It’s things like that that make me question my decision to move out here to try acting. A few years in Los Angeles and I still have no friends, and no savings to show for it. After leaving my parents behind in Boulder to pursue acting, all I’ve gotten so far are a few commercials, and more recently two roles in indie films. While it was incredible to be in those movies, they paid next to nothing. Luckily the commercials compensate well, and whenever the rent has been too steep, my parents have helped me out. I’m desperate to make this work out though. I’ve wanted to act for as long as I can remember, and I know that I’m an incredible actress.I just need my big break.
As far as breaks go, this would be astronomical. Landing this role would catapult me into a level of success that I could only ever dream of until this phone call.
I search my small bedroom for a scrunchie, tossing aside various old scripts from auditions until I finally find one hiding under a stack of papers. With a determined tug, I pull my long copper waves into a high bun and grab my laptop.
Opening up Anita’s email with the details, I begin to meticulously memorize the lines. I scrawl notes on a notepad as well, trying to delve into some character ideas I have for Moonbeam.
Even if my agent seems skeptical, I refuse to let this opportunity slide. I will be beyond prepared for this read. My lines will be perfect, and my character choices are going to be stellar. The one thing I can’t control is my chemistry with the other lead.
Sending up a silent prayer to the acting gods, I hope that Roman gives me everything I need for a successful chemistry read. Because if there’s one thing I know, it’s that you can’t fake that.
Chapter Three
ROMAN
“You’re dragging ass today,” I tease as I smack my older brother on the shoulder. “Is this what happens when you’re north of thirty?”
“That’s because I got here and started running half an hour before you, shithead,” James huffs as he turns down the speed on the treadmill. He’s right, but it’s fun to give him a little hell. “And you can report back to me in two years…”
“First one to hit the one-mile mark buys the other a drink later?” I offer. James doesn’t drink, but he’ll humor me. “I’ll even buy you a fruity little mocktail with one of those drink umbrellas if you win.”
James looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “Between all the training you’ve been doing and the fact that you stopped smoking, you’re going to wipe the floor with me. As if I’m taking those odds.”
It’s true; I’m in the best shape of my life for this role. One benefit and drawback of playing a superhero means I basically live part time at the gym.
“In that case, how about you just agree to buy me a beer later?” I smile before cranking up the speed on my treadmill.Starting off with some sprints and cardio work has been one of my favorite parts of training for this new role. If I’m alone, it means I get to zone out and run to music, but if I’ve got someone joining me for a session, it’s a good chance to catch up.
My siblings join me from time to time – I know James is busy with his own filming schedule right now and all the work he’s doing with trying to get a bigger role at Starlight Studios, but he’s squeezing in a workout today.
“If you’re lonely, just say so, Roman,” James teases as he continues to slow his pace to a walk. “Heard about the recasting shit today. I’m sorry, man.”
I grimace as the burning starts in my lungs and legs. “Not much I can do about it,” I push out between breaths.
“Better now than a few weeks out from filming.” James takes a swig from his water bottle. He’s not wrong. At least this happened at the beginning of the casting process. I know Arnold and the studio want to get the leads cast first and then everyone else. Once that happens, it’ll be a few months before we begin actually filming. “It’s still annoying though,” James adds.
“That’s showbiz, baby,” I grimace. “You off to England for filming soon?”
James nods, catching his breath.
“How are things going with Kat?”
James is currently duking it out with Deacon trying to avoid signing a PR relationship contract himself. Turns out his co-star is a real piece of work, and not only that, but he’s fallen for someone else and doesn’t want the contract to get in the way of that. Which, fair enough. I hope he gets a chance to give things a go with this girl he’s interested in – he’s down bad.
“I’m working on figuring something out,” he says. Effectively closing the conversation. “Quityapping and get back to work,” he adds, knocking up my speed a few points. I curse and work my legs faster. No pain, no gain.
After heading to the gym and getting in a good workout, my muscles are screaming and exhausted, but my brain is racing. Refusing to let go of the names Bill mentioned for the chemistry read. While normally I like to go into these things relatively unbiased, my curiosity gets the better of me.
Sitting back at the marble kitchen island in my penthouse, I search the nameVivian Treadwayon my phone. I can’t be sure whether I’ve heard her name before, but when I flip through various articles and her IMDb page, I’m satisfied that she could bring some public interest to the movie.
It looks like she’s famous for some show that ran on a cable network for the last two years. She’s been photographed on various red carpets, and no mug shots have come up yet, so I’ll take that as a win. It also doesn’t hurt that she’s a blonde who’s incredibly easy on the eyes. Shouldn’t be hard to have chemistry with someone who looks like that.
I continue to flip through articles as I eat my prepackaged, protein-heavy dinner straight from the plastic container it arrived in. Chewing mindlessly and swallowing without tasting, I type out the other name into my phone.
Clover Daly.
Instantly, Google spits back a “Did you mean Chloe Day?” which is never a great sign. I hit “ignore” and push past to see whatever results are waiting. Immediately I recognize a photo that pops up; it’s a still shot taken from a commercial that I and millions of other Angelenos are familiar with.
A stupid, fucking eczema cream commercial. I immediately remember it because it was notably annoying.The kind of ad that makes you roll your eyes. The kind that makes thirty seconds feel like an hour. That makes you regret having cable TV, or any program that doesn’t allow you to skip ads.
