“Who got the role, Greg?”

“Lily Rae.”

“TheLily Rae?” I snorted.

Lily Rae was an upcoming actress, just like myself. She was more of an Instagram influencer than an actress. But with luck and a hefty amount of connections on her side, she had featured in several low-budget movies. That didn’t stop her acting from sucking.

“She didn’t even audition, Greg. How come she got the part, and I didn’t?” My eyes darted across the gym, dodging any possible clients walking my way.

“One of the strange Hollywood underhand games, I guess,” he tried to console me.

I had rehearsed that part more than anything else in my humble career so far. I prepared for it like my life depended on it. My delivery had been top-notch, except for the stuttering bit when Damon had shot me that cursed gaze.

“I bet Damon has a hand in this," I concluded.

“I don’t know about that, but like I said, I got us this new gig—" Greg continued.

“Oh, come on, Greg. I worked so hard for this. Do you think he recognized me? Or was it because she graduated top of her class?”

“Ava!” He scoffed.

I ran my hands through my hair, pacing nervously around the treadmill. “What else could it be? Why can't I land anything even when I have the skills for it?”

“Even if I’m not certain of anything else, Ava. I’m certain she didn’t get the role because of her academic certificates.” Greg attempted to comfort me.

My eyes caught a glimpse of someone walking in the gym, the sun's rays covering her face. I gasped. There was no way that was her.

“Greg?”

“Yes?”

“Guess who just turned up at the gym?” I whispered, backing away from my spot.

“Damon?” He replied.

“Really? That’s your guess?”

“Lily Rae?”

“In the flesh. I'd never seen her here before."

“Not until yesterday,” the redhead next to me said. “She got invited by the owner yesterday.”

“I’ll have to drop by and say hello to our new TrueFit ambassador,” I informed Greg, with a smirk forming on my face.

“Ava, please don’t do anything stupid.”

“Come on, Greg. You know me better than that.”

I hung up, slicked back my hair, and pretended to adjust the settings on a treadmill while Lily walked in my direction.

Her long brown hair sat flawlessly on her shoulders. Her green eyes were warm but not piercing.

“Did you design these yourself?” I asked as soon as she got close.

“No, you think I could?” She looked at me, startled.

I was referring to her sportswear. It was a simple sports bra over a pair of trending leggings.