Page 43 of He's The Reason Why

“Okay, break. When we return, we do this.” Tamar arched an eyebrow at Jeremy. “Be back in ten minutes. Ten, Jeremy, not twenty.”

Blake waited for Tamar, Gina, and Jeremy to leave, then walked with Piper down the hall. “You’re doing really good in there.”

She glanced up at him. “But?”

“But nothing. You can relax. You’re good.”

“Good enough?” Piper teased.

“It wasfinefor someone so new to voice acting,” Rachel said behind them in a tone that could have been interpreted as supportive if the person listening didn’t know her. “I’m just glad it wasn’t a real take.”

Blake stiffened. He hadn’t heard Rachel sneak up, but he should have known. She never let an opportunity for snark pass her by.

“Why? Were you not happy with your performance?” Piper asked. Her accent was a lot thicker than usual. It laced her question with an impression of politeness. “It sounded good to me.”

“Thank you.” Rachel looked like she wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or an insult. Then she regrouped and gently patted Blake’s back as she squeezed between him and Piper. “Excuse me, nature is calling.”

She strode to the ladies’ room and pushed inside.

Blake thought she was probably ready to bust something, trying to be that sweet in front of someone she thought was notimportant. She’d made it clear on the first day that she thought Piper was unqualified and not worthy of a role like this. He doubted her opinion had changed during the past three weeks.

They walked toward the restrooms at a slower pace.

Piper’s lips twitched. “I’m surprised she has to share. She seems like the type to insist on her own private bathroom.”

“She probably asked.”

“Is she from the South?”

“She’s from New Jersey.” Blake looked at her with curiosity. “Why do you ask?”

“She doesn’t sound like someone from New Jersey,” Piper said, sounding surprised. “I was just thinking she sure has that damn-with-faint-praise thing down.”

“Yeah. Hollywood is great for that.” He shook his head. “Ignore her.”

“Don’t worry. I know she’s just mad because someone dropped a house on her sister.” Piper winked and sauntered into the restroom.

He barked a laugh and retreated.

They all returned to the studio about thirty minutes later, which in Hollywood time was speedy.

Tamar stood in front of them again, this time a lot more serious. “Okay, this one is for keeps, okay? Don’t worry about your phone, or what you’re having for dinner. Focus, focus, focus. Blake, I need you to keep your head up just a little bit. They say you move a lot and the sound is muffled.”

He gave a nod. “Gotcha. Nose in the air.”

“Piper, I would like you tobea princess, okay? You rule everything you see. You’re sweet and kind and frustrated that you can’t go see things and do things out in the world. You’re confident, and maybe a little bit spoiled. Got that?”

Piper smiled. “You mean act like my younger sister. I can do that.”

“Within reason, dear. Act like your sister would act if she were Princess Jewel. Leave yourself behind. And, Jeremy…I have no notes. You were perfect.”

“Yes, I am.” Jeremy took a little bow.

Everyone groaned.

“Don’t feed his ego,” Gina said. “It’s big enough already.”

“What can I say, it’s a role I was born to play,” Jeremy said with a magnanimous dip of the chin.

---