Page 29 of Just Ten Seconds

“Watch it, young lady,” Dean scolds and then looks at me in agreement of what Amanda just said. “I do suck.”

Jackie throws her arms up in the air. “Mara can help you!”

I can’t believe the words fly out of her mouth, but of course they do. Which is ridiculous because I haven’t been in a play in over a decade.

“Really?” Amanda bursts with excitement.

“Really?” I state, confused.

Dean, on the other hand, is just staring, his mouth parted lightly. I keep my eyes focused on Amanda and not on her dad and his smoldering stare.

I shift from one foot to the other. “I wouldn’t know where to start.”

“Oh my gosh, you have no idea just how much that would mean to me.” Amanda rises on her knees in a plea. “I’ve been practicing in my room, but it’s just to the mirror, and I stink. Like, really stink. My dad says I’m good. But he thinks everything I do is good.”

“Trust me. You’re okay to audition,” he confirms to her, which earns him a deadpan stare and then an eye in my direction.

“See?” She pouts. “I need an expert.”

“Being a failed actress who couldn’t get a decent-paying role is hardly an expert. I’m not a teacher, but I suppose I could run lines and maybe help you find your character,” I offer before realizing I’m giving up my services to a child without the consent of her parent. I chance a glance at Dean with his soft eyes and cheekbones raised just enough to show wonderment.

“Are you sure?” he asks. “It’s okay with me. How’s tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” My heart jumps in a panic.

“Please!” Amanda leans off her chair and holds her hands up in prayer.

I know it’s not a wise idea, spending more time with Dean. But Amanda is looking back at me with these eyes wide with excitement yet anxious as she begs.

God, she’s begging.

This is my weakness. I just can’t say no to a child.

I speak before I can come up with an excuse, “Okay.”

Amanda excitedly taps her feet on the floor as she gives a yelp. I quickly spin around and walk to the coffee bar, changing the filter on a pot even though it’s still too hot to be taken out.

Jackie saunters over with an empty tray and places it on the counter. “You’re welcome.”

“Are you insane?” I whisper-yell.

“Oh, come on, you needed a kick in the ass. There’s a handsome man who is looking at you like he wants to ask you out, and you’re sending the wrong signals.”

“I’m not sending signals,” I do that whisper-yelling thing, which is really not a whisper at all. “And for the record, we kinda already did go out last night. For coffee. As a thank-you for me helping Amanda. That’s all.”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait. Hold up. You went out with him last night?”

“It wasn’t a big deal.”

“He’s here again, so it kinda is.”

“He’s just here to get his bikes. Besides, he’s nice but not my type.” I turn and walk back toward the kitchen window where Manny is putting out plates.

She grabs her tray and follows me. Her round eyes widen as her face forms a confused pout. “Handsome. Good father. What does he do for a living?” She grabs a plate and puts it on her tray.

“Construction.” I take the raspberry blintzes and a stack of pancakes.

“Hmm.” She adds three more plates to her tray. “And how does he take his coffee?”