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“And what do you think?” Auntie asked Tessa.
“This place is just as magical as I thought it would be!” she said. “Thank you so much for letting me stay here.”
“Don’t mention it, honey. I’m so glad you’re here.” Tessa watched as Athena turned to the side where she could look from her to the movie star who was rising from the table.
He seemed a little unsteady on his feet, but he regained his balance and was able to walk closer.
“Damon, this is the Little I was telling you about. The girls’ new friend. She’s here all the way from Pennsylvania.”
“That’s great,” the actor said. Extending his hand, he smiled. “Damon Drake. Lovely to meet you, Miss…”
“Tessa, Sir. Tessa Kincaid.”
“What brings you to Los Angeles, Miss Kincaid?”
His smile was big and his teeth a brilliant white. He was even more charismatic and charming in person than in the movies—even though he was slightly drunk.
“Just Tessa, please. And I came here to work in the movies, Sir!”
No sooner had the words left her lips than she realized how clichéd they probably sounded. How many times had he heard that story? Hopefully he wouldn’t think she was hitting him up for a job.
Quickly, she added, “Lana helped me find a job at the studio where she works.”
“That’s great,” he said. “Lana, you’re in the special effects department, right?”
“Sure am. My pride and joy,” Lana answered.
“Is that the department you’ll be in?” Damon asked Tessa.
“No, Sir. I’ll be an administrative assistant to a development executive.”
It was Iris who asked, “What’s a development executive?”
Tessa was eager to answer. “They scout books and other mediums looking for material to option. They’re sort of always hunting for the next big thing. It’s not glamorous or anything, but hey… I’ll be working in the movies!”
The other Littles cheered.
She still couldn’t get over how supportive the group was.
“That’s neat,” Damon said. “Do you want to do any acting or work strictly behind the scenes?”
“Oh, I’ve dreamed of acting. Who hasn’t at one time or another, right? But I’m not sure I’m cut out for it. I might want to be a producer. One day.” She smiled. “But I’m starting on the ground floor and I’m going to work hard. One day, I’ll reach my goal.”
When she chanced a peek at Damon, she saw something gleaming in his eyes.
Did he find her cute? Was he admiring her can-do spirit?
Whatever the case, he seemed quite smitten with her.
Or maybe it was just her imagination. She was in LaLa Land now, after all. The town of dreams. It could just be the spirit of the town rubbing off on her.
“Tessa met Iris and the other girls on a Littles’ forum online,” Auntie Athena explained. “They got to talking, made friends, and well… here she is.” The older woman wrapped an arm around Tessa’s shoulder. “And we’re so glad she made it.”
“Do you have a place yet or are you crashing at a hotel?” Damon asked.
“Auntie is kind enough to let me stay here while I get on my feet,” Tessa admitted bashfully.
“I’m glad to do it, honey. We’re going to have such a good time,” Athena said.
