Page 151 of The Holiday Fakers
There’s a high-pitched ringing in my ears as chills race across my skin. This is incredible. And it also makes me want to crawl under a comforter and cry.
“What do you mean?” Brody asks, like he thinks it’s some kind of trick. “That’s for an A-lister.”
“I know, but fans are losing their shit—apologies, Erica—over Piper’s pictures, and now the showrunners wantyou.”
“But … the Emberking is in every book,” Brody continues, his words echoing my thoughts. “The studio’s already confirmed three seasons, so that’s three years of work.”
In New Zealand…
“I know! And you should see how much they’re gonna pay you. I’m losing my freaking mind right now!”
Brody turns to me. There’s a question in his eyes, but also excitement. I know how much he wanted the part of the warlock, but to be offered this instead? It’s more than he could ever have imagined.
“What do you?—”
“Take it, you have to.”
“But—”
“Opportunities like this come along maybe once in a lifetime. You’ve got to do it.”
“Wha—”
“We’ll make it work!” I say brightly, even though my heart is calcifying as I speak. “That’s what technology is here for. And I’ve got two vacation days I’m carrying over from this year into next.”
Two extra days to add to my measly ten-day annual allowance. It’ll take me twenty-five hours just to get from New York to New Zealand. I know this because I checked.
“We should talk about this,” Brody continues.
“We are.”
His gaze moves to Mom and Marv, then back to me. “Maybe we should go for a walk.”
“No need, honestly,” I say with as much positivity as I can muster. “You’ve got to say yes.”
Brody stands and takes my hand. “Come on.”
I begin to protest, but he gives me a look and leads me into the family room.
“Do not even think of turning this job down,” I say as he shuts the door behind us.
“Why not?”
“Because it’s like the best thing ever! It’s more than you could have dreamed of!”
“You’remore than I could have dreamed of.”
“And I’m not going anywhere. We can make this work. I promise. And anyway, I’ve got my own news about work.”
“Huh?”
“I’ve been offered a permanent position at Parker and Overton. I’ll be line managing and training two graduates, so I get my own team! Full autonomy in the role,anda twenty percent pay rise!”
“When did this happen?”
“Five minutes ago. Colin called me to let me know. I was on my way to tell you when Marv burst in.”
“Colin?”
