Page 83 of Sizzle Reel

“Yeah,” I say, the smallness of my years as an assistant returning with a vengeance. I’m just another hermit crab again, but now I don’t remember where I left my shell.

Steven shakes his head. “We’ve been missing you over in talent,” Steven says. “Alice has gone through something like five assistants since you left.”

Well, good for her, quite honestly. My stomach twists, remembering where we are. “Is Alice here?”

Steven laughs. “Oh, god no. Just Val’s people.”

Wyatt turns to Steven. “Hey, Steven, we’re gonna grab drinks. Anyone want anything?”

Steven smiles. “You know what I want.”

Valeria looks to us. “Gin and tonic, please.”

Wyatt and I walk off, and he puts an arm on my upper back.

“Holy shit, Lune, you showed up with her?” he says.

I smile, despite myself. “Yeah. Isn’t it amazing?”

He shakes his head. “I cannot believe we actually made this happen.” He glances toward Steven. “Are you two together?”

I look over at Valeria, who’s been moved over to a new group of people by Steven. “I don’t know. She went from hot to cold the moment she stepped in here.”

He pats my back. “I’m sure it’s just the atmosphere. No worries.”

I know she said no obvious P.D.A., but does that mean full-on pretending I’m nothing more than someone to mingle with who needs a ride home?

“Sure.”

I can see how the night progresses.

Wyatt and I grab the drinks and nudge our way back into the circle to hand them to Valeria and Steven. Brendan’s here now too. He grins and gives me a hug when he sees me, which is at least nice.

“Aw, shit, my favorite camera lackey. Hey, I emailed you,” he says. He turns to Valeria. “By the way, didn’t you promise we were gonna rent out Universal Studios for the wrap party?”

Valeria takes a sip of her drink. “Did I? See, I talked to them, and they said I was a hundred dollars too short to rent the Jurassic World ride where they took out the broken animatronics and replaced it with subpar digital.”

Everyone laughs, including me.

“Shit, I think they might’ve also wanted more enthusiasm,” Brendan comments. “Come on, you fucking actress, sell how much you love Jurassic World.”

Valeria gives a dismissive wave. “Too much effort. There is a crew that’s going to break into the ride after this party, though. So let me know if you want to join.”

I check my email, my heart soaring.

Dear Luna,

Hey, sorry about the delay. So I’m so sorry, but I talked to my superiors at the next feature, and they already filled the camera crew positions. But I want you to know your name is getting featured in the right place on Val’s picture and I’m keeping you in mind for future stuff. It’s been a pleasure working with you.

Best,

Brendan

“Don’t you dare,” Steven says. “You know everyone sneaks cameras into these parties to get something to sell to the press.”

I didn’t get the job.

Valeria grabs Steven’s shoulder. “A little paranoid, don’t you think? Do people even sell to the press anymore? I think they’d post it on Twitter first.”

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