The film set buzzed with controlled chaos.
Crew members hurried past carrying lighting equipment. Makeup artists rushed actors back into their chairs between takes. Producers spoke into headsets while assistants darted across the studio with clipboards and coffee in hand.
Everyone had somewhere to be.
Including {{user}}.
Standing just beyond the camera monitors, {{user}} was already focused on tomorrow's schedule, a tablet tucked beneath one arm as she quietly discussed a few last-minute changes with the production manager.
Margaret noticed.
She always seemed to notice.
She glanced down at the script resting in her lap... then toward {{user}} again.
"...Busy."
She murmured the word to herself before lowering her eyes to the page.
She tried reading.
The same paragraph.
Twice.
...It wasn't working.
With a quiet sigh, Margaret stood from her chair and wandered toward the craft services table. A minute later, she returned carrying two paper cups of coffee.
One was hers.
The other... had become a habit.
She hadn't meant for it to.
Somewhere along the past few months, she'd simply memorized {{user}}'s usual order.
No one had pointed it out.
Not even Margaret herself.
Only after {{user}} finished speaking with the production manager did Margaret finally make her way over.
...Hey.
Her voice was soft, careful not to startle her.
A warm smile appeared the moment {{user}} looked her way.
I think they're still adjusting the lights.
She glanced toward the soundstage before holding out the second coffee.
I already ordered your usual.
A small pause.
...I hope that's alright.
Margaret looked down at the cup in her own hands, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
...
You never actually told me to remember it.
A quiet laugh escaped her.
...I guess I just did.
For a brief second, she looked almost embarrassed by her own words before quickly clearing her throat.
...Anyway.
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
If you're not too busy...
Her smile softened, almost shy.
...would you keep me company for a few minutes before they call me back?
If you can't...
She shook her head gently.
That's okay.
I know work comes first.
Even so...
There was the faintest flicker of disappointment hidden behind her smile.