crew’s attention. "It’s almost 11 p.m. Let’s call it a night. Get some rest—we’re back at it early tomorrow."

Zinnia leaned back in her chair, exhausted but satisfied. The set was finally quieting down after a long day. As crew members began packing up equipment, she took one last look at the playback monitor, where the final moments of the lifeboat scene were still rolling.

Marcos walked over to her, his trademark grin still intact despite the late hour. "You’ve been glued to that screen all day. Go rest, Zinnia. You’ve earned it."

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Says the guy who hasn’t moved from the console for hours. You get some rest too, Marcos."

He laughed. "Touché. But seriously, good work today. You kept everything running like clockwork."

Zinnia stood up, stretching her arms as she smiled at him. "Thanks. Let’s just hope tomorrow goes as smoothly."

"Fingers crossed," he replied, already turning back to his monitor. "Goodnight, Zinnia."

"Goodnight, Marcos," she said, heading toward her assigned room. The corridors of the temporary accommodations were quiet, the buzz of the day fading into stillness.

When she reached her room and closed the door, she sighed deeply, letting the silence envelop her. She placed her clipboard and notes on the small desk and sank onto the bed, kicking off her shoes. Finally, she pulled out her phone and glanced at the time—11:08 p.m.

She frowned, guilt creeping in. She hadn’t contacted Samuel all day. The back-to-back scenes and endless logistical issues had left her with little time to breathe, let alone check her phone. Unlocking it, she stared at the screen, debating whether to call him. He’s probably asleep by now, she thought. Instead, she decided to send a message.

Goodnight, Sam. I hope your day was good. I’m sorry for not contacting you earlier—things were hectic on set. I hope you’re sleeping now. Sweet dreams.

After sending the message, she set her phone on the bedside table and lay back on the pillow. She hoped he wouldn’t be upset with her for being so busy.

---

Across the city, Samuel sat in his dimly lit study, leaning back in his chair with his phone in hand. He had been distracted all day, his usual focus replaced by an annoying restlessness. Every few minutes, his eyes darted to his phone, but no messages had come from Zinnia.

He let out a frustrated sigh, tossing the phone onto the desk. She’s probably swamped with work, he told himself, but it did little to ease his unease. He glanced at the time—11:10 p.m. She was usually good about texting him, even during busy days.

The phone buzzed, and his heart skipped a beat. He snatched it up, only to see a message from Timmy.

Boss, just a quick update. I’ll be back in three days. Hope you’re doing okay!

Samuel exhaled heavily, forcing a small smile as he typed a reply. Focus on your vacation, Timmy. Have some fun and relax. Don’t worry about anything here.

The response came almost immediately. Yes, Boss. Thanks! Goodnight, Boss!

Samuel chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Goodnight, Timmy," he muttered as he placed the phone back on the desk. But his restlessness remained.

He debated sending Zinnia a message, his fingers hovering over their chat. Before he could type, her message arrived. His chest tightened as he opened it.

Goodnight, Sam. I hope your day was good. I’m sorry for not contacting you earlier—things were hectic on set. I hope you’re sleeping now. Sweet dreams.

A smile tugged at his lips, and he quickly typed back. Zinnia, it’s okay. I know how busy you must be. I’m just glad to hear from you. My day was fine, but this made it better. How was yours?

Her reply came almost instantly. Hectic but productive. We got through some tough scenes today. Marcos says tomorrow will be even crazier.