I lean my cheek toward her.
She claps her hand to my jaw in a near slap. “Wow.”
“Right?”
She tilts her head. “You know the odds of getting a commercial your first time out? More like after your one hundredth audition, if you’re lucky. You sure you want to put in that kind of time?”
I shrug. “I’ll go on one audition. If I don’t get it, no problem. I’m not quitting my day job. I just like the idea of having some money in the bank to buy a house. Maybe with a yard so I could finally have a dog.”
She softens. “That’s nice. Really nice.”
I execute a formal bow like my royal cousins do. “With your blessing.”
She hesitates.
I wait, my eyes intent on hers. I don’t want her to think I’m a user either. If I succeed or fail at this new gig, it’s all on me.
“Sure, it wouldn’t hurt to go on one audition,” she finally says.
“Great. Now how do I get on your show?”
She scowls. “Not funny.”
“Harp, I don’t need you for connections. I could just as easily have asked Josie for a part on the show.” Not that it ever occurred to me to try acting before.
She stiffens. “But you didn’t, did you? It wasn’t until you were on the red carpet with me that the press took notice. A top agent took notice too. Be honest, you’re starting to take it seriously as a career path.”
“And what’s wrong with that? You’re the only one who gets to be an actor in a relationship? That’s not what your boyfriend history says. Why would I be any different?”
Her eyes flash. “First of all, we’re not in a relationship.” She backs up a step. “Forget it. This time I’m listening to my gut.”
And then she turns and walks away.
Seriously, she walked away!
I thought we were getting along too. What’s her problem?
Harper
I’m being smart, I reassure myself as I walk to the European sculpture garden for dinner. Joe trails behind me. My emotions are all over the place with Garrett, and I’m probably extra sensitive to him getting into the industry because of what happened with Colton and John, but I just can’t go through that kind of hurt again. I promised myself I’d listen to my gut when it sends a warning signal, and it’s churning them out like crazy. God, it’s so easy for him too. He has no idea the grueling years of auditions I’ve been through. I got lucky at fifteen to get a teen TV show and then another. After that, there was a long drought before I was cast on Capital Asset. I almost gave up. But I couldn’t face going home in defeat, especially when that meant facing my grandmother.
I enter the courtyard, where round tables with white tablecloths are set with crystal glasses, china place settings, and a large floral centerpiece. Marble statues surround the edges of the room. There’s a small podium set up at the far end of the room, probably for a speech. Thank God it’s not me up there tonight.
Josie stands and waves me over to her table, where Sean is already sitting. It’s assigned seating, and I’m so glad to have a friendly face with me for dinner.
As soon as I reach her, she’s enthusiastic as always, hugging me like we’re long-lost friends. It’s so funny because I just saw her last night for our show’s taping.
“You’re next to me,” she says, taking her seat.
I sit next to her and glance at the name card on my other side in alarm. Garrett. I’m about to casually switch his name card farther away when the man himself takes his seat. My cheeks flush. Josie set this up.
Josie beams at Garrett. “I’m so glad you two made up!”
“She can’t resist me,” he replies.
As if we’re in a relationship! I think I was clear about that earlier when I walked away. Now how do I get through an entire dinner with him?
I stare at him, desperately trying to come up with a solution that puts more space between us. I don’t want to leave Josie. And this is his family, so he’s not going to want to leave. Could I get him to sit over by Sean?
He gives me a slow sexy smile that makes my heart thump harder. “Sweetheart.”
I jerk my gaze back to Josie, my mind blanking on a comeback from sweetheart. It’s like a warm hug wrapped around my heart. Her brows knit quizzically. I can’t explain when