"Jimmie, you''re here."
Miranda offered Jimmie a polite smile before her eyes immediately shifted to
Juniper, her voice jumping an octave. “Juniper, you came too! I''m so, so happy to see you."
Jimmie and the assistant director exchanged a confused look. Did they hear that right? Was that a cutesy, sharine voiceing from Director Miranda?
Having only ever heard her barking orders on set, seeing this gentle, doting version of her was frankly terrifying.
"Director Miranda, it''s a pleasure." Juniper gave a respectful bow, her demeanor polite and formal. “Director Miranda," not just "Miranda." The distinction created a clear boundary.
"Yes, yes, of course." Sensing Juniper''s formality, Miranda reined in her obvious affection, affecting a calm, professional tone. "Wee to the ''Hey, Sis!'' family. You must be tired. Go on in and get some rest."
Director Miranda was buzzing with an almost manic energy, her enthusiasm overflowing. "A staff member will be with you shortly to go over the rules and precautions for filming."
"Understood," Jimmie nodded, leading Juniper toward the guest lounge. At this point, none of the other cast members knew who the surprise guests were.
The door closed. Juniper had just sat down, not even having a moment to collect herself, when a voice came from the doorway. "Juniper, it''s me, Miranda."
Jimmie opened the door to find Miranda crouched outside like a spy. After making sure the coast was clear, she quickly slipped into the room.
"Hi, Miranda," Juniper said, immediately standing up.
"Such a good girl." Miranda''s eyes crinkled into a smile. She then turned to Jimmie. "You haven''t eaten yet, have you?"
"Not yet.” Jimmie nced at the food container in Miranda''s hand and admitted it readily. After all, he and Miranda went way back, and he''d had his fair share of meals at the Schwartz family home.
"I''ve ordered food for the cast; it''s in the room next door," Miranda said with a pleasant smile. "None of the other guests are here yet, so you can go eat in peace."
Jimmie didn''t move, his eyes fixed on the container she was holding. "What about that?"
Miranda held up the container, then yfully hid it behind her back. “Oh, this? I only made a little, just enough for Juniper. Next time, I promise I''ll make more."
Jimmie shot a look at Juniper, a small smirk ying on his lips. *Has she already won over her future mother-inw?* he thought.
"Alright,” Jimmie nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "I''ll leave Juniper in your capable hands then, Miranda."
“Of course, of course.” Miranda nodded eagerly, pulling the door open and ushering him out with her eyes.
The door mmed shut the second he was out.
Jimmie stood there, speechless.
Inside the room, Juniper sat on the sofa, watching as Director Miranda personally served her desserts.
"Our cook at home made these. Try them and tell me what you think," Miranda said, beaming at her. Her voice was so soft, as if she
afraid of startling her. "If you like them, I''ll have her make more next
time."
*At home?* The affectionate term registered with Juniper, and a faint smile touched
her lips.
"Just be yourself on the show," Miranda soothed. "Don''t feel like you have to hold back."
“Okay.” Juniper''s mood had already brightened as she nibbled on the snacks, and she found herself nodding along to everything Miranda said.
*Oh, my.* Looking at the beautiful, well-behaved girl before her, Miranda sighed internally. *That
brilliant rascal of a son. He reallet
found me the perfect
daughter-inw. The best part is She has a healthy appetite. Now I''II have someone to go on food adventures with.*
After they finished eating, a private
car took them to the filming
location. The residence was a
massive vi in the suburbs, its walls
stered with "Hey, Sis!
promotional posters.
Juniper''s eyes scanned the interior, darting from room to room as she muttered,
"Where''s all the food?"