Page 11 of One Pucking Chance

My mind drifts back to the date ahead of me, and scenarios start to play out in my mind. I really do think my tactic will work, and she’ll show up. But after that, I can honestly say I haven’t a clue. She could just arrive to tell me that she’s not interested. The reality could be that I’m not the one for Annalise. Crazier still—what if I can’t stand her? My attraction is based on roles she’s played, and of course, how insanely beautiful she is. Yet whether we’re compatible is a mystery. At least I get this chance to see. That gift from Penny was one of the nicest things anyone has ever given me.

“Did you leave a time and place on the jersey?” Max asks as if he’s still trying to work through the logistics.

“No. But Penny passed the information on to Annalise’s assistant.”

He nods. “Ah, that makes sense. Penny sure has come through for you.”

“Damn straight she has. I’m honestly still in shock. I low-key thought she hated me.”

“Yeah, I did, too. I mean, our shenanigans over the years have given her enough reason to.”

I pull my cell phone out of my back pocket to check the time. “Kinda makes me think I should’ve gotten her and Dreven a wedding present or something.”

Max throws his head back and laughs. “You didn’t get them a wedding present? You really are an undeserving asshole.”

“What?” I shrug. “They eloped. I didn’t think I was supposed to.”

“We had a big party celebrating them and their marriage.”

My brows furrow. “I thought that was just a normal team barbecue.”

“Right.” Max nods. “One that was focused around Gunner and Penny and congratulating them on their wedding.”

“Well, it’s pumpkin spiced latte season, Penny’s favorite. I’ll bring her a cup tomorrow,” I state.

“Dude.” Max crosses his arms. “She introduced you to Annalise Sterling, one of the most beautiful women in the world. You owe her a coffee a day for life.”

I wave him off. “I’ll make it up to her. I can’t think about this right now. I gotta get ready for my date.” I head into the hallway toward my bedroom.

“Well, you had better turn on that charm tonight. I guarantee you Annalise is the kind of girl who sends people wedding gifts,” he calls after me.

“Yeah. Yeah,” I grumble under my breath.

He doesn’t have to worry about that. Tonight, I will be giving it my all because I know that chances like this only come around once in a lifetime, and I won’t waste it. It all comes down to tonight. I’ll lay all my cards out on the table and hope it’s enough.

CHAPTER

SIX

ANNALISE

Ifinish massaging the lotion into my skin and inhale. Pineapple melon. I happened upon this lotion a couple of years ago, and it’s my favorite. It’s sweet, fresh, and fruity. So much better than the Eau de Gasoline that Simon got all over me earlier. None of our scenes were supposed to be intimate. We reshot the hallway scene from yesterday where he leaned in toward me, and I swear that moment of closeness drenched me in his vile scent. He wears enough harsh cologne to set off a migraine in someone a mile away.

My favorite part of the day is returning to my trailer and showering off all remnants of Simon. I don’t know what it is about the guy, but I can’t stand him. To his credit, he stayed on script today for the most part, but he was still insufferable. Everything about him rubs me the wrong way.

Initially, I think the director saw more of a sexual tension between Simon’s and my characters because,of course, a woman isn’t going to rise to the top of an empire without crushing all over the prick in the office. But after a week of shooting and the palpable friction between my costar and me—some rewrites were made. The changes were for the better as a romance wasn’t part of my character’s history to begin with.

Miranda is always concerned about my reputation in this industry, and I suppose I give her reason to worry. There have always been negative whispers surrounding me. I can admit that I’m not always the easiest to work with. I’m not in this industry for fame or money. As the daughter of legendary actors, I have plenty of both. I’m an actor because I love the craft. I was raised on movie sets. I was friends with the camera operators and set decorators instead of hanging out with kids my age, having sleepovers, and going to the mall. I followed the lighting technician around, asking a million questions. The entire movie-making process fascinated me and still does. So when something doesn’t sit right, I speak up because I want the projects I work on to be incredible.

If I’m being honest, I’m exhausted. I’m tired of challenging everyone and trying to convince them of my abilities. At twenty-six, I feel like I’ve been in this industry for decades and have yet to showcase my true capabilities. No matter how hard I work, I’m still just a pretty face. I know I shouldn’t complain. So many aspiring actors would kill for my life and be thrilled just to get a role in anything, let alone a major motion picture. I should be grateful for what I have. I simply can’t stifle the feeling in my heart that yearns for more.

A familiar rhythmic knock sounds at my trailer door before Miranda enters. She hops up the steps into my trailer, full of her usual sunshine.

“That’s what you’re wearing?” She grimaces.

My mouth falls open, and I look down at my designer boots, baggy ’90s jeans, and oversized baby-blue sweater. I was going for understated and comfortable. I have no idea where hockey players hang out, so I decided to play it safe with my outfit.

She grabs my hand and squeezes, a wide smile across her face. “I’m kidding.” She chuckles. “You look amazing, as always.”

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