Page 73 of To the Moon and Back

“I was every bit as surprised as you were,” she said.

“I read about your casting at The McAllister after you left theaudition. I love the story.”

“Oh.” She grinned. “Me, too. One of those things you never couldhave predicted in life.”

“Right?” Rick sat back in his chair and opened his laptop. “So,let’s talk about the character of Astrid.” They spent the next thirty minutesdiscussing the script and his personal vision for her character’s short arc.They had a decent give-and-take, and by the end of the session, she’d decidedshe really liked Rick. He knew what he was doing, even if she had no clue aboutwhat she was.

“Can I ask a question?” Lauren had to know.

“Shoot.”

“What made you cast me? Cinderella story aside. I’m an unknown.You had big names you could choose from, I’m sure.”

He scratched above his lip as he considered the answer. “Wedefinitely did, and it was a tough call. I’ll be honest. Lots of back-and-forthwith the studio. In the end, I think there were two things that factored in.”

“Okay.” Lauren listened patiently.

“Your audition made it clear that you typed perfectly for therole. Physically, you’re exactly what I pictured, and you brought the rightenergy. Next, the fact that you’re a little green only helped. The character isa fish out of water on that witness stand. It all read so authentic. Now, wejust have to bottle that.”

She nodded. “Makes sense. Thank you for explaining.” She shrugged,feeling every bit the fish out of water even right now. “And thank you forhaving me. All the things a person should say when leaving a meeting likethis.” She laughed.

He did, too. “See? You’re perfect.”

So that had been it. She ruminated on the whole thing as sheheaded back to her car. The temperatures were dropping as a cold front movedthrough LA. Carly had been too comfortable at the audition, too at home in herown skin. Lauren knew Carly had a dozen offers out there waiting for her. Shejust had to find them. In fact, maybe it was time she stepped up and playedcheerleader for Carly, because nothing hurt more than seeing a vivacious,fun-loving, and kind woman behaving like a shell of herself.

* * *

Carly blinked at the chip commercial on her TV screen, featuringtwo rival surfers. What in hell? Even surfers could land acting jobs, itseemed. That meant literally everyone but her. She’d spent her afternoon deepinto daytime television, alternating with a few viewings of her TMZ video withthe pap at the airport. She enjoyed the diversity of her viewing habits.Outside, the wind whipped, and the full-on cold had finally arrived inCalifornia a few days earlier, reminding her a little bit more of Minneapolis,a time in her life she desperately missed. She thought back on it now, and thesense of pride she’d had in her work. It felt like she might never have thatagain.

Two hours later, she picked up her phone on a whim.What about a guest spot on that $10kPyramid show?she texted Alika.Thinkthey’ll have me?

The reply came in fairly quickly.Are you serious? Because it’s not an awful idea.

Carly stared blankly at the screen.

That one hurt. It would be an admission of defeat to pander forany available screen time, but if Alika thought it was a viable plan, thenthings were now past the point that Carly ever imagined they’d be. She’d gonefrom headlining blockbuster films to striking out on even small roles. Shewasn’t ready for celebrity-on-a-game-show status just yet. If ever.

No, thanks.Was actually a joke.

Alika sent back a heart emoji. Carly tossed the phone next to heron the couch, feeling worse for the conversation.

She heard a garage door open, signaling Lauren’s return from daythree on the Hennessy shoot. Apparently, she’d been having a fantasticexperience on set and had even received an offer for that guest spot gig onthat TV show,TheSubdivision, which had been killing it in the ratings lately. Carlyknew because she readVarietyreligiously on her iPad these days with all the spare time she had. Lauren cameto LA three weeks ago and had already booked two major jobs with interestmounting in more. Her agent called with new auditions daily. This wasn’t afluke. Lauren had a full-fledged career waiting for her if she wanted it. Carlywas beginning to wonder if she did. Her excitement had waned noticeably, whichCarly took some responsibility for.

Carly sighed and headed into the kitchen to say hello, and forceherself to smile. All the while, she braced for the way the daily update wouldmake her feel.

Lauren beamed as she entered. “Hey, gorgeous person. How was yourday?” Lauren stripped off her blue peacoat. Her cheeks were pink from theweather. She seemed like someone who’d come home fulfilled, and accomplished.“Nippy out there. Who knew California could nip so effectively?”

Carly shrugged. “Day was fine. I did amazingly well atWheel of Fortune, and Ichecked the mail. It was a huge day for me, really.”

Lauren laughed and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I suck atWheel of Fortune. Iaspire to your heights.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t advise that.” She rolled her eyes. “Looks like youhad a fantastic day.”

“I did and I didn’t. I feel more comfortable on set now. I knowwhere all the food is and have gotten used to where to sit. I just wish I feltmore like myself.”

“You’ll get there.”

“Not sure about how I’m doing in the acting department, though.Everyone seems happy enough, but I wonder.”

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