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He certainly had the bulk for it, but acting wasn’t just about pulling a convincing face every now and again, and the film industry wasn’t as glamorous as outsiders believed. One look at Tanner and I could tell he wouldn’t put up with half the crap I had to deal with on a daily basis to get where I wanted to be.

“I don’t think your bullshit tolerance is high enough for the film industry,” I said.

Tanner chuckled. “Man, you got me pegged in one hit.”

“What can I say? I’m observant.”

He chuckled again before focusing on his work. I was somewhat jealous as I watched him. I was never given a choice when it came to acting. I’d grown to love it over the years, but I had to wonder if I would have ended up in the industry if I’d had a normal childhood.

When the bell for the next class rang, I waited for most of the students to head out before I followed. Tanner waited with me and grinned when I hesitated by the door.

“Scared of the school corridor?” he asked.

“Terrified,” I replied, making him laugh. For some reason, I already trusted him. He seemed easygoing and laid-back. Not all strung up and starstruck like most people I came across. They were always too scared to call me out on my crap and felt the need to placate me constantly. I liked that this guy didn’t seem to give a shit about who I was.

“You probably should be,” he agreed.

“Well, it was bad enough before this class, but now, you’ve told me the girls here are all crazy.”

He laughed and shrugged. “Maybe I like a little crazy.”

I shook my head at Tanner as my favorite tour guide appeared in the doorway.

“Liam, there you are,” Angus said, admonishing me like I was a dog that had gotten lost. “We both have a free period now, so I can show you where your locker is and give you a tour around the grounds. Then, after that, I believe you have drama class.”

This guy was worse than my mom, but he had also been my savior earlier, so I didn’t know whether to love him or loathe him. For now, I’d have to settle on tolerating him.

“Wish me luck,” I said to Tanner in farewell.

“Good luck,” he said. “You’re going to need it.”

5

Teagan

Iwas a bundle of nerves as I made my way toward the drama room. I’d been consumed with thoughts of Liam’s involvement in our play ever since he’d been announced in this morning’s assembly. And the more I thought about it the more I came to despise the idea.

I mean, I understood that he was a professional actor and could handle the part of Beast. But, I couldn’t displace the feeling that some injustice had occurred. He’d stolen the part from Evan and his presence in the play would draw attention away from everyone else.

I also had to wonder how seriously he would take our school play. The guy was only here until the end of the semester; surely, he’d prefer to take classes that didn’t require the intense commitment of drama.

“Miss Appleby, I think you’ve made a mistake,” I said, as I entered the drama room. I’d ducked out of math early so I could talk with her before class started. Thankfully, she was alone.

“A mistake?” she said, peering up at me from where she sat on the edge of the stage. She had a pile of scripts beside her, and she was busy writing each of our names across the top of them. The stage in the drama room wasn’t as big as the one in the school auditorium, but we’d move in there for rehearsals once we started blocking out each scene.

“Yes, with the casting for our play.” I folded my arms over my chest as I stared her down. I didn’t get heated over much, but when it came to our drama productions, I couldn’t let something like this slide. Especially not with the promise of a talent scout attending the performance.

“You’re not happy with Belle?” She frowned at me with confusion swirling in her grey eyes. She was one of the quirkier teachers in our school, but probably the teacher I got along with the best. Her years working with real actors gave her so many brilliant insights into the art and the industry, and I loved how she managed to bring the best out of me in every performance. I couldn’t help but feel like she’d made a terrible mistake for once though.

“It’s not about me,” I said. “It’s about Beast. Evan was amazing in his audition and he deserved the role.”

“Oh.” The small dent in her forehead grew more pronounced as she stared at me. “Did you miss the assembly this morning?”

“I didn’t miss the assembly, and I know who you’ve cast. I don’t think Liam Black is right for the part.”

Miss Appleby slowly shook her head. “I have to admit I’m surprised, Teagan. I would have thought you’d be thrilled to work with an actor who has so many years of experience.”

I hated the disappointment in her eyes, but I knew I couldn’t back down so easily. “Under normal circumstances I would love the opportunity. But, this play is important, and I’m worried he won’t take it seriously,” I admitted. “You know his reputation. What if he doesn’t show up to rehearsals? Or refuses to learn his lines? What if he decides being in high school isn’t all its cracked up to be and he leaves before opening night?”