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“I also suck at singing, doing my taxes myself, and figuring outhow to get the thermostat in my apartment to do what I want it to.” Laurenstared at her. “Well, it seemed like you’re keeping a list, so I thought I’d contribute.”Lauren seemed to relax a little bit. A little self-deprecation went a long way,apparently. Carly met her gaze. “I also get nervous, you know.”

“Pshh,”Lauren said. “You absolutely do not. I’ve been watching you for a couple ofweeks now.”

“Do so. Why do you think I get caught up with parties and stayingout late and—”

“Outrageous riders? I heard you had it written into your last filmcontract that there had to be a fluffy white bearskin rug on the floor of yourtrailer in addition to a fresh tray of European cheeses, but that Brie wouldnot be tolerated.”

Carly grinned. “You googled me. Does that mean you like me? Can’tstop thinking about me?”

“Common problem,” the bartender said, interjecting with a wink.She smiled at him as he deposited their Diet Cokes, but didn’t encourage himfurther.

Lauren seemed focused on her drink. She looked so beautiful today.Dark blue jeans and green crocheted blouse that looked perfect for September.“I googled you to know what kind of human I was about to have on my hands.”

“You mean, in addition to liking me.” Carly bounced her eyebrowsplayfully.

“Yes, I happen to like you. There.”

“Also? That rider is completely exaggerated. That’s not at allwhat my rider looks like.”

“Huh. Well, who would have guessed the gossip magazines weren’ttruthful?” Carly nearly spat her Diet Coke across the bar. Lauren laughed.

This was progress. She had fun bantering with Lauren. They were sodifferent in their takes on the world. She never got bored with her. “By way ofcorrection, I asked for cheese cubes, chocolate covered pretzels, and a fluffyblanket because I get cold. No bears were harmed in the making. What do youtake me for? I love all adorable creatures. Don’t believe everything you readabout me, Lauren.”

“I no longer will.”

Their fries arrived hot out of the fryer, and Carly popped one,closing her eyes as it practically melted in her mouth. She moaned quietly andfelt Lauren’s gaze on her. When Carly turned, purposefully catching Lauren inthe act of checking her out, Lauren quickly feigned interest in the fry basket.“So, the partying you were talking about?”

“The recreation. Ah, yes.” Carly chewed her food and tried tofigure out how to explain. “It was a way to take my focus off the work. If Ithought about the film all day, whatever part I was trying to tackle, it consumedme and wound up undoing any and all progress. When I started goofing off, Ithought about work less and just did my job when I got there. It seemed to workuntil…”

“Until?”

Carly shrugged. “I got spoiled and greedy. You were right when youpointed that out. I didn’t take other people, or their goals, intoconsideration and just did what worked for me.” She shook her head. “And now,I’m trying to climb my way back out, and do better.”

“I’ve seen a difference.”

“Yeah?” Carly bumped Lauren’s shoulder with hers and took a pullfrom her soda.

“Yes,” Lauren said, meeting Carly’s gaze. “Your head is definitelyin the game a lot more than when you first showed up for that table read.”

Carly winced. “That was a pretty awful entrance. I get that nowthat I have a feel for the culture here. God.”

“You’ve rebounded.” Lauren shook her head and stared at the arrayof bottles that lined the shelf behind the bar. “I hope I do.”

“What has you out of sorts? You were fine yesterday.”

Lauren shook her head. “I’m Wendy and I’m going to bring the settumbling down all over again.”

Nope. Carly wasn’t letting that kind of defeatist talk fly. “Thatmentality will leave you on your ass.”

Lauren sat back in a huff. “It’s not like I can help it. You sawme this morning. I was a mess.”

“First day nerves. You just gotta get past ’em, and tell yourselfhow awesome you are. Say it. Right now.”

“I’m awesome,” Lauren said, in the most underwhelming voicepossible.

“No, you’re not. You’re lame. Say it again.”

“I’m incredibly awesome.”