Page 51 of (Un)Spoken

THEO

Who is this?

ME

Seriously, Theo?

THEO

I’m waiting.

ME

The only person who knows you cry when reading sappy romance movie scripts.

THEO

Not anymore. Calla also finds it profusely funny.

ME

Did I pass your test?

THEO

Had to make sure. Didn’t think this text would ever come, so wanted to make sure I had the right guy.

As for the project, it’s still on the table. You were their first choice, but with you not interested, they’re holding casting calls in a couple of weeks.

Want me to get you on the list?

I paused, staring at my phone. Was I really doing this? There was no way it was a coincidence that the letters and messages stopped when I stepped out of the spotlight. Would they begin again if I got this role? If my face was suddenly back in the news?

I shook my head, running my hand over my face. It was just a goddamn audition. I didn’t have the part; there was no telling if I’d even get it, or if I even knew what the fuck I was doing anymore. I’d taken so much time off, I might have forgotten how to step into a role and make it my own.

My fingers tapped on the screen, following through, even though my head was still playing twenty-questions.

ME

Yeah, if you could. Not saying I’d take it even if I got it, but I’d like to at least read

THEO

You got it. I’ll let you know when I have a date

I stared at my phone, clutching the device in my hand as if it had a ticking clock attached. For months, I’d been avoiding this moment, terrified of what would come if I decided to take on another role.

But I’d been hiding long enough.

Now, I just had to hope there wouldn’t be any consequences.

THIRTY

The morning after our apple-picking date, I sipped my coffee, staring out across the field at Adam’s cabin. Emilia happily played with her dolls on the living room floor next to me, and I had a chance to breathe before starting my day. I usually loved mornings like this. However, today, I couldn’t help the sigh that escaped my lips.

Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed that much or the last time I felt like there could be more to my life than just being a mom. And even though Emilia was an equal part of our day, Adam found small moments to connect with me and make sure I knew he was thinking about me just as much as I was him.

But then, it all came crashing down when Cole showed up. I hated that I resented his presence, even for a few moments, but he’d definitely put a damper on my plans for the night. I couldn’t even blame Adam for leaving; it was the right call. Even after a full day of brewing tension between us, Cole would have asked questions if Adam had hung around.

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