Page 35 of The Promise

I raise my palms in confused frustration. “What?”

“Kai, this is…” She sighs and rubs her forehead. “This is so not ideal…”

“What’s not ideal about it? You finally have your opportunity. It’s right here.” I point to the building. “Right in front of you.”

She stares at me. “But, you…and me…this is…weird.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Weird?”

She lets out an agonized breath. “Yes, Kai. Weird. I’m trying to have a professional career here, and I finally get my big break, and suddenly, it includes you. I can’t do this with that kind of distraction.”

Have I really affected her so strongly…still? Is the prospect of acting together that worrisome to her? I consider the possibility. In some ways, I don’t blame her. The scene we just performed held an intimacy that made even me feel awkward. But it was so tame compared to the even more physical and vulnerable ones that will be required of us if she is cast as Elaine. For me, the difference is that I’ve performed many intimate scenes with co-stars before now. Sophie doesn’t have the same level of experience. She doesn’t know how robotic it will actually be. With an audience of close to a thousand and scenes we’ll practice over and over again, there’s never much time for real feelings to get in the way.

I shrug, trying not to worry about something I know is just part of the job. She’s afraid I’d be a distraction, but maybe the distraction will be helpful. I smirk. “Well, would you rather do this with someone you found repulsive?”

She looks down, brushing her foot across the ground just like her version of Elaine did earlier. “Yeah, probably actually.”

My shoulders drop. “C’mon, Sophie. It’s just acting...”

She closes her eyes. “I know, I know. But have you read the script? You and I both know that it’s not going to be just acting.”

I furrow my brow. “What do you mean? What do you think is gonna happen?”

She stares at me silently for a moment before she replies. “Did you know I was auditioning today?”

I groan. “I had no idea, Sophie. They don’t tell me these things.”

She crosses her arms tighter and purses her lips. “Have you met the other Elaines?”

“Yes, they auditioned yesterday.”

“Well, I’m sure they’re much better options, anyway. You should tell that to the director.”

I’m frustrated now. She’s ready to throw her big opportunity out the window. And for what? Because she thinks things will be weird with me? Her naivete is cast in a less appealing light now. I’m not impressed, and my words turn bitter. “The other options were fine, but there was no chemistry there.” I sigh and meet her gaze again. “You and me, we have chemistry…”

She opens her mouth to start to plead but I hold up my hand to stop her. “Don’t deny it.” When she closes her mouth, I continue. “I think it was obvious back there. They saw it too…the directors… It’s what’s going to make or break this play. I mean…think of the success we could have.”

She still doesn’t respond, so I study her for a moment, trying to figure out where her walls are still up. I’m beginning to realize I need her now. She’s the only Elaine in my eyes. It’s true that we have an undeniable chemistry. And on stage, it would speak volumes. “Come on,” I coax, stepping toward her and trying to smile again. “Could be fun, right?”

She closes her eyes and shakes her head. “I don’t know, Kai…”

I raise my palms again. “Why? What is so awful about this?”

She exhales. “I barely know you. But I know you. You’re just going to make a move at me again, and I’m not having it.”

I stare at her in disbelief. “Do you know how ridiculous you sound right now?”

Her forehead wrinkles for just a second. “Excuse me?”

“Sophie, this is a professional relationship,” I emphasize. “We perform the scenes…as the characters. And then we go back to being co-workers. I know you know that.”

She peers doubtingly at me. “I know that. But I don’t think you’ll be able to control yourself.”

I raise an eyebrow. “I think it’s you who’s worried about controlling yourself.”

“Only because I don’t think you’ll be able to…” she says quietly.

I sigh loudly. We’re talking in circles, and the conversation is getting us nowhere. She’s actually considering throwing away a project that could jump-start her career. “You’d really give up this opportunity for fear that I might make a move at you again?”

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