Page 4 of The Casting Couch

I raised an eyebrow.“And here I thought I’d been doing two and a half years in beige chic.”

She laughed.Full-on teeth and everything.“I appreciate sarcasm.It usually means someone still has a working sense of self.”

“Good to know my ego survived this hellhole.”

She flipped a page, her gaze flicking between notes.“Let’s get through the basics first.You’re being released on parole, no priors, nonviolent charge, early release for cooperation and good behavior.”

I nodded.“Yeah.”

“You’re required to meet with me once a week at the downtown parole office,” she continued.“First appointment is already on the books.You’ll check in, get evaluated, and…”

“Pee in a cup?”

“Exactly,” she said, smiling again.“Drug testing every visit.We also reserve the right to surprise test you wherever you’re living.”

“About that,” I said, shifting in my seat.“Still figuring it out.”

Her smile softened.“I figured.But I need that information ASAP.I have to know where to find you, Bradley.That’s not optional.”

“Understood.”I hesitated.“Just there’s not a bunch of people lining up to take me in right now.”

Brooke’s eyes lingered on me a moment too long.“I can imagine.But you’re resourceful.You’ll figure it out.”

I wasn’t sure if it was the way she said it, or the way her eyes flicked down to my mouth and back up again, but there was a definite shift in the air.

“You’ll also need to complete your PSA assignment,” she added, pulling out a form.“Bradley, you’ve agreed to make a video for the New York Department of Corrections.You know, the scare kids straight stuff.You’re the cautionary tale.”

“Right.The ‘don’t be like me’ speech.”I leaned back.“I’ll try not to traumatize the kids too much.”

She grinned.“A little trauma keeps them off drugs.”

I laughed.She did too, then she caught herself and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.That blush was back, and deeper this time.

“You… really are different from what I expected,” she breathed.Then she reached out and laid her hand on mine.

It was light, just fingertips at first.But it stayed there.

“I think you’ve got a lot of potential, Bradley.”Her voice dropped.“Like, a lot.I hope you see that, too.”

I blinked.Her hand was still there.Her thumb brushed my knuckles.That wasn’t standard parole procedure, I think.

I swallowed, just a little surprised at the warmth creeping into my face.

“Well,” I said, smirking.“You’re definitely the nicest person who’s touched me this morning.”

Her blush exploded across her face.She yanked her hand back and laughed, mortified.“God, I’m sorry.I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s okay,” I blurted.“You’re good.”

She bit her lip, then smiled again.Smaller this time, but somehow more real.“Just trying to make sure you land on your feet.”

“Well,” I said, standing as the door creaked open and the guards returned, “I’m better at landing on my back, but I’ll see what I can do.”

She choked on a laugh as I slung my duffel over my shoulder.One of the guards gave me a look like he didn’t get the joke, which made it better.

As they led me out, I glanced over my shoulder.

Brooke was still watching me.Still smiling.And still red in the face.

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