Page 125 of Out of the Gold

“However—”

I pause mid-stride.

“We’ve decided to go with another, more seasoned Broadway actor for the part. We felt he would be able to bring experience to the role. I hope you understand.”

My entire body slumps. I wanted that part more than I even let myself believe. Knowing a response is expected, I force my voice to remain steady and reply, “Of course. Thanks for calling me to let me know.”

“I’ll keep you in mind for any future plays I’m involved with.”

“Thank you.” I disconnect the call and hold on to the back of a chair, staring out the window without seeing the boats or the waves.

Mark’s hand lands on my shoulder. “Everything all right?”

I swallow. “Yeah.” Like a second-string actor, I follow him back to our table.

The rest of my pizza remains untouched, but I order another glass of wine. Mark puts his fork down and circles the rim of his glass with his finger. “Care to tell me what that call was about?”

“I didn’t get a part.” Even though I still have wine in my glass, I motion for the server to bring me another.

“Sucks, dude.” He sips from his glass. “Was it the Hunte movie?”

My breath catches at the mention of Melody’s father’s gig. I shake my head. “No. It was a part I really wanted.”

“Well, if rumor means anything around here, your name is the one on everyone’s lips to play Braxton Hunte. And you know what happened to Rami Malek when he played Freddie Mercury.”

“Yeah.”

“Maybe your not getting this role was a sign that things are lining up for you with the Hunte movie. Hell, I’d love to be in that one myself. Just don’t see me playing a rock star.” He chuckles. “You, on the other hand, would be an excellent Braxton. I’ve seen videos of him when he was younger. With makeup and a wig, you’d be a dead ringer.”

I down my wine.

Seeing that he’s getting nowhere with me, he wisely changes the subject. Although the new topic isn’t better. “I don’t think, though, the Hunte movie will be filmed in any place as wonderful as Italy. Probably on a sound stage.”

“I guess.”

“Now, Italy, was amazing. Even though I caught whatever that bug was. God, that was awful.”

“Yeah, it delayed shooting for quite a few days.”

He chuckles. “Believe me, you didn’t want me on set when I was so sick. And I’m guessing all of us were in the same boat.”

I nod.

“By the way, did you hear Noble selected Sophia to be the camera operator on his next movies? He was impressed with how she uncovered what Helene had done to your costume.”

“Yes. She was very excited.” Pulling my head out of my ass for a second, I ask, “Anything going on between you two? Sophia seemed to be warming up to you near the end of filming.”

He fiddles with the napkin. “If only I had another week, you know?” I wave, my mind returning to my dismissal fromHamlet 2.0. His words don’t register as he continues, “I texted her a couple of times since we’ve been back to the States, but her replies have been lukewarm at best.”

Mark continues talking, but my mind’s back on losing out on the part.

His eyebrows bounce. When I don’t respond, he implores, “Did you hear what I said?” Rapidly blinking, I refocus on Mark, who’s wriggling in his seat. “Noble tapped me to play the villain in his next movies.”

His excitement penetrates through my disappointment. “Really? Congratulations.” I hold out my fist, which he bumps.

“Yeah.” His gray eyes shine. “That’s why I’m out here. Sorry I blurted it out right then, though.”

I shake my head. “No, don’t be. I am truly excited for you. Another villain?”

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