Page 147

in the world for a long time. I lost

myself when I lost her.

ANNIE

I can’t imagine that pain. That grief.

But it’s not too late. You can still have

a life. That’s what she wants for you.

JAMES

The pain never goes away, Annie. I’ll never

be the same man I was. I don’t have anything

to offer someone new. I’m sorry.

I never had any closure...

Kate steps out from back room and walks up behind James.

Chapter 26

Mariah

With a heavy duffel bag and an even heavier heart, I leave the hair and makeup station one final time. Shouldering my bag, I descend the stairs and step out onto the sidewalk. After tossing my bag into my car, my eyes find their way along the blue fence toward the café, where the final scenes will be shot after our lunch break. Part of me wants to leave now so I don’t have to torment myself watching Ellie glow under those bright lights—responsibilities be damned.

“Hey, Mariah!” Mom’s voice calls out from the other side of the fence.

I look up, startled to see Mom and Dad both standing beside the security guard. Shit, I’d forgotten to ask Yueyi if they can take a look around. When they’re done shooting, I’ll see if I can catch her.

“Hey, you two,” I say, joining them on the other side of the fence. “They’re getting ready to film right now but we might be able to take a look after.”

“Sounds great!” Mom says.

“Does that mean we have time for lunch?” Dad pats his stomach.

I quirk a smile. “Yeah, we do.”

I walk with them along the sidewalk as Mom chats happily about all the changes to downtown, how it’s revitalized the area, how proud she is of where she lives now. I try to see it through her eyes, and I guess I can. It’s a little over-the-top, but it has brought the city centre back to life in a way I couldn’t have imagined.

We duck into a small mom-and-pop Greek restaurant and order our drinks and food right away, having been here severaltimes in the past when I was younger. It looks the exact same, and the nostalgic part of me is happy that there are at least a few things downtown that have remained the same.

After we order Mom gets up to use washroom, Dad picks up the local paper and sips his coffee, and I use the time to check my phone. My heart stutters and falls into my butt when I read my newest email from Richard at WayDownFx.

They... they want me.

They really want me!I read over the contract and nearly choke on my spit when I see my wage. It’s not much, but it’s US currency so it feels like more. Though, it’s LA; I have no idea what rent looks like—can’t be any worse than Vancouver pricing, though. Not that it matters. I’d consider living in my car again if it means a shot at my dream.

Mom sits back down at the table. “What are you smiling about?”

Dad lowers his paper, regarding me with curiosity.

I can’t even hide my smile. “I got a job offer for this really great company down in LA.”

“LA!” Mom’s eyebrows jump into her hairline.