Page 34 of Under Ground

No sooner do I disconnect the call with my mom than my agent calls.

“Charlie. I guess you heard the news?”

He laughs. “I know you had some visitors to set. How do you feel?”

“Over the moon.”

“Good. I think you’ll be more than happy with the offer they made. I’ll send it through to you and you can let me know how you feel.”

I snicker. “You know I already told him yes.”

“I figured as much. And you’re right to do so. This is going to put your career on the map. Congratulations.”

“Thanks …” I look up to see one of the assistants waving at me. “I’ve gotta go. But I’m looking forward to seeing that offer in writing.”

“You bet. Talk later.”

I take a deep breath before turning and heading back toward the set. It’ll be hard to focus on anything this afternoon, and I can’t wait for dinner tonight.

* * *

I arrive at the restaurant early.

It’s just as well, because I could do with a drink at the bar first to steady my nerves. I’m tired after my early start, but wide awake because tonight I get to spend time with one of my idols.

And then with Lana.

I’m not working tomorrow, which is just as well because after all this excitement, I’m sure to crash. But it’s all worth it.

I sip slowly at my drink. I’ll have this and one more at dinner and call that a night, given that I have plans with my girl later.

Today’s news changes everything.

It gives me hope for the future. Not just for my career, but for my personal life. Lana manages because she’s stuck in this job with her ex, but what if I could help? What if I could make a difference?

Finishing my drink, I ask to be seated at our table and wait.

It’s not long before I see the familiar figure of Reece Evans approaching.

Now, people look.

He’s got such a presence that heads are turning, and I can see there are at least a couple of starstruck expressions on faces around the room.

At first, everything’s a bit of a haze as he shakes my hand and takes a seat at the table. Pania orders wine, but I’m barely paying attention.

“Good day?” he asks.

“Long day.” I lean back. “I was in makeup at three this morning, but we wanted to shoot the dawn, and we did, so it was worth it.”

“Great.”

The wine arrives, and Reece holds up his glass. “To Alex. Congratulations on joining our team.”

A lump appears in my throat. I can’t quite believe this. Getting this role and working with people the calibre of Reece and Josh Carter is something I thought I’d only dream of.

“To Alex.” Pania holds up her glass. She has no idea she just saved me from being completely unable to speak, and I nod toward both of them.

I’m about to get everything I dreamed of and more.

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