The move looked like something out of a movie, and it took Sophia a second to realise they were actually supposed to be shooting a movie here, only Vic wasn’t in it, which now seemed like a vast oversight since Sophia’s brain felt like it was on actual fire. It wasn’t lost on her that Vic’s outfit nearly matched the one Sophia wore during their first encounter, but for her it wasn’t a costume. She was born to wear the attire, and it showed right down to the way she moved with grace and confidence. If the cameras had been on this moment, Sophia would’ve been utterly lost because she could barely remember her own name, much less her lines as Victoria strode toward them like she owned the damn forest, which come to think of it, she did.

“Good morning, Ms. Stamos, Ms. LeBlanc.” She gave a playful little bow.

“Good morning, indeed,” Talia marvelled.

“Your Ladyship.” Sophia hugged her coffee a little closer for moral support.

“Sorry I’m late,” Vic said, apparently the only one oblivious to the sex appeal she oozed. “The morning was too glorious to let pass without a ride.”

“No apology needed,” Talia said as she regained her composure. “We’re actually running a bit behind.”

“I hope not on my account.”

“Not at all. It seems our male lead is fond of having the camera on him.”

“You have a male lead?” Vic winked playfully. “Seems a waste to divert valuable screen time away from a thespian of Ms. LeBlanc’s calibre and appeal, but I suppose not every one of your viewers will share my particular and impeccable aesthetic.”

“Yes, unfortunately, a great many women actually enjoy having men in their movies,” Talia said sadly.

“What’s the saying? There’s no accounting for taste? But Tommy’s self-indulgence at least grants me a few moments in superior company.” Vic smiled brightly. “If you’ll allow me a moment or two to see to my mount, I’d happily grant you a little tour of our stable.”

“Please take all the time you need,” Talia said. “I have a feeling we’ll be here awhile.”

“Very well.” Vic gave them another quick nod before striding briskly into the building behind them.

She’d barely made it out of earshot before Talia spun on Sophia. “What the fuck and hell did you do to her?” She shook her head slowly, “Seriously, when you said you were going to break her open and find out what was under that polite shell, I didn’t expect you to unearth some lesbian superhero version of Mr. Darcy.”

Sophia held up her hand. “Stop.”

“Did you see her? She winked at you. The daughter of an English duke winked at you and suggested we chuck Tommy off script to hand you the entire film.”

“That actually is a legitimate suggestion.” Sophia allowed a little smile.