Page 116 of Out of the Gold

I, together with everyone in the cast and crew, jump to our feet and clap. I have only one job left, and that’s cutting Charles out of the costume. Bursting with excitement, I hug both my soon-to-be former boss, then my best friend, and everyone in the cast. Finally, I make my way to the trailer.

“Mel, wait up!”

I spin in the direction of Sophia’s voice, and she rushes toward me. Her flushed face indicates she has big news. Before she reaches me, I ask, “What’s up?”

“Noble pulled me aside and he complimented me, again, on my camera skills. Then he asked me. No, not really asked, more liketoldme I was going to be working with him on his next movies! He’s giving me a promotion to camera operator!”

“Oh, honey, I’m so proud of you!” We jump up and down in each other’s arms.

When we part, she looks down to the ground. “And Mark gave me a hug, too.”

“Mark? What about Thomas?”

Her cheeks tinge pink. “Mark’s kinda hot, you know.”

I laugh at her admission. “I’m so excited for you! You deserve this promotion and working with Noble will do wonders for you professionally.” I bite my bottom lip. “I only wish I could be working with you, but I took Judith’s job on the TV show.”

“You got it?”

I nod and she engulfs me for another hug. When we break apart this time, we both have tears in our eyes. “I’ll come visit you in New York.”

“You better.” I hug her again.

Charles interrupts our celebration. “Is this a private party, or can anyone join in?”

My best friend and I open our arms and he embraces us both.

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