free. I did.”
“Good. I’ve got something fun in mind.”
Sydney blew Dash a kiss as he left the room. Cassie returned almost immediately, followed by Regina and Jayla. They discussed the most important things they were looking for in Rachel to make sure everyone was on the same page. By then, it was time for Number One’s second audition.
Regina had One play the same scene from the other day. They wanted to see all three candidates read that scene again as a baseline. Then Regina moved on to a new scene, allowing Jayla to read with One. So far, One didn’t impress Sydney. The actress was one of the two she’d previously thought would make a good Rachel but already Sydney could tell One was all wrong.
Then Jayla brought Dash in. They’d decided to see the actresses without Dash in the room and then have him read with each. Regina believed chemistry was key so she made sure the camera continued rolling as Dash showed up. As before, he didn’t greet any of them because he was all Paul.
One looked a little confused but played along. They did the scene. Sydney steeled herself when the pair had to kiss but she didn’t see the sparks that should be present between them. Paul strolled out without a backward glance, his disinterest obvious.
One glanced around nervously. “Is he always like that?”
“Thank you, Number One. We’ll be in touch with your agent, either way,” Regina said brusquely.
One left, shaking her head.
Jayla escorted Number Two in.
This was the other woman Sydney had liked. Keely Kennedy. She nailed both scenes without Dash. Cassie caught Sydney’s eyes and gave her a brief nod of approval. Then Paul returned. It was obvious Keely knew exactly what Dash was doing and she responded to Paul as Rachel Sturgis. Sydney watched their scene unfold with interest. Even the kiss at the end didn’t leave her uncomfortable because it was between two characters. Paul broke the kiss and gazed at Rachel longingly before he sauntered out.
“He’s scary good,” Keely said, amazement evident in her voice.
“Yes, he is, Number Two,” Regina said. She gave her the same spiel about contacting her agent.
The last actress in the callback had left Sydney cold. Rachel was a strong woman but she had to show great vulnerability. Sydney didn’t think Number Three looked the part and though she was a very good actress, Sydney didn’t think Three could pull off the fragility needed.
Sydney was wrong.
Three was by far the most beautiful of the women auditioning. She was very blond so she’d need to dye her hair or be fitted with a decent wig. Apart from her coloring being wrong, she definitely had the most talent. She sailed through the two scenes Regina required.
Then Dash entered. Three’s entire demeanor changed. As she and Dash enacted the scene, Cassie’s dialogue came to life. Palpable sparks were evident between the pair. Three showed a strong range of emotion. When the scene ended, Three dropped her head. She raised it almost immediately and turned to her acting partner.
“That was magic, Dash. I hope you know I’m your Rachel.”
Dash never broke character. He gave her a blank look and said, “Who the fuck is Dash?” before he left the room.
Three watched him go. Then she looked back at the panel with a confident air.
“Thanks for the callback. I wondered what Dash DeLauria was doing being cast in this production. Now, I know.”
Three’s name was Marlyn November. Sydney already hated her because she knew Marlyn would get the part.
“We’ll notify your agent, Number Three.”
“I’ll tell him to be expecting the call.” She gave them a sultry smile. “I look forward to working with you.”
Jayla led Three out the door and then asked, “Need me for anything else, Regina?”
The casting director reached over and shut off the camera. “Not now. Go do whatever Monty needs you to do.” Then Regina looked at Sydney and Cassie. “Personally, I don’t like her one bit but it’s definitely Three.”
Sydney kept quiet. She couldn’t be objective right now.
Cassie tapped her pen against the table. “I still liked Two. She’s raw. She would need a lot of direction but I think she has it in her.”
“With seasoning, she’ll be good but the part should go to Three.” Regina looked at Sydney. “What do you think?”
Sydney kept her voice neutral. “I prefer Two—but Three has that intangible that’s needed. If she looks good on film, you should go with her.”
“Then let’s review it.”
Regina zipped through One’s audition. “No sense