Tina nodded and waved a hand to a couple of the crew who were milling around. “All right, let’s get the ones with the families and staff first.”

I took Alba’s hand and almost dropped it from how cold it was. “Jesus, are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” She smiled unconvincingly, heading to the tent. “Let’s go meet the families. I think I see the baby you were hanging out with the other day.” She was right, my pint-size friend was standing under a tent with his mom. I let it go for the moment and walked over with her.

The moment we began talking to the families things settled a bit. Chase was rude and there was no helping it, but Mona and Tina were running interference. It took a few moments, but we got everyone corralled and soon we were rolling.

Just like Chase and Tina instructed we did our bit, greeted the staff and families there for the reveal, then guided them up the path to the building. In front the producers had placed enormous panels that would be wheeled to the sides to reveal the library.

Alba was friendly and warm with everyone, but it was hot and every time we got to the part where they were supposed to see the library for the first time one of the kids started crying or one of the foundation staff went off script. By the tenth take, we were all getting irritated and Chase was practically foaming at the mouth. After fifteen tries we finally had it. But instead of letting everyone go cool off and drink some water, that asshole threw a fit.

“Can we get these kids off the set? With them running wild like that we’re going to be here all damn day!” I didn’t know if Chase meant for everyone to hear that or if he forgot that the mic was on, but everyone froze at his outburst and Alba finally snapped.

“Don’t you know how to talk to people like a human being?” she yelled back, visibly seething. Chase twisted his mouth in a sneer, like he’d been waiting for the moment when he pushed her too far.

“On my set I talk however I want, and if you don’t like it I suggest you leave.” He flicked a dismissive hand in the air, then stalked closer to her. Alba was not going to be intimidated by this clown on my watch.

“I suggest you think long and hard about the next thing you’re going to say to her,” I responded, getting in his face, ready to throw hands.

“Are you threatening me?” Chase asked in that shrill voice of his.

“Leave it, Theo,” Alba said, pulling me back. “Let’s just finish, so we can get out of here.” Her voice was all slurred and when I turned to look at her she was white as a sheet.