Page 27 of You. Me. Us.

Hillary looked up, blinking in surprise. “Oh, thanks. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it, to be honest.”

Sarah’s expression turned serious. “Listen, I know it’s not my place, but I feel like I should warn you about something.” She glanced around, lowering her voice. “Ethan Cole, Julius’s co-star in his current franchise? He has a history of sabotaging relationships. If he’s around, be careful.”

A chill ran down Hillary’s spine. “What do you mean?”Why was Sarah even talking about that? Did she know something? How much did she over hear?

“Let’s just say he doesn’t like competition, on or off the screen.” Sarah’s eyes met hers, conveying the gravity of her words. “I’ve heard stories of him spreading rumors, causing drama... anything to throw off his rival’s game. And if Julius really called and asked specifically for you, there’s a chance Ethan is going to see why.”

Hillary swallowed hard, her heart pounding. “I... I didn’t realize...”

“Just be careful, okay? Around both of them.” Sarah gave her a sympathetic smile. “I’d hate to see you get caught in the crossfire. You remind me of me ten years ago.”

With a nod of thanks, Hillary watched as Sarah walked away, her mind spinning with this new information. She’d been so focused on her own feelings, she hadn’t even considered the potential complications from outside forces.

Taking a deep breath, Hillary tried to clear her head. She couldn’t let this distract her from the task at hand. With renewed determination, she turned back to her computer and began typing, immersing herself in the world of movie magic.

As she read through article after article, Hillary found herself fascinated by the intricacies of the casting process. The way directors and producers searched for that perfect combination of talent, chemistry, and star power, the grueling auditions and callbacks, the behind-the-scenes negotiations. Acting was far more than just early call times and remembering lines.

It was a cutthroat world, one where every decision could make or break a career. And now, she was about to step into the thick of it, her pen and notebook the only armor she had.

But even as she lost herself in the research, Hillary couldn’t shake the nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach. Sarah’s warning echoed in her mind, a constant reminder of the danger that lurked beneath the glitz and glamor.

She glanced at her phone, fighting the urge to reach out to Julius, to seek comfort in his words. But she knew she couldn’t, not now, not when so much was at stake.

Closing her eyes, she tried to picture the audition. The bright lights, the nervous energy, the sense of anticipation in the air. And in the midst of it all, Julius, his blue eyes intense and focused as he delivered his lines.

Hillary’s heart skipped a beat at the thought, and all her confidence began to fizzle at the idea of being in yet another new environment. This was uncharted territory for her, a world she had only ever observed from the sidelines. But now, she was about to step into the spotlight, and she had no idea what to expect.

She glanced at the clock, realizing how late it had gotten. Tomorrow would be a big day, and she needed to be ready. With a sigh, Hillary gathered her things and headed for the door, her mind still swirling with thoughts of Julius and the audition.

With a sigh, Hillary leaned back in her chair, her eyes drifting to the security card once more. Tomorrow, she would step into the lion’s den, her heart on the line and her future in the balance.

twelve

. . .

Hillary pushedon the heavy revolving glass door, her reflection momentarily staring back at her before she stepped inside the building. The eerily empty building.

The card had said, it was a closed audition but no one sat at the receptionist desk. It was still a building, even if it was the weekend, but no one was here.

Remembering the instructions, she followed along the polished black floor to the right and down the hall. The click of her sensible heels echoed in the empty lobby, bouncing off the polished tile floors and exposed brick walls. She glanced around, her brow furrowing.

Hillary continued walking, her steps echoing and her heels clicking against the floor. She passed by several closed doors, each with a small plaque indicating the name of a production or company. She tried to peek inside, but they were all locked.

Where is everyone? Did I get the time wrong?

As she rounded a corner, she saw the sign for Studio B with an arrow pointing down the hallway. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickened her pace, eager to find other signs of life.

But as she got closer, she noticed that there was no light coming from under the slightly cracked open door. Cautiously, she pushed it open and peeked inside.

The room was dark and empty, with only a few chairs set up on one side of the room. Hillary’s heart sank as she realized this couldn’t be where the audition would take place in twenty minutes. She must have missed some important information in the card.

Hillary double-checked the email on her phone, confirming the audition details. Two in the afternoon, Studio “B”. Yet here she stood, alone, in a cavernous space that should have been bustling with nervous energy and hopeful auditioners running lines.

Maybe they’re running behind schedule. Or I’m just too early.

She took a few tentative steps further in, her mind whirring with possibilities.

Feeling embarrassed and disappointed, Hillary turned to leave when she a faint noise came from behind one of the doors on the other side of the room. She strained her ears to listen but couldn’t make out what it was.

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