Page 17 of Faking It

I brush aside the memories of the past. “I’m scared shitless, Tori. Carter’s holding my future in the palm of his hand. He’s already gotten the role. I’ll get booted if our chemistry stinks.”

“Why do you keep calling him Carter?”

“Isn’t that his name?” I ask.

“Yeah, but I’ve never heard you call anyone else by their last name.”

“Maybe I’d rather use his last name. Is that a crime?” My response comes out a little snappy, and I see Tori’s brows furrow with confusion.

“It’s not a crime, but James is a sexier name than Carter—”

“Can we keep things focused on the reading?” I interrupt, my request coming out choppy. Just the mention of that name, and it feels like I can’t breathe. I lean against the backseat, willing my racing heart to calm down.

“There’s something you’re not telling me, but I won’t push it. I’m here when you’re ready to talk, okay?”

It’s no use denying she’s right. Tori and I have gotten closer since meeting at an acting class six years ago. She prides herself in reading me like a book. “Okay.”

“Now back to your concern. Your chemistry won’t stink. Call it intuition, but I feel you two will perfect on screen. You’re both attractive people.”

“It requires more than physical appeal, you know that.”

“Ana, I’ve been in the business for five years, long enough to say this with confidence. Sparks are going to fly. Take my word for it.”

“What if those sparks burn the building down?” I ask, attempting humor. I can feel the tension in my body. I need to loosen up.

“Okay, seriously. Did something happen between you guys that I should know about?” Tori presses. “Did your paths cross, and you forgot to tell me about it?”

“Nothing to tell, Tori,” I lie through my teeth, grateful when the cab pulls up in the studio parking lot, right in front of the reflective mirrors. “Talk to you later. Gotta put my game face on.”

“Kill it. Show those execs why this role was made for you.”

“Damn right, I will.”

I blow out a soft breath as I exit the cab, releasing all the negative feelings. A deep inhale to suck in the positive energy that I need in a double dose. The receptionist from earlier this morning still sits behind the desk, and she greets me with a pleasant smile before directing me to take the elevator to the second floor. It’s symbolic. At least, to me. It means I’m one level closer to my dreams. If I keep going, I’ll make it to the top.

“Ah, someone had a little glow up. Not bad.”

Jared’s scrutinizing gaze greets me as I exit the elevator. He makes a soft cluck, his eyes lingering on my open-toed sandals. “Except for those. Oh, well. I guess we can’t all be blessed with beautyandgood taste.”

“I guess not,” I reply.

He lifts a perfectly manicured brow at me, and I suspect he’s surprised that I answered him. With a smug shrug of his shoulders, he whips around. His fingers wiggle as he beckons for me to follow him.

“So, I looked you up,” he begins as we cross a bridge that leads to the other side of the building. “You did your thing in that cozy little sitcom. Not a novice like I thought.”

“Um… thank you?” I assume that was a compliment.

“But.” He suddenly pivots, and I almost bump into him. “This isn’t a warm and giggly little rom-com series where you play a background role. Here, you are front and center. Your little audition was cute, but the female lead Mila isn’t only a sweetheart. She’s bad ass. Cutthroat. Can you handle playing that role?”

“I’m positive,” I reply, standing taller.

“Mhm.” He looks me up and down again. “Let’s see how you handle this screen test. Cheryl Adams wants to ensure you’re the right fit for the role.”

I nod with understanding. So, this wasn’t Carter’s personal request, after all.

“And FYI. Gideon—I mean, James Carter doesn’t gel with just anyone.”

Yeah, thanks for that not-so-gentle reminder. My stomach flips as he starts walking again. My short legs scamper as I hurry to follow.

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