OCtober Day 6: Martingale

They wanted someone with experience for the part, the producers explained. It was only a few lines in a short scene, so they weren’t looking for the next big thing. It was more that the lead actress insisted on having a skilled bartender to fill the part. They liked immersion, accuracy, and pissing about. Not my words, but the directors.

Now, I don’t usually like to get my face on camera; it makes blending in rather difficult. But, with the prevalence of odd looking people around it, I felt it wouldn’t be amiss. Plus, I was intrigued by the opportunity to meet Gehenna, nay, Tolentino Island’s most acclaimed celebrity. Whilst being dragged through the hair, makeup and costume departments, I skimmed over the lines they’d handed me. Seems I was playing a feminine bartender that the leading lady confesses her troubles to, with a bit of light flirting. That is, until the plot intervenes. Once ready, an assistant guides me through the labyrinth that is Lucifer Media, to the studio we’re filming in. 

As the door cracks open I’m blinded by the metaphorical, and literal, glimmering beauty in the middle of the room. At least, it feels like they’re in the middle. It seems impossible to look anywhere else. In the back of my head I know it’s just their diamond ability. 

And yet, am I trying to fight it?

Martingale knows exactly what they’re doing. Owning every inch of that curvaceous, pale skinned body, the dazzling actress is dressed in an elegant, wine purple dress that hits the ankles, just above a pair of sensible black high heels. A cheeky slit up the side lets one leg peek through. Their signature pink and purple hair hangs in a stylised body around their shoulders. Currently, Martingale is flocked by a group of femme people, swooning over the charm they exude. I had heard they were quite the womaniser. Admittedly, I too am still entranced. The assistant that brought me here sighs, clearly used to this. He goes to interrupt Martingale, informing them that filming begins soon. I don’t quite hear the exchange. But, the actress gestures dramatically, though excitedly. A few of the groupies whine, reluctantly dispersing. Martingale then comes bounding over to say hello. The way they move is like a unicorn galloping through a field, leaving behind a shimmering trail. Their face comes super close to mine. It’s difficult to focus, as I become enamoured by the literal sparkling wonder of those multicoloured eyes, shifting between pink and purple hues. Every bat of those gorgeous eyelashes sends my heart thumping. They look me up and down in my uniform, grinning madly.

“Ah, so you’re my co-star today?” Martingales questions, with a thick German accent.

“Yes, yes I...believe I was...specially requested?” I find myself stuttering as I reply. Those flirtation eyes and pouting lips have me a little rattled. Quite suddenly, my hands are being thoroughly shook.

“Ja, ja! I’ve been absolutely dying to meet you! And might I say, you are quite stunning. Those elven ears really accentuate your face. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Perhaps you could make us both a real drink when this shoot it over?” they purr. 

I knew Martingale was a big personality, but I wasn’t quite expecting them to come on so strong. My startled babbling is given mercy by the director calling to start. The starlet pouts.

“Drat. Well, the spotlight calls. We can continue this in character” 

They offer a wink and blow a kiss as they adjourn to their spot. I too am ushered to my spot behind the makeshift bar. The director calls for ‘action’. So, I do my thing, mixing drinks from the fake alcohol until the star herself steps into the scene. In reality, I’m reciting my lines like practiced. Inside, though my brain is taken aback at the stark contrast between the Martingale in front of me now, as opposed to the glittery whirlwind from before. 

So calm. So composed. So deep within the role that it’s almost another person entirely.

We go through a few takes, before we run out of liquid and are forced to take a break early. Seconds from yelling the word “cut!”, Martingale’s soft expression turns sour. 

“I was in the head space!”

“Martin, sweetie, you were perfect. We just miscalculated on the props. Didn’t realise you’d go through it so quickly…”

A bar stool is flung through the air, barely missing a cameraman, clattering on the other side of the room. Martingale is now standing up. The glass in her hand has also cracked, though it takes her a moment to notice. 

“Oh, whoops…”

She slowly picks out the shards, seemingly calmer. Someone comes out with a medical kit to patch things up. Instinctively, I take it upon myself to clean things up.

“Es tut mir Leid...I’m sorry you had to see that. It happens sometimes” Martingale expresses. She looks at me, smiling gently. I wave it off.

“It’s okay, I’ve handled worse, honestly”

“You’re a darling”

She yells out an apology to the director as well. He just sighs, and says it’s okay. The break is extended for a bit long so people can recover. For a moment, I’m unsure of what to do with myself. Martingale then sits down, patting the stood beside them. I gingerly sit there. For a quiet minute, it feels like we’re just two drunkards at the pub on a sunday night. 

“It must be weird, being on the other side?” Martingale says, to break the silence. I chuckle in response.

“Yeah, a little bit”

“I really do apologise for my behaviour. It isn’t quite so graceful of me, but I can’t quite control it. The people here are so patient about it, not like back in Hollywood…” they trail off. 

“It really is fine” I insist. “I’ve encountered many evils in the world. A little slip up here and there is nothing. You seem like a good person to me”

That seems to make them smile.

“Have you even seen my old movies?” they ask, half joking.

“Actually, no” I answered honestly.

“Huh. It’s not often I find someone who hasn’t. Maybe we’ll have to watch them together some time”

Martingale does that look again and I try not to blush. The assistant from before returns with a jug of water for us. I take the initiative to pour us a couple glasses. Martingale takes the chance to toast them.

“Not quite the drink I meant earlier, but still; to new friendships?” they announce loudly. I clink my glass to theirs and drink. As I do, I’m pretty sure I hear Martingale follow that up with “and maybe more”.