Page 57 of Out of the Gold

He answers on the second ring, albeit a bit groggy. “Hey, Chase. How’s my Doctor Manipul8?”

I force a smile. “Doing well. Um, better than most of the people on the set out here. Some nasty bug is going around and Noble caught it. We’re on a short break until everyone recovers. Luckily, I’m one of the few healthy ones.”

“Hope you left all the sickies and are gallivanting somewhere like Lake Como with George.”

George and Amal Clooney, and their twins, are a great family. Melody would love them. I could schedule something with them. She pokes my ribs, bringing me back to the reason for my call. “Actually, I did get out of Amalfi, but only by about a half-hour.”

“That’s good anyway. So, what can I do for you?”

It’s now or never. He’s going to laugh at me and tell me I’m crazy. But at least I tried. I look at Melody, who plays with the end of the blanket, trying to give me space.

“Chase?”

“I’m here.” I clear my throat. “Well, the reason for my call is because I heard about a role I’m interested in.”

“Oh? Cool. Which one? I’ll place a call.”

“ForHamlet 2.0.”

Silence.

Silence.

Silence.

“Uhm, you do know that’s a straight acting role, right? No CGI. No laugh track.” He pauses. “OnBroadway.” He utters the last like a curse.

At least he didn’t laugh in my face. “Yeah.”

“And the role you’re interested in is . . . ?”

Here goes. “The villain. Claude.”

“Geez, really?”

I shrug my naked shoulder. Because he can’t see me, I reply, “I’ve always loved that play.”

Silence.

Silence.

Silence.

“Well, let me see what’s going on for it.” I wait while he checks the schedule. “Looks like they’re almost done with auditions. Last day is tomorrow. Listen, if you want to do some Shakespeare, let me put feelers out. I did hear about a new movie based onThe Tempest. It’s a light-hearted look at it, likePretty Womanwas. You’d be great in that.”

“No.”

“C’mon, Chase.Hamlet, really? And on Broadway? Seriously? Leave that for the real hard-nosed actors. Keep in your lane.”

His words spur me on. I won’t have a regret if the producers refuse to let me audition. If, however, Sam prevents me from even trying, well . . . In a much firmer voice, I state, “I said I want to audition forHamlet 2.0. Can you please call the producers and see if they’ll fit me in via Zoom or something?”

Melody’s hand lands on my bicep.

In a strained voice, Sam replies, “Fine. Give me ten and I’ll call you back.” He disconnects the line without another word.

I took my first step toward changing my career. AndHamlethas always been my favorite play. My drama teacher told me I was the best Prince of Denmark he’d ever seen. So what if the first director I ever auditioned for took one look at me and hooked me up with Sam. I connected with that play. And I want the role.

“Thank you. For giving me the courage to make that call.”

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