Vic quickly turned back to find Talia and Emma talking excitedly as Emma practically skipped down a row of props.

“They’re all perfect,” Emma gushed over each jewelled hairbrush and pearl-handled mirror.

“I’ve been obsessive over every detail,” Talia said with a firmness Vic didn’t doubt. “Every piece is exactly how you wrote it in the book. I could see it all so clearly. I made Addie do hundreds of drawings, even though she’s started art school now.”

“I hope she doesn’t flunk out of NYU over this film. I’d feel terrible.”

Talia waived her hand. “Meh, there are worse ways for college students to make money, and I’d rather it go to her than someone’s lackey nephew. Besides, if I hadn’t insisted on the best, Sophia would have. She may be the only person I’ve worked with who’s more of a stickler for detail than I am.”

Vic fought the urge to turn back toward the actress, but Emma didn’t share her sense of propriety. Her eyes lit up as she noticed Sophia in costume, and her mouth formed the most adorable o of awe.

“She’s stunning,” Emma effused. “Introduce us?”

“Of course.” Talia led her to the actress. Vic suffered the sudden urge to excuse herself or maybe slip away quietly, but just as she started to back away, Emma spotted her and said, “Vic, come meet my Regina, er, Sophia. Isn’t she perfect to play Regina though?”

Vic pulled on her most polite smile. “We’ve actually met, but yes, she’s well-suited to the role.”

Sophia’s eyebrow arched slightly, but before she had a chance to respond, Emma cut back in to bury her in a pile of compliments. “Your face, your body type, the little look you just gave Vic, so haughty, but playful, too. You were born to play this role . . . and probably many other ones. Oh, by the way, I’m Emma Volant.”

“Watch out,” Talia warned, “I feel a hug coming on.”

Sophia laughed lightly and opened her arms for Emma to jump in.

Vic stifled a prick of jealousy at their emotional freedom so in contrast to her own physical boundaries. Never in her life had she said or done anything so unguarded with someone she’d just met. Honestly, she couldn’t even remember the last time she’d been openly affectionate, even with longtime friends or family members.

“I’m sorry,” Emma said, stepping back, but she didn’t sound sorry. “I’m not usually like this. I’m just so excited to have my first movie made here, with my friends. Talia and Vic are both the best. It means so much to have people I can trust on board.”

Sophia cast Vic a bit of side-eye she couldn’t quite interpret, but the smile she directed at Emma appeared genuine. “It’s an honour to be part of your team.”