Chapter 2 - Frightening News

Tiffany

I stand outside the tall office building.  The production company’s offices are here, and where the cast will have the first meeting to read through the script. 

My heart pounds against my chest, while my eyes scale the side of the building. 

Somewhere up there, I will read through the script with Trevor. 

Heat rushes across my cheeks. 

This is nothing more than a conversation with him.  I’ve done that many times before.  This is no different. 

Gulp. 

Why didn’t I ask more about the storyline and the script before I auditioned?  Then I wouldn’t be so blindsided by this. 

Jane wouldn’t tell me either.  No matter how many times I begged, she wouldn’t give me anything. 

I nibble on my lower lip and take a deep breath. 

I can do this.  I must do this, or I’ll lose everything. 

Beth and Cassandra have both offered to let me stay with them, but I don’t want to.  I have come to the city wanting to make it as an actor, and I’m not going to stop now.  I’m too close to having what the career I want.  It would be foolish to throw it all away now.

With the looming thought of being evicted from my apartment running through my mind, I gather the little pieces of my confidence and walk into the building, holding my head high.

My confidence and my feet come to a grinding halt outside the conference room where the reading is going to take place. 

My feet are stuck to the floor.  No matter how hard I try to move forward and walk into the room, nothing happens. 

I can do this. 

I swallow down the lump in my throat and force all my power into my feet.  As soon as I move my foot forward, Trevor’s hearty laugh sneaks through the door and stops me dead in my tracks. 

I know his distinct snort chuckle anywhere. 

My stomach flutters, realizing he is on the other side of the door, but I can’t let my emotions run away.  We only see each other as friends and nothing more.  He has even said it himself.  He wants nothing more than being professional friends.

My heart twists as his serious but playful words flash through my mind.  We are friends and co-workers. 

That is it.

I take a deep breath and gather the courage I need to go forward.  My professional mask slides on and I’m in character of myself, pretending Trevor doesn’t affect me. 

As another one of Trevor’s laughs fills the air, I open the door and walk into the conference room.  A middle-aged man jumps up and smiles.  “You must be Tiffany, the female lead.  I’m Will, the director.  It is so nice to work with you.  Come over here and have a seat.  Now that you are here, we can start whenever you are ready.”

I nod and head towards the only open chair at the long conference table.  A sea of eyes turns and watches me as I timidly take my seat.  A script sets on the table in front of me, almost taunting me. 

Trevor’s calm voice pulls my mind out of the chaos.  “It will be alright.  Together, we will make it through.”

Together. 

Deep down, I wish that one word would mean to him more than what he is saying. 

My heart twists, but I keep my professional mask on, not revealing my hidden feelings. 

I nod and look across the table into his brown eyes as I softly mumble, “Thanks.”

From the head of the table, Will claps his hands together.  “Okay.  Let’s get started.  Everyone, open your script and we will start from the very beginning.  However, I want to make sure my two leads are comfortable with the intimate parts of the script.”

My stomach sinks like a lead balloon. 

What? Did he say intimate?

Jane never told me about the main leads being a couple. 

My eye whips across the table to Trevor.  He raises his eyebrows and gives me his crooked smile.  The same smile I dream about almost every night. 

Amusement bounces around in his voice.  “It isn’t anything new.  You’ve had boyfriends before.”

Gulp. 

I have, but this is different.  Soooo, much different. 

Will clears his throat.  “Tiffany, is there a problem with having kissing scenes and a few bed scenes with Trevor?  I thought since you were friends and your chemistry was so perfect during the audition, it wouldn’t be anything difficult for you.”

Kissing.  Bed scenes. 

A part of me jumps for joy while another part screams for my future agony of being so close to Trevor but not being able to enjoy the moments like I would want to. 

I swallow the lump in my throat and turn my attention to the older man and slowly nod.  “I’m fine with it.  Don’t worry.”

Numbers suddenly flash through my head, reminding me of how close I am to being homeless and having no food to eat. 

I choke down my fear and keep my professional mask on. 

I glance across the table at Trevor.  Something swirls in his eyes, but it is soon gone before I can figure out what it is. 

Is he worried about this damaging our friendship?  Or is he repelled by the thought of us having to kiss? 

My heart aches at the thought.  Of course, he would be disgusted by the thought.  He is a walking god.  He could have anyone he wants.  All he has to do is flick his finger or give someone his playful grin.  In a matter of seconds, he would have countless women throwing themselves at him. 

Why would he ever pick me? 

He looks exceptionally handsome today.  His short black bangs are combed up and over, showing off his forehead, while the top several buttons on his shirt are undone, exposing his muscular chest. 

Pleasure courses through my veins and settles in between my legs. 

I blink and tear my eyes away from him, while I mentally scold myself. 

This drama is going to be like sweet torture for me.  Somehow, I need to find a way to hold everything in until I get home at night.  Then I can release my pent-up emotions. 

Will announces, “Okay, Tiffany, you start with the opening scene.”

I turn my focus back to the script and quickly open it to the first page, hiding my trembling hands before anyone can notice. 

I can do this. 

There is no turning back now. 

Do it for the money and the coverage. Only good things will come from this drama.