?Chapter 70:


    Hadley’s voice trembled slightly as she spoke. Unexpectedly presented with this chance, she seized it, driven by necessity and a sudden impulse.


    The assistant director regarded her with a measure of doubt. “Is that so?”


    “Definitely,” Hadley answered, her nod decisive. “Dance is an art that can’t be pretended, and I have the skills.”


    With time pressing, the assistant director checked his watch. “Okay, you have thirty minutes to master a new routine because we’re on a tight schedule. Can you manage that?”


    “Yes,” Hadley assured him. “Just run me through the routine a couple of times, and I’ll be set.”


    “Is that true?”


    A hint of a smile appeared on the assistant director’s face, somewhat skeptical of her im. “Alright then, show us what you can do! But remember, if you don’t get it right within two tries, that’s it.”


    “Understood!”


    “Come with me,” he instructed, guiding Hadley toward where the other dancers were gathered.


    “Heads up, everyone. She’ll run through the choreography twice with you, and then I want to see how it looks,” he instructed.


    “Understood,” responded the group of stand-in dancers.


    Hadley nearly had the whole routine down after just one rehearsal. The choreography was straightforward—a basic ensemble piece suited for a television show background, easily within Hadley’s capabilities. Observing from a distance, the assistant director was impressed after watching her performance. He apuded, eximing, “Excellent!” He signaled his approval with a thumbs up. “You really nailed it! Wee aboard!”


    “Thank you,” Hadley responded gratefully.


    pping his hands, the assistant director instructed the film crew, “Let’s get her ready. Makeup and wardrobe, please. We’re shooting shortly!”


    He hurried away to brief the director on Hadley’s quick integration. Once in costume, Hadley joined the set, and the shootmenced wlessly.


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    Nheless, repeated errors by the principal actor necessitated several retakes of the scene.


    As the day concluded and the temporary dancers were dismissed, the production assistant approached to handle their paychecks.


    “Thanks a lot.”


    “Appreciate it.”


    Hadley collected her earnings and opened the envelope, delighted to see the number on her paycheck—$400, a sum greater than she had anticipated.


    “After receiving your payment, you are all set to leave.” They were no longer needed for the remaining scenes.


    Pleased with the amount, Hadley secured the envelope carefully.


    “Hey, hold up!”


    Just as she was about to leave, she heard someone calling.


    Hadley turned to see the assistant director hurrying towards her. “Yes?”


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