“Yeah, I’ll get you home.” My heart jolts and I squeeze her hand back. “Always.”
She whispers, “Thank you,” but it’s so soft it’s possible I imagined it. Either way, I respond. “Anytime.”
There’s something about her that’s drawn me in, and now, I’m too invested to walk away.
CHAPTER FIVE
Hayley
Iwake seconds before my alarm early the next morning and I instantly regret not changing it. It’s my first day off in over a month. I should be taking advantage.
After switching off the incessant beeping, I roll over and pull the covers up, tucking the doona—or as Amelia so often points out, thecomforter—under my chin. I’ve been living here for well over a year now and I still struggle with some of the word differences, while others I’ve easily embraced. Like garbage instead of rubbish—unless I’m using the term rubbish as a replacement for cursing—and a parking lot instead of a car park. I’ve even embraced the term “mall.” But comforter over doona—nope. And a bathing suit over bathers—no way. Some things just can’t be changed.
I toss and turn for God knows how long until it’s apparent my mind and body are not in sync. And when I check the time, I groan. Six a.m.
What. The. Fudge.
I’ve slept later than this on filming days.
Don’t tell me this is my life now, with my body clock set to the ass crack of dawn. That’s not cool.
Reluctantly getting up, I make myself a coffee and sink into the comfy chair on my balcony. I may not live in the most amazing area, but this balcony is my sanctuary, and if I listen carefully, I can hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline, reminding me of home.
A place I’ve been neglecting lately—not that my parents have mentioned it.
They’re not the type to worry—or communicate, for that matter. They’re caring parents but they’ve never been the hands-on type. I think me being here is actually easier on them, as they don’t feel guilty if time passes and they haven’t called. In their mind, they know I love Australia but that I want to establish myself here before visiting home, so they’re doing me a favor by giving me space.
But what they don’t know is thatIcan sometimes be the worrying type, at least when it comes to my future, and I’m scared that if I leave, I won’t have the same luck I’ve had when I get back. Because make no mistake, my life is one snake-eye dice roll away from falling apart. I’ve been rolling sixes for the past few months, and I have a feeling my luck is about to run out.
And I’ve never been a big gambler.
When I’ve finished my coffee, I push my concerns aside and jump in the shower, standing under the water for way longer than I should, exactly like I always do when I’m hungover. But today, I’m surprisingly good.
My memory is a little patchy but I’m fresh. God, maybe it’s not alcohol that gives me a foggy head the next morning. Maybe it’s the fact that I usually continue to party in other ways until the early hours of the morning.
More often than not, after a party, I’d only just be going to sleep now. But thanks to my knight in shining armour, I washome at a reasonable time last night. Which reminds me. I should thank him.
Grabbing my phone, I shoot off a text to Amelia asking if she has Reed’s number and raid the fridge as I wait for a response, discovering I’m in desperate need of more food.
Being on set every day has its bonuses—namely with craft service providing my main meals. It sucks to think I now have to fend for myself until the next one.
The next one.
My stomach knots as I think about auditioning again. Auditioning here is a lot different from auditioning in Australia where the industry is a hell of a lot smaller and everyone knows everyone else's business. Over here, I could go for hundreds of auditions and never meet the same casting director twice. It’s exciting to think about the opportunities available for me, but equally nerve-racking to think I have to prove myself time and time again.
At least untilJaded Beginningsreleases. I’m told the first official teaser is almost ready for release and they’re planning to launch it next week. My life is about to change, and God, I’m hoping that’s a good thing.
No…screw that. Itisa good thing. I’m going to be a star. A household name. The next big thing. And I can’t freaking wait.
I’m halfway through a sandwich for breakfast when Amelia texts me back.
Amelia: Gotta love him. And yeah, I do. I’ll share it with you
She sends me Reed’s number, no questions asked—for now, though I have no doubt they’ll come later—and I don’t waste any time texting him.
Hayley: It’s Hayley. Your new bestie. Thanks for looking after me last night
The message turns to read almost immediately and a smile lights up my face.
