Elijah: Lol, come on, we’re friends now. That’s pretty, Amy. Based on your reluctance, I expected something horrible like Gertrude.
Me: That’s my mother’s name.
I grin at the screen as the typing dots appear, disappear, then reappear.
Elijah: Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.
Me: Yes, you did, but that’s fine. My mother’s name is Susan.
A shocked-face GIF pops up, and I laugh out loud.
Elijah: I deserved that one.
Elijah: Okay, fine. Since you played along. I'm a special effects professional. Animation, mostly.
Me: So you do work in the industry.
Elijah: I never said I didn’t.
A pause.
Elijah: Tell me, Amy, my friend, what do you do in life?
I smile, channeling my mother’s tone.
Me: Well, I, too, work in the industry.
Elijah: Oh, I see. So you’re the wannabe actress. What happened? Did Jake reject you? Or did you not get a part in his movie?
I arch an eyebrow, surprised.
That’s a little intense for Mr."I don’t care about Jake Hollander."
Me: Look who’s being the judgmental asshole now. I’m an accountant for a major studio.
Elijah: Pinewood?
I curse myself.
Way to give your details to a complete stranger, Amy. Here’s another way to end up on an episode ofUnsolved Mysteries.
Elijah: Don’t worry. I’m thousands of miles away. I’m just glad to have a friend on the other side of the screen.
I stare at his message. Friend? Before I can overanalyze it, another message pops up.
Elijah: I’ll tell you a little more about myself if you want. I’m 26, from Indiana, moved to LA five years ago, fresh out of Purdue University. I started moderating to pay for my expenses, and it was pretty laid back. My first gig was for Will Winters, believe it or not.
I grimace.
Will Winters.
Another Hollywood heartthrob, older but a complete drug-and-alcohol-infused Casanova. Also Jake Hollander’s friend and former mentor.
Elijah: Your silence tells me you’re not a fan of him either.
Me: It doesn’t matter. At least this one is too old to be considered for the role of Anlon.
Elijah: He could play his dad?
