“I love your confidence.” Lily leans forward and pats the script in front of her. “Are you ready to read?”
“I am, but…” I glance around the room until my eyes settle on the door. “I thought this was a chemistry reading, since you’ve already cast the part of Rhys.”
“Harry is running late. So lucky for you, I’ll be stepping in.” Steve stands and a moment of uncertainty flashes across Lily’sface. “I want to feel the passion,” he tells me as he moves around the table. “I’m sure you’re aware that this is an emotional role. It’s crucial that the audience connects with your vulnerability and fear.”
“Of course.” I soften my smile as I nod. This is a little unconventional but… “I’m ready.”
“Good. We’re going to dive right into the scene where she loses her virginity.”
“Oh?” My eyes flash to the casting director as she averts her gaze. “I wasn’t prepared for that scene. Can I have a moment to read over it?”
“Don’t worry about the words; it’s about the emotion. I’ll talk, you respond.”
Jesus. “Okay. Perfect. Thank you.”
Steve steps closer and my heart races as a nervous energy runs through me. But rather than processing it, I use it. I embrace my feelings and pour everything I can into this moment.
“Are you sure you’ve done this before?” the director asks, and it takes me a second to realise he’s delivering his line.
“Yes,” I reply softly, the word leaving my mouth on a breath.
We run through a few lines and my confidence never wavers. I’d even go so far as to say I’m more confident now than I was when I walked in. I’m nailing these lines, despite not practising this scene.
“Wait,” the director calls out, in character, as I turn away. “I don’t care that you lied. But…”
He trails off and I turn back, my gaze full of uncertainty. “But what?”
“Do you know what you’ve done?” He stares at me intently while I swallow a lump in my throat, channeling my party trick as I bring tears to my eyes.
“I never meant to hurt him.”
“And cut.” The director breaks character and immediately walks back to his seat, crossing his arms as he sits.
“The tears were a nice touch but I wouldn’t fuck you. And I don’t believe Rhys would either. What did you think, Lil?”
“I thought it was raw and I could see the vuln—”
“You’re right.” He cuts her off. “Maybe I missed something. We have another audition booked straight after you, a more seasoned actress. It will take a bit of convincing, but why don’t you come by my hotel later and we can revisit the scene.”
What?My chest tightens as my eyes flash to Lily’s. “Will Harry be there for that?”
“No.” He waves off my obvious concern. “He has a dinner meeting. It’ll just be the two of us. But I can make this decision on my own. I can tell from Lily’s expression that she loves you, but I’m not so sure. I don’t tend to buy into the hype, and I haven’t seen that star quality yet. There was something but it wasn’tIT. If you know what I mean.” He rubs his chin with his thumb and forefinger while bile rises in my throat. “Some of that could be my fault. I threw a new scene at you and I could feel your hesitancy. Given the time, I’m sure you’d nail the part.”
My insides squirm as I force a smile. “Thank you for the offer, Steve. But I’m going to pass. I gave it my all just now. I don’t think another audition would make a difference.”
The veneered smile drops from his face as he stands. “Excuse me?”
“Thank you for the opportunity. I hope you’ll consider me based on my audition, but if not, I appreciate your time.”
I nod to Lily even though it disgusts me that she allows this behaviour then turn to leave, only to be stopped in my tracks.
“You’re not the star you think you are, Miss Jackman. You’ve hadonerole and it was based on a book.A book. You’re about to be eaten alive and you don’t even know it. You’re gorgeous, sure. You’ve got that going for you. But you lack experience and itshows.” I turn to face him, a smile in place while my chest burns. “I saw the emotion on your face, but your body was stiff and awkward. And you’ve got this Australian boldness that makes you think you’re invincible when you’re not.”Australian what?
"I’m not—”
“In my opinion, you’ve got a long way to go before you’ve made it. You need this part. Don’t fuck it up.”
I nod while my stomach sinks. “I gave it my all.” I fake a confident stance. “Thank you again for your time.”
