Page 62 of Sizzle Reel

“Absolutely.”

I take out my phone as Valeria’s hair falls in wispy little chunks to the floor.

Me: Are you getting gay vibes?

Romy’s phone dings. She pulls it out of her pocket, and I’m forced to watch her read in real time. She raises her brows.

Romy: Omfg am I here to do intel?

My stomach sinks. Shit, is she mad? How was that not implied by—shit. Shit, shit, shit.

Me: I should’ve told you earlier I’m sorry!!!

Romy: Yeah, you should’ve

Okay. She used an emoji. She’s not mad.

“How much longer do you guys have on your shoot?” Romy asks.

“We wrap on Friday,” Valeria answers. “I should be proud of keeping to a schedule, but I’ll miss it.”

Romy glances at me. Smirks. “Is Luna the worst P.A. you’ve ever had or what?”

Valeria looks to me—only eye movement, though. “The absolute worst.”

“She absolutely doesn’t want you to scoop her into the next gig,” Romy says.

Jesus. No. I haven’t even discussed what happens after this week with Valeria.

“I’m going to email Brendan right now and ask him to recommend me,” I say. I turn to Valeria. “You’re not doing anything other than acting for the next few months, right?”

Like I said to Romy, Valeria’s all a romantic relationship now. I’ve got Brendan.

I start typing up an email.

“No. I’ve got post for the next couple months, some charity appearances, some press for another indie I did last year.” She makes a face. “I actually don’t think I’m filming again until next year.”

“She’ll be your personal slave,” Romy jokes. The joke lands, but I swear there’s a tiny crack in her voice.

“Does Steven think you’ll direct more?” I ask.

Valeria takes a deep breath. “I don’t know. Steven’s so fixated on this film getting distributed before we discuss anything else.” She exhales. “He’s very…uninspired.”

“If it helps, Steven used to ask for Americanos with milk when he ordered coffee himself,” Romy says.

Valeria laughs.

“What?” I say. “Why call it an Americano?”

I press Send on my email. It was good, but I’m suddenly wishing I’d asked Romy to read it. I’m one for one on recommendations actually working out, so I suppose all I can do now is take a deep breath and cross my fingers.

Still, I can’t help but feel like I’m staring down six months of unemployment. Hearing Valeria doesn’t have any projects in the works doesn’t help, even though that wasn’t ever an option.

I practically jump out of my seat when Romy texts me again.

I have an idea to give you some confirmation. Are you willing to talk about Matías?

Heat bursts up my neck even thinking about Matías, but I nod at Romy. Nervously.

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