“I think you’re going to land that movie role,” I say instead.
“Really?” His eyes widen slightly as if I caught him off guard.
“Yeah, you’ll fit right in with the rest of Hollywood since you seem to be oozing confidence.”
His shoulders fall like a deflated balloon, and I wonder if I took my jesting too far. I’ve been known to do that a time or two…or a hundred.
Griffin is smooth—like creamy peanut butter or soft-serve ice cream. I’m the exact opposite: a blunt girlie.
That saying about honesty being the best policy? Yeah, that’s not always true. I like calling things as they are, but I’ve learned over time that not everyone feels the same about the truth. That’s why I love working with kids; they never fail to tell you how it is with the bluntness of a butter knife.
I’ve tried to work on myself over the years because I don’t want people to think I’m a horrible person. But sometimes, my mouth moves faster than my brain can process what I’m saying. At least my besties since sixth grade—Kelsey, Alyssa, and Shayna—know me well enough by now to call me out if I go too far. I’m thankful they’ve stuck by my side over the years. Not everyone has.
I think it’s the main reason I’ve never been in love. Some guys like what some might call ‘mean flirting’ in the beginning. But no boyfriend has ever stuck with me for the long haul. I’m holding out for someone who loves me, sass and all.
With the way that Griffin’s demeanor just changed, I’m wondering if he’s just another man that I’m too much for.
When his eyes meet mine, I hold my breath, waiting for him to say,This was fun, but I need to be…anywhere else but here. See ya never.
Surprisingly, his mouth tilts into a lopsided grin, although his eyes don’t have the same twinkle they held moments ago. “If only confidence were all it took to land a movie.”
I let out a long breath, finally feeling like I can exhale again. “Is there something holding you back? A reason you’re not landing roles?”
“You mean aside from the casting directors?” He runs a hand along his stubbled chin. “I think I’m scared to try. And by try, I meanreallytry.”
That wasn’t the answer I was expecting from the confident man in front of me.
“Why’s that?”
“If I put my all—my whole self—into getting a role in the audition process and end up not getting the role, I’m not sure how I’d recover.”
“I’ve never auditioned for anything in my life, not even a school talent show, so you can take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt. But I think if you’re walking into an audition with the mindset that you need to hold back, I’m sure the casting people can see that. I don’t know anything about the Hollywood industry, but I’m not sure many people are willing to risk the success of their movie on someone who only dips their toes in.”
He nods along with my statement. “That’s fair.”
“Maybe they’re looking for a star who’s willing to dive right in without hesitation. So, I guess the question you might want to consider is this: Would you rather risk it all and land your dream role, or hold yourself back and potentially regret that you didn’t show them what you can do?”
He blows out a low whistle. “Has anyone ever told you that you have a way of saying things they’re thinking but are too scared to admit out loud?”
“More times than I can count.” My laugh is dry, and I hope he can’t hear the hesitancy behind it.
“I hope this doesn’t come across too strong, but I’ve never met someone like you before.” Griffin clasps his hands on the table. “Everything about you is refreshing.”
I’ve hardly spent any time with this man, but I already feelseenby him. I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea with my blunt honesty, but he seems to like me more for it.
“Like the fact that you can put me in my place but seem to love the color pink.” He gestures to my sweater, and I smile.
“I like to think that I can be feminineandhave rough edges.”
Griffin nods. “I believe you can do anything you put your mind to or be anything you want to be, Mallory.”
His eyes are kind, but his tone is serious, as if he’s urging me to believe the words he’s saying.
“You should believe that same sentiment about yourself.”
He pulls his lips into his mouth and is quiet for a moment until he meets my eyes again. “You know what? You’re right. I’ll give it my best shot during my audition tomorrow. It’s not like I have anything to lose.”
I ball up my hand and extend it across the table. He knocks his fist against mine. “You can’t succeed if you don’t try.”
