Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 145634 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 485(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145634 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 485(@300wpm)
I open the door to find the girl who came in with Hally, the one named Lydia in the paperwork Mark gave me. I give her a tight smile and keep the door open for her. Her eyes are wide and assessing, but she simply says a polite thank you and doesn’t ask questions. I can see she has them though. Everyone here does.
It’s only when I close the door behind me that I can breathe.
It’s only then I even realize what I told her. It’s only Saturday.
Monday’s too far away.
CHAPTER 12
Harlow
Margo Hawkins is striking. Her blunt bob is angled and severe; paired with her thick-rimmed chic glasses, she looks like a sexy librarian. Or maybe I just think that because of the notebook in her lap as she jots down notes during the interview.
I wring my fingers around one another nervously. My anxiety is getting the better of me, but I’m trying not to show it. It’s an interview that was really meant for Julie … and yet again, I’ve taken her spot.
“There are only four weeks to shoot the first season of Night Fire and with the sudden change of roles, you’re demanded to work nearly fourteen hours a day, is that true?” she asks me, peeking up past her glasses and then flashing a gorgeous smile.
“Yes,” I reply hesitantly. Time is blurring past me as I go through the motions. The only time I feel in control is when I’m on set. When I’m someone else.
“What’s it like working with your former flame?” she asks me, catching me off guard even though I knew this question would be coming.
My lips twitch into a small smile and I let out a small laugh, although it’s rehearsed and for good reason. “It’s wonderful seeing Nathan again,” I say easily as a blush creeps into my cheeks.
Margo cocks a brow at me and a few people whispering just outside of the green room where the interviews are conducted, catch my eyes.
“Is he the reason you got into acting?” she asks me, her pen poised and ready to take notes. “It seems like he played a major part in getting you this role.”
I blink away the sleep from my eyes. I couldn’t sleep last night because all I could think about was the past. It’s been years since the nightmares have haunted me. But they’ve come back with a vengeance.
“I knew he was acting, obviously, but I never watched any of his movies.” I stumble over my words and tuck a stray hair behind my ears. Scooting up in my seat I take a moment to clear my throat before answering, “I didn’t expect him to be here, to be honest.” I glance at the floor as I answer. It’s a clean and bright walkway; nothing can hide on a floor like this. “It’s not like I sought him out if that’s what you’re asking.”
“It’s not, but speaking of that, did you not ever reach out to him? This was all just a big surprise?”
She asks me as though it’s not a coincidence, and it makes my heart race and my hands go numb. I never wanted to see him again when the visions of that night disappeared. I didn’t want the reminder when I thought my life was normal once again. “I didn’t. We thought it was best …”
I swallow thickly and lick my lips, trying to pull myself together.
“I’m sorry dear, you must be exhausted from such a long day of work. And it looks like you didn’t get much sleep,” she adds with a bit of humor and a wink. I let out an uneasy laugh although I know what she’s implying. I don’t care though, I just want to get out of here and go hide.
“What was it like to go to school together?” Margo asks, maintaining her questioning about the relationship rather than the actual production, which is what Nancy assured me this would be about.
“I didn’t know that was known,” I answer as I tug my dress down a little farther and cross my ankles, but keep my knees touching. It was more for me than her, but before I can respond with any more she asks, “Oh, you don’t want it out there? Is there a reason?”
My body heats. It feels like a fucking inquisition. I simply shake my head no, keeping my lips pinned shut. There’s no way I’m giving this woman any more ammunition.
“Do you mind if I ask what was it like the last time you saw Nathan? Before filming?” She’s seemingly sweet and unassuming in her questioning, but there’s a vulture behind her eyes, waiting for the perfect time to swoop down and claim its kill. I can see it.
I bite the tip of my tongue for a moment before answering, “The last time I saw him was back in high school. I didn’t think I’d ever see him again.” I feign a sense of easiness, but the memory of him walking away steals the small smile from my lips. I can’t help that it hurts. The emotions are etched so deeply and entrenched in my memories; they refuse to be ignored.