How fed up he must be with his boyfriend's sensitive moods. Probablyas fed up with him as Lincoln had been, just not aware of it yet because it was all hidden underneath his infatuation.
He'll figure it out soon if I don't stop hanging on him. He'll get fed up with me. I'm such a loser. Why am I wasting my time thinking like this when I could be talking to him? Pathetic.
"Don't worry about it," said Cooper. "I'm awake, I'm alive, I got through the night."Wow, that sounded bitter and dark.
"I should be there with you. Buy a ticket and just show up."
"No. You have a life, and I need to hold it together without hanging on you. I'd better get used to it."
"Why? We have to figure out how to handle traveling, of course, but you shouldn't have to get used to being without me. That's not good. We'll figure it out, hon. Don't give up on me.I want to be there for you."
"Thanks."
"So, wake me up next time. You need to get through the nights, babe. You've had a lot of pressure on you. I don't want to see you break. If I can help, let me. Let someone. Don't give up. You'll be home soon."
It doesn't feel like it."Sure. You're right."
"Coop." Jimmy was starting to sound growly. "You're shutting me out. Stop it. You'regoing to get through this, and you're going to come home to me. If you need to call me, just do it. I promise I won't be upset even if it's inconvenient. I'm here for you, and I'm going to keep being here for you. Now, are you eating?"
"When I can, what I can. You know my stupid diet." Coop rolled his eyes even though Jimmy couldn't see.
"I'd like to have words with someone about yourstupid diet. But eat something, okay? And breathe. And hold on. You'll be home soon."
#
Sahil had to admitthe big blond muscular guy was a lot better in person. He had a certain something, an honest, down-to-earth charisma. That, or he was better because he was reading the right lines this time, instead of something stupid about an FBI agent asking for ID.
And Grant had been gung-hoover him, which was a sign in his favor. Grant seemed to have a good gut instinct for who the audience would connect with. Sahil glanced at his husband now. The hand on his arm was a signal to talk, and soon. But they were supposed to be listening to the casting director.
"Up next, we have a small-town actor whose main roles so far have been in community theater, but he got good reviews onhis one big theater production, and he's got a small role in an upcoming sci-fi blockbuster." She didn't sound like she held out much hope for this guy and was just going through the motions. But Sahil didn't want to take his cues from Laura. He needed to form his own opinion. He tried to concentrate as the new actor came out, clearing his throat, looking nervous.
The grip on his arm intensified,and then Grant actually interrupted. "Sahil, can I speak with you a moment?"
The casting director gave them a look that wasn't pleased. "We can step out if you'd like."
Giltner, the show's director, looked like he wasn't about to agree with that. He raised an eyebrow. It was clearly annoying enough for him to have to be involved in this recasting. He was still opposed to the entire thing.Well, it wasn't his call; he was lucky he was being consulted at all, Sahil thought.
"No, that's okay. We'll step out." Sahil rose quickly and hurried from the room, trying not to look as pissed off as he felt. This was rude, even for him.
He gave Grant a reproachful look as soon as they were alone in the hall. "What is it? What's so important it couldn't wait?"
"I'm trying to tellyou something important. That blond kid? He's a wolf."
"What?" For a second, Sahil was livid. "Why didn't he audition for Seth, then? What the fuck, Grant? We put out a major call! We'd remember if we'd gotten his audition tape before. What the fuck!"
"Calm down." Grant seized his shoulders and pulled him close. "He may not want anyone to know. I don't go around announcing aloud thatpeople are shifters. We don't know the circumstances. But to me, it's a big check mark in his favor. We'd be following up on our stated intention of hiring more wolf actors, especially if he's good in the role, even if he's not playing a wolf. So just consider that, and don't let her talk you into hiring someone else without at least thinking about it."
Sahil drew himself up with offendeddignity. "We aren't deciding anything today, and you know I'd consult you first, anyway."
"Okay. I'm sorry for interrupting. Let's go back and finish."
"If anyone else is a wolf, poke me in the thigh and I'll know."
Grant's smile was faint. "I promise to poke you quite hard."
They watched the rest of the auditions without interruption or incident, and while there were several good possibilitiesin the bunch, there was no clear winner.
They were able to talk with Laura and the director afterwards, without actors around. "Tell us more about James Holdst," Grant said, watching Laura's face intently. "You didn't have much to say about him."
