Page 144 of From Rivals to I Do

in my life where I felt the same emotions the characters feel and it helped with getting into character.

However, reading these lines I only feel saddened. Reece was the only man I ever really loved. When it started, things were great. But they quickly went

bad. I could not wait for him to leave so I could be alone and not live under his constant scrutiny, berating me for not landing roles or complaining about how he

could have been something had he not been forced to work on trashy soap operas and commercials after dating me and having Charlee. I was not allowed to

work either since he was always insecure in case I got a brighter job opportunity. ‘He just wants to sleep with you,” he would say about every casting director.

The more I read the lines between Connie and Paul, the more I want to star in the play. I want to feel what they feel, even if it is all fake. I read over the

lines more and more, getting a hang of how Connie feels, and trying to memorize the lines.

The next day at work Leonard stops at my desk and gives me a hopeful look.

“I have an audition on Friday,” I say, and he smiles. “And you’re going to run lines with me beforehand.”

He laughs and nods his head. “Just tell me when and I’ll be there,” he replies before walking through the doors to his office.

“Tonight,” I yell after him while he is still in earshot. He gives me a thumbs-up while he walks away.

It is a slow day at work, so I spend a lot of time reading over the script and trying to memorize it as best as I can. I am a very quick learner, so it doesn’t take

me too long to be off-book. Throughout the day, I mumble the words to myself just to get some extra practice in.

Leonard walks back through the office doors when it’s time to leave, and we head back to my house.

“My mom offered to watch Charlee tonight so I can focus on the lines,” I tell him while we ride down the elevator.

“I hope it isn’t a problem that I didn’t study any lines for this,” he jokes. “If I’d have had a little more notice, maybe I could have.”

“Luckily for you, I printed some copies of the script,” I say, brandishing two neatly stapled piles of paper in the air. “And you better bring your A-game to

this reading, too. You’re the one who wanted me to audition and now I actually want to get the part.”

We arrive at the brownstone shortly and start working right away.

“Oh, the elevator scene,” he says with a smile.

“Of course, you already know it,” I joke with him.

We spend a few minutes figuring out the blocking of the scene, where we’re going to move, how I want it to sound, and how he should try to sound.

“Please don’t judge my acting skills,” Leonard pleads before we begin.

“I can’t make any promises,” I laugh.

We start the scene with Leonard walking out of the living room, pretending to close a door.

“Paul, wait just a minute!” I say, chasing after him. I’m careful to tiptoe as I run to allow an extra spring in my step. Leonard turns to me and sighs.

“Where are you going?”

“Work, Connie. I have to go to work. I don’t do this for a living, don’t you know?” Leonard’s voice is flat as he reads his lines, and it’s hard not to laugh at

him, but I maintain my composure.

“Can’t you just call in sick? Last night you promised you’d never leave me,” I pleaded with Leonard’s character, rushing to him and resting an arm on his shoulder.

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