His past and his future (at least hopefully) colliding and not making for a nice situation.
"The Bentley's thought it would be a nice addition to have Sienna sit in on some of the production meetings."
What the hell is this?, Hayden thought. Are they going to give her creative control too?
Hayden said nothing. He merely nodded, putting his hands in his pocket. At that moment, he looked every bit the shy timid boy he'd once been. He was no longer the suave, cool guy with the bravado.
The transformation surprised Cara.
"Well, well....I knew it was only a matter of time before we collaborated again....though it was certainly sooner than I had expected," Sienna said, her accent flourishing along with her smile.
Cara looked at her and began to feel sick. She had seen pictures of Sienna in magazines but to see her in person -- she was striking. She had hair extensions that flowed perfectly around her shoulders and down her back. Her chic style made for a very well put together look, making Cara feel like a chump in her simple blouse and pencil skirt.
Hayden gave a wry and insincere smile. We will never collaborate on anything ever again, he thought to himself.
"Let's proceed with the meeting, shall we?" Tove asked. He wanted to get things going as soon as possible. He didn't want the Bentley's to suspect that there could be any trouble here.
"You look good," Sienna said with a smile, sidling past Hayden.
Hayden just looked at her as she walked past him, not speaking a word.
It was actually a pleasant surprise for Hayden -- he'd been worried how he may feel if he were to see her again. Now, he knew that those old feelings were gone - completely vanished. He couldn't even find her attractive....in his eyes, she'd lost everything she had going for her after what she did. The way she was, the way she treated people - it all disgusted him.
He turned to look at Cara as the rest of them were filing into the Conference room and Melissa was busy scrambling to get coffee for all of them.
"Can I take you to lunch? I think we need to talk," Hayden asked her.
Cara was quiet for a moment and then nodded that she would go to lunch with him.
Hayden nodded, gave a small smile and disappeared into the conference room.
~~~
"I apologize that we're a bit early," Terrie Bentley spoke up as the group found seats around the conference table.
"It's really not a problem," Tove said as Melissa was passing cups of coffee and a tray of bagels.
"We had wanted Sienna to come in because we wanted to discuss a new casting option for the male lead," Terrie Bentley spoke up.
"I know there have been many screen tests already, who did you have in mind?" Tove asked.
"Hayden," Terrie said, smiling at Hayden.
Hayden gave a weak smile and wasn't sure what to say. The role had sounded good - but he'd been planning to produce exclusively on this project.
"The truth is, no one has tested well with Sienna...on screen chemistry is key in this film...and I think after all of the positive 'Factory Girl' reviews, people would really enjoy seeing Hayden and Sienna onscreen together again. Two strong well-known leads will guarantee a stronger film and most of the casting sessions have been unknowns," Roger Bentley stated.
Sienna looked at Hayden but he wouldn't make eye contact with her. Tove looked from Roger to Sienna to Hayden.
"Well, that's something we can talk about....give Hayden some time to think it over as well," Tove said.
"It was actually Sienna's idea," Terrie spoke up. "Especially when she found out that your company was involved with the film."
For the first time, Hayden looked over at Sienna who was gazing at him with a sultry smile.
He looked back down at the table.
Somehow, she always had the power to intimidate him, every time....and he hated it.
~~~
The meeting ended shortly thereafter.
Hayden shook hands with the Bentley's and snuck away to have a smoke out back.
Sienna followed him.
Hayden was lighting a cigarette as Sienna pushed open the door.
Hayden glanced at her, taking a drag from his cigarette and looking out over the expanse behind the building.
"What are you doing?" he asked, not looking at her.
"What ever do you mean?" Sienna said, a sexy laugh in her tone.
Hayden rolled his eyes, "you never do something without an ulterior motive..."
"I thought it would be good to work together again," Sienna stated simply.
"That's bullshit," Hayden said, taking another drag from his cigarette. "Where's Jude?"
"We broke up...."
"..Yeah, I remember hearing that before...right before I caught you back in bed with him," Hayden said, sarcasm evident in his tone.
"It's true...this time is completely permanent," Sienna said.
"Well good for you," Hayden said sarcastically. "...but if you're here looking for a warm body, you're barking up the wrong tree."
Sienna just looked at him.
"...I'm serious, Sienna...I'm not getting into all of this with you again...."
He stomped his cigarette and walked back into the building. He had to talk to Cara.
Tove caught him by the arm, "hey, I think we should talk about this."
"What's there to talk about?" Hayden asked. "I'm not doing the movie, simple."
"You don't want to do the movie?? or you don't want to do the movie because Sienna is there?" Tove asked.
Hayden looked at him, "you saw how I reacted at the thought of just producing a film she was starring in?? If I actually had to do the film?...I may kill her and then there wouldn't even be a movie."
Tove rolled his eyes, "...alright Mr. Dramatic...I'm just asking that you consider it...the Bentley's are willing to double our budget if you do the film. That's how marketable they think this could be with you on board.
Hayden sighed.
"I don't know...I'll think about it, alright?"
Tove shook his head. "Think hard, this may be a bigger deal than we had ever imagined."
Hayden shook his head, walking back toward the front office.
Hayden stopped in front of Cara's desk. "Are you ready for lunch?"
Cara looked over at Melissa who had noticed the scene with much curiosity. "Go ahead, its fine," Melissa said.
Cara grabbed her purse and followed Hayden out the door.