Page 15 of Faking It

Another questioning stare from Jared, one that Max doesn’t even notice. His eyes are on me. What is he thinking?

Jared flips the page back to the front and starts over. I get into character again. When I’m done, I stand with bated breath and wait for Max’s feedback. He leans against his chair, crosses his arms on his chest and breathes a deep sigh.

He hates it.

He’s getting ready to kick me out.

“What did you think, Emily?” he mutters.

The camerawoman raises her think brows at him. “You’re asking formyopinion?”

“Is there another Emily in this room?”

“No, but you never—”

“What do you think?”

Emily closes her gaping mouth and makes a surprised scoff, then says, “I think she executed it flawlessly.”

My heart does a silly dance.

“Jared?”

My little enemy purses his lips, a sneer covering his face as he regards me. I brace for the worst comment until he mumbles. “I mean, she waswaybetter than the other girls who came before her.”

I don’t even get time to process that shocking remark when Max mumbles. “That’s an understatement.”

My hands fly up to my chest as I gasp.

“Emily is right. Your performance was flawless. The character comes alive when you speak. In my opinion, this role was made for you.”

“Oh, my God. That means so much, Mr. Dillon. Thank you.”

“However…”

My stomach falls.

Max slowly stands, and my head lifts to meet his eyes. “There is one more hurdle. Mahogany films’ CEO, Cheryl Adams, made a specific requirement, most likely a request from the lead actor. Tomorrow, you’re going to perform an emotional scene with him. If there’s no chemistry between you two, we’ll be forced to return to the drawing board and find another fitting candidate.”

“I understand.” It’s not an unusual request from a high-ranking actor—well, I can safely assume it’s an A-list actor. I’m already praying to the universe that it’s an actor I admire, like Sebastian Everett or Aiden Cole. They’re not only fine as hell, but they’re both gentlemen. At least, from what I know.

Emily asks me to do a slate, during which I record my personal details and other professional skills I have, which isn’t many, but I add that I’m a fast learner. After seeing the days I’ll be required to shoot, I realize my days at Frank’s won’t be much longer.

Well, fingers crossed that the male lead will like me. Which prompts me to ask Emily as I head out. “Do you mind telling me who my co-star would be?”

She gives a brief eyeroll, one she quickly catches, then forces a smile. “James Carter.”

At her words, my chest bounces on a sharp intake of my breath. It’s not an age gap movie, I’m sure of it.

“Junior,” she clarifies.

No. Please. Anyone but him.

Emily peers at me, concern etched in her features. “Are you okay, dear? You seem a little pale.”

“I’m fine.” I force a smile. “Let me hurry home so I can prepare. Thanks again.”

With that, I head out, the smile fading as I close the door. This is bad. This is really bad. Of all the actors in Hollywood, I’m going to face the last person I want to see.

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