Unexpected Perks

By Di

"Thanks." Taking the cup from the vendor, my eyes closed as I sipped, relishing the feel of the cold liquid sliding down my throat. The heat had been unbearable the past two days it and it was beginning to take its toll.

Each chair in the small courtyard seemed to be filled as everyone took advantage of the small break in shooting. Most movie shoots involve hours of waiting around while different shots are set up, lighting arranged, directions given. This wasn't true when you were working on a Robert Rodriquez movie. Twelve to fourteen hour days were not uncommon as he directed dozens of shot changes, quickly moving from one scene to another. Although he demanded a lot from his cast and crew, he demanded more of himself. His days were spent as director and camera operator, his nights doing the initial editing.

Because of Robert's reputation as a fast moving, innovative 'off the cuff' director, I had been thrilled to get even a menial job on the set. No official title had been assigned to the job I was given. My duties seemed to be doing whatever I could to make things smoother between cast and crew under what could be some pretty strenuous circumstances, even having to remind Robert that he had to stop to eat occasionally.

Off to my right, one of the men I recognized as a prop master rose and walked toward a trailer parked next to the old post office building. I scurried across the cobblestone patio, sinking into the chair he had vacated with a sigh.

Things seemed to be taking longer than the fifteen minutes Robert had anticipated. Chairs scraped on the bricks as some of the crewmembers made their way back to the current set to watch the progress. I glanced around, surprised to see the solitary figure off to my right, seated at small table in the shade of one of the only trees in the plaza. He was dressed in the white knit shirt and black mariachi pants of his character, his hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. His mouth moved as he read the script in his hands, his face taking on the different facial expressions required in the scene. An errant strand escaped the confines of the ponytail. He absentmindedly pushed it behind his ear as he continued to run through the dialogue in the script.

I had wanted this job so badly mostly for the chance to watch Antonio Banderas work. One of the unexpected perks had been the chance to talk with him several times as I ran errands for him or the one of the other cast members. Unlike several of the other 'stars' cast in the movie, he was extremely appreciative and gracious whenever I had the opportunity to assist him.

The murmur of voices quieted as Robert walked onto the plaza. All eyes turned to him as he announced, "We're having a problem with the crane shot." Groans could be heard as the entire crew visualized another long night. "We had to order a piece of equipment from Mexico City and it won't be here until tomorrow. We'll have to make up the time tomorrow but I'm closing it down for today. Everybody be back here at 6 a.m. ready to work."

Near chaos erupted as chairs were pushed back and people scurried off in every direction before he changed his mind. Casting a glance to my right, I could see Antonio still totally engrossed in practicing his lines, seemingly unaware of Robert's announcement. I tossed my empty cup in the trash and walked slowly to his table.

"Excuse me, Mr. Banderas. I'm not sure if you heard Robert announce that he's shut down the set for the day. I thought you might want to get out of this heat."

Almost as if he had to shake off the character of El Mariachi, it took a couple of seconds before his almond colored eyes met mine.

"I cannot seem to get the pacing on this scene to work. If you do not have any plans…No, I'm sorry. You have worked hard the past three weeks. Everyone has. You deserve an evening off. Go quickly before Robert finds you and puts you back to work!" The weary smile he cast in my direction was disarming. Any thoughts I may have had about spending the next twelve hours in a near-comatose sleep flew from my mind.

"No, I don't have any plans! I'd be happy to help if I can! Is there something you need? Something I can get for you?"

"You are sure? You wouldn't rather get away from here and do something for yourself?" I shook my head and he continued, "Okay. What I need is for someone to read through the lines in this scene with me. I cannot get the timing right and need to hear the other character's words spoken to me. Can you help me?"

"I'm no actress but as long as you promise not to laugh…sure, I'd love to help with it." I reached to pull over one of the chairs at the next table, letting out a small yelp of surprise as strong fingers encircled my wrist.

"No, you were right about this heat. Since there will be no more shooting today, we can go to the trailer. Come, it's much cooler there." Picking up the script, he pushed away from the table and motioned me to walk ahead of him.

Sounds of a single guitar wafted through the air. We turned a corner to see Robert talking to his assistant director while he absentmindedly strummed the guitar he held on his lap.

"Ay yi yi," the man next to me muttered. "He never stops working! Roberto! Enough, man! No more working today, remember?" Robert looked up with a weary smile, waved us off and resumed his conversation with the AD.

All of the streets in this area were made from the same cobblestone as the plaza. The sound of the single spur he wore echoed between the buildings as we walked down the deserted road. I could feel my cheeks flush as my mind replayed the spur's big scene in "Desperado". How many times had I watched that scene on DVD in slow motion? Only a few hundred, I'm sure!

Rows of trailers and trucks lined the street as we turned the last corner. People milled about as little groups gathered telling stories, sipping beers and generally enjoying the unexpected hiatus. Several cast curious looks our way as Antonio pulled open the door to one of the larger trailers, stepped in and offered his hand to help me negotiate the high step.

The coolness of the air swept over me and sent a small shiver through my body as it reacted to the change in temperature. "Too cold? Here, I can adjust…"

"No, don't do that! It's fine! In fact, it's wonderful! The air conditioners in the crew hotel leave a little to be desired, I'm afraid. This feels fantastic."

He tossed the script on the small dining table, pushed back the loose strand of hair once again and gestured toward the kitchen. "Something to drink?"

"Water would be fine. I think I've had enough caffeine today to keep me up most of the night." As he walked toward the refrigerator, I grabbed the chance to look around the trailer. To the right was a large sitting area complete with a fully equipped entertainment center. A large couch lined one wall, with two overstuffed chairs facing it. What appeared to be scripts covered the coffee table and a guitar was positioned within easy reach in the corner.

Antonio appeared at my side, handing me the opened bottle of water. "I'm not much of a housekeeper, I'm afraid. They send people here to clean but I keep sending them away. I need to know things are where I left them."

Our fingers brushed as I reached for the bottle, causing an immediate physical reaction. My arm flinched and water splashed from the bottle, landing on the black mariachi pants he still wore.

"I'm sorry! I'm so clumsy! Thank goodness its just water!" I could feel the blush creep up my neck as I realized where the water had landed and that I had been staring.

A small smile curved his lips as he tipped my chin up, forcing our eyes to meet. "No! It is not your fault. I should have stopped by the wardrobe trailer on the way back here to drop off the costume. I'm sure they will send someone for it soon and I'm sure it will be dry by then."

Picking up the script from the dining table, he flipped through until he found the right spot, folded back the pages and handed it to me. "Shall we?"

I nodded, reaching for the script. I watched as an obvious change came over the man standing in front of me. Suddenly he was no longer Antonio Banderas. Rather, the man who stood no less than three feet from me had become the dangerous, yet vulnerable, El Mariachi.

My responses to his dialogue sounded wooden and stiff, but he didn't seem to notice as he became totally involved in the scene. Each gesture, each word could have been spoken for the camera rather than for a lowly crewmember alone in a dressing trailer.

I turned the page, my eye immediately being drawn to the action outlined in the middle of the page. The description of the kiss being called for in the script had just begun to sink in as I felt him move in close. His arm slid around my waist, pulling me slowly close to his body. His head dipped, soft lips barely grazing mine.

The pressure increased and I realized that we had gone beyond the tender, hesitant first kiss called for by the script. His tongue traced the line of my lips, suddenly demanding entrance as his arm tightened around my waist.

There was a small thud as the script fell from my fingers, my arms moving up to encircle his neck. A quick tug released his hair from the band that held it, causing it to fall forward to curtain our faces as the kiss deepened. The intensity of his desire was obvious from the hardness I felt pressed against my thigh. Tongues danced as I wound my fingers through the flowing strands, pulling him ever closer. Sounds of ragged breathing filled the silence.

Breaking the kiss, he moved back slightly to look down at my face. The reality of the situation suddenly struck us both simultaneously, and Antonio moved across the room to steady himself against the kitchen counter.

A hand reached up to push the loose hair from his eyes. "I'm so sorry! I'm not sure what happened! I had no right…"

Walking up to where he stood, I raised my eyes to meet his. "There's nothing to be sorry for. I could have stopped it. I didn't want to."

Reaching out, he pulled me close and placed a kiss on the top of my head. "If things were not as they are…if things were different…"

I hugged him to me quickly before moving back, placing a small kiss on his cheek as I did. "But things aren't different and we both know this isn't a good idea." I turned to find my purse. "I should get going…."

"I'll find someone to take you…"

"No!" The words came out in a rush. "I'll rather walk, really. It's still daylight. It's not a problem."

"You're sure?" I nodded and moved toward the door. A hand suddenly gripped my arm as I reached for the doorknob. His hands moved to my shoulders, turning me to face him.

I heard a whispered "Thank you" just as his lips met mine once more, this time gentle and chaste.

People still milled about the street as I stepped out into the sunlight. I couldn't help but wonder if every one that looked in my direction could see the after affects of what had happened, or almost happened, in the trailer behind me. Halfway down the block I turned to see Antonio still leaning in the doorway, arms crossed, watching me.

A thought crossed my mind and I had to smile as I made a quick decision. Tomorrow I would find Robert and talk to him about working on SpyKids 2. After all, I'm sure Gregorio could probably use someone to practice lines with too….