“Nothing’s happening.” She couldn’t be made a fool of in the press again. This was exactly what she wanted to avoid. She hoped she sounded convincing. There was a reason she was behind the camera instead of in front of it. Acting was not her strong suit.

Nicole laughed. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”

Anna shook her head. That was why she avoided on-set hookups. Eventually, everyone found out what was going on.

“Don’t worry. Everyone is so tired that no one has noticed. You’re working us to the bone, boss lady.”

Anna breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t mind Nicole guessing at her and John’s situation. At least the other woman understood the challenges of dating in this industry.

Surveying the crowded room, Anna noticed the hum and buzz of pre-take jitters was gone. Even Sofia and Pauline had stopped their last-minute adjustments and were instead staring at Sofia’s phone. Extras who were forbidden from carrying phones in case one made noise in the middle of shooting had pulled them from hidden pockets in their voluminous skirts and tailed coats.

“What’s the problem?” Anna couldn’t believe they were this far in the shoot, and it was going to be one of those days. She walked over to see what was so interesting.

“There’s an article,” Sofia said. The young woman looked anxious, glancing around at the others. When no one stepped forward, she walked over to Anna with determination.

“We can’t let it derail us,” Anna said. “There are articles all the time.”

“This one is different.” Sofia shoved her phone in Anna’s face. “You’re going to want to read this.”

A blurry photo materialized in front of Anna. Of course, it was unflattering. Of course it made her look about twenty years older than she was. In the photo, she was talking to John on the soundstage. She took a deep breath and was about to explain that this online outlet had never used a flattering picture of her, but then she saw the headline.

ROCKUS RUMPUS IN ROME