Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“Thanks for your time.” It’s my go-to exit line, and it feels hollow on my lips.
Upon leaving the room, I’m disappointed to see John having a conversation with a random stranger. “I’m done. We can leave,” I mutter, not wanting him to see my expression. As I move down the hallway, I hear him say his goodbyes to his new friend and then jog to catch up to me.
“Hey.” He reaches for my arm to stop me. “That was amazing.”
“You heard my audition?”
“I listened near the door. Hope that’s okay?”
I nod and blow out a breath. “I wasn’t sure if you… Uh, thanks.” My face feels hot. “Though I can never really tell how I did.”
I follow him through the waiting room, down the stairs, and to the car.
“Well, if it were up to me, I’d give you the part.”
“Appreciate the vote of confidence.” I aim the key fob at my car. “But it’s doubtful I got it. Did you see the room full of talent?”
“Is that how it always is?” he asks as we get into the car.
I hitch a shoulder. “It’s true that Hollywood can feel like a small world with the same people vying for parts. There’s definitely tons of pressure and frustration. I tend to think worst-case scenario so I’m not disappointed too often.”
He doesn’t respond, only stares at me.
“What?”
“Damn, Micah.” He squeezes my thigh, sending a thread of warmth to my stomach. “It must be nerve-racking as hell. I would probably crack under the pressure.”
“Nah, you’d probably thrive, given your resilience and charisma.” I smirk. “You even sweet-talked that woman into letting you stand in the hallway.”
He chuckles. “Maybe she saw how important it was to me.”
Our eyes meet and hold. “Thanks again for being so supportive.”
As I pull away from the curb, he says, “I feel like I understand your motivation a bit more. Not that I didn’t before. It’s just that I can see the drive to try and try again. No experience would feel the same.”
“Maybe. Some people admit they’re dependent on the industry, obsessed with the energy of it. And while I don’t think that’s me, I’ve had this determination to succeed. To be able to make a living, be independent, but I don’t know if the call is as strong for me anymore.”
“It’s probably hard to get back up after being knocked down so many times. But you’re one of the strongest people I know. You take chances and shoot for the stars.”
I shake my head. “Oh, I don’t know about that. You built a successful bar in Aqua Vista. Look at the life you made by sticking to your guns.”
“Is it a life, though?” he counters. “I love what I do and being close to my family. But maybe I’m only existing.”
“I don’t want that for you, John. Nothing would mean more than to see you be happy on all fronts.” Guilt settles in my gut again. “How about some lunch before we hit the road? I’ll grab that envelope from the back seat and bring it inside. Maybe it’s time.”
John only nods as I head toward the restaurant. My heart is throbbing, but I know it’s the right thing to do.
21
JOHN
I swallow roughly as we pass by neighborhoods, some run-down, others thriving. That was not how I expected the conversation to go. I’d hoped he’d forgotten about the divorce papers. Last night, while lying in bed, I was wondering yet again if I could live here with him. I would sell the bar, and maybe we could put our money together to help us buy a little place somewhere. I could find bartending work at one of these many businesses and support Micah’s dreams.
It doesn’t feel exactly right, but maybe it could work.
Once he parks, we head inside a restaurant that reminds me of a 1950s diner. I smile as we order and pay for burger combos at the counter, then slide into a brightly colored booth to wait for our food. It’s a quirky little place that would fit in well in Aqua Vista. Even the server who brings our sodas is wearing an era-style waitress dress with a wide collar and name tag.
I wait as Micah takes his first sip. “Could you ever see me living in LA with you?”
“Honestly? No.” He frowns, and my stomach bottoms out. “No matter how much I would love to have you here with me, you wouldn’t be happy.”
“Just like you weren’t in Aqua Vista?”
“I suppose.” He glances in the distance. “I don’t think you’d enjoy living in a city. Aqua Vista and the bar, that suits you.”
I square my jaw, not only because he’s right, but because it solidifies for me that he’s content here and this is probably the end for us.
“How bad do you want to sell the house and disappear from small-town memories?” I laugh humorlessly.