Page 18 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

T he bubbly casting assistant calls my name and I jump up, not even bothering to hide my excitement. I’m ready to throw myself into a new project. I’m ready for my next big role.

She smiles awkwardly, her painted red lips thinning as we walk, but the second we turn the corner, she spins on her designer heel and grabs my wrist to still me.

“You’ll be meeting with the casting director, Lily, today, as well as the director, Steve.

” I nod politely though this isn’t new information to me.

“Have you worked with Steve before?” She pauses and…

Uh-oh . Why did her tone make my stomach sink?

“I haven’t .”

“I was afraid you’d say that. God, please don’t tell anyone I told you this, but I’m already a big fan of yours from the teasers alone, so…just be careful.”

What?!

“And don’t take his criticisms to heart.”

My chest fills with warmth and I bite back a smile. “Are you trying to tell me he’s an asshole?”

“I didn’t say anything of the sort.” She cringes and I can’t help but laugh.

Assholes I can handle. I’ve been around enough to learn a lesson or two on ignoring their judgement.

It’s the sweet, innocent ones that catch me off guard.

The ones that give you those sandwich compliments and criticisms. The ones that build you up only to tear you down seconds later.

We keep walking until we’ve rounded another corner and the assistant stops again, this time pointing to a door. “It’s just through here. Best of luck. I think you’d be perfect for the part.”

“Thank you.”

I stand tall, square my shoulders, and lift my perfectly glossed lips into a confident smile. Opening the door, I come face-to-face with Mr. and Mrs. Judgey, both with unimpressed scowls on their faces. Expressions I’m choosing to believe are left over from the previous audition.

Striding forward with poise, I hold out my hand for Steve and then Lily to shake, smiling when they do. “It’s lovely to meet you both,” I suck up. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

Lily’s the first to smile back and the warmth of it surprises me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hayley. I’m Lily and this is Steve. Who I’m sure you’ve heard of. As we’ve heard of you. You’re a hot topic around Hollywood at the moment.”

“Before the film has even been released.” Steve slouches back in his chair and crosses his ankles casually. “You better hope it’s good.”

“No hope needed.” I smile wider. “I know it’s good.”

“I love your confidence.” Lily leans forward and pats the script in front of her. “Are you ready to read?”

“I am, but…” I glance around the room until my eyes settle on the door. “I thought this was a chemistry reading, since you’ve already cast the part of Rhys.”

“Harry is running late. So lucky for you, I’ll be stepping in.

” Steve stands and a moment of uncertainty flashes across Lily’s face.

“I want to feel the passion,” he tells me as he moves around the table.

“I’m sure you’re aware that this is an emotional role.

It’s crucial that the audience connects with your vulnerability and fear. ”

“Of course.” I soften my smile as I nod. This is a little unconventional but… “I’m ready.”

“Good. We’re going to dive right into the scene where she loses her virginity.”

“Oh?” My eyes flash to the casting director as she averts her gaze. “I wasn’t prepared for that scene. Can I have a moment to read over it?”

“Don’t worry about the words; it’s about the emotion. I’ll talk, you respond.”

Jesus . “Okay. Perfect. Thank you.”

Steve steps closer and my heart races as a nervous energy runs through me. But rather than processing it, I use it. I embrace my feelings and pour everything I can into this moment.

“Are you sure you’ve done this before?” the director asks, and it takes me a second to realise he’s delivering his line.

“Yes,” I reply softly, the word leaving my mouth on a breath.

We run through a few lines and my confidence never wavers. I’d even go so far as to say I’m more confident now than I was when I walked in. I’m nailing these lines, despite not practising this scene.

“Wait,” the director calls out, in character, as I turn away. “I don’t care that you lied. But…”

He trails off and I turn back, my gaze full of uncertainty. “But what?”

“Do you know what you’ve done?” He stares at me intently while I swallow a lump in my throat, channeling my party trick as I bring tears to my eyes.

“I never meant to hurt him.”

“And cut.” The director breaks character and immediately walks back to his seat, crossing his arms as he sits.

“The tears were a nice touch but I wouldn’t fuck you. And I don’t believe Rhys would either. What did you think, Lil?”

“I thought it was raw and I could see the vuln—”

“You’re right.” He cuts her off. “Maybe I missed something. We have another audition booked straight after you, a more seasoned actress. It will take a bit of convincing, but why don’t you come by my hotel later and we can revisit the scene.”

What? My chest tightens as my eyes flash to Lily’s. “Will Harry be there for that?”

“No.” He waves off my obvious concern. “He has a dinner meeting. It’ll just be the two of us.

But I can make this decision on my own. I can tell from Lily’s expression that she loves you, but I’m not so sure.

I don’t tend to buy into the hype, and I haven’t seen that star quality yet.

There was something but it wasn’t IT . If you know what I mean.

” He rubs his chin with his thumb and forefinger while bile rises in my throat.

“Some of that could be my fault. I threw a new scene at you and I could feel your hesitancy. Given the time, I’m sure you’d nail the part. ”

My insides squirm as I force a smile. “Thank you for the offer, Steve. But I’m going to pass. I gave it my all just now. I don’t think another audition would make a difference.”

The veneered smile drops from his face as he stands. “Excuse me?”

“Thank you for the opportunity. I hope you’ll consider me based on my audition, but if not, I appreciate your time.”

I nod to Lily even though it disgusts me that she allows this behaviour then turn to leave, only to be stopped in my tracks.

“You’re not the star you think you are, Miss Jackman.

You’ve had one role and it was based on a book.

A book . You’re about to be eaten alive and you don’t even know it.

You’re gorgeous, sure. You’ve got that going for you.

But you lack experience and it shows.” I turn to face him, a smile in place while my chest burns.

“I saw the emotion on your face, but your body was stiff and awkward. And you’ve got this Australian boldness that makes you think you’re invincible when you’re not. ” Australian what?

"I’m not—”

“In my opinion, you’ve got a long way to go before you’ve made it. You need this part. Don’t fuck it up.”

I nod while my stomach sinks. “I gave it my all.” I fake a confident stance. “Thank you again for your time.”

I keep the smile plastered on my face as I walk through the lobby and wave to the assistant. I keep smiling as I pass by the other women sitting in the waiting area, reaching the door. But before I can bring myself to leave, I pause. Dammit .

“I know we’re all meant to be in competition, but please be careful in there. He’s a sleaze and incredibly unprofessional. Don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing. If it doesn’t feel right, walk away.”

One of the girls gasps while the other glares my way, but no matter their responses, I’ve done my part. I tried.

And now I feel nauseous.

I’m angry as I walk down the street, but by the time I get in an Uber, I’m second-guessing the entire interaction. I’m second-guessing myself .

Jesus . Was I stiff or was he just saying that to make me feel bad? Was I too confident? He said he wouldn’t fuck me…and in that moment, I was supposed to be fuckable.

What if he’s right? What if… Oh, God.

What if I don’t get another part?

I force a smile as I walk up the steps to Reed’s door. I haven’t seen him since he got me home safely on Sunday night, but Amelia filled me in on his drinking session with Luke, and you bet your ass I’m going to tease him about it. I need the distraction.

I’ve seen tipsy Reed before, but passed-out-at-a-friend’s drunk? That’s new—and I wish I’d been there.

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall.

Taking a deep breath, I knock on the door, and as though waiting for my arrival, Reed calls out from somewhere inside. “One sec, Hayls.”

“How’d you know it was me?” I call back. “I’m earl—”

The door flies open and he hits me with an “are you kidding me” look, making me finally smile for real. Like he always does.

“What?” I ask as I giggle.

“How many people do you know that knock the way you do?” He raises an eyebrow and I stifle a snort.

“No one. But I do it so often I kind of forgot it wasn’t normal.”

“Nothing you do is normal, Hayls. It’s what we all love about you.

” He opens the door wide and gestures for me to walk in.

“Did you pick a movie?” he asks, fake annoyance in his tone.

I negotiated choosing the movie since he abandoned me Tuesday and he expects me to choose something bad, but I have the perfect idea and it all comes back to his drunken night.

“I did.” I nod.

“And…” He trails off, waiting for me to elaborate.

“ The Hangover ,” I suggest, keeping my tone even.

“With Bradley Cooper?”

“Yep.”

“Sure. I’m up for a comedy. The first one? Or a sequel?”

“The first one.” I suppress my smile as excitement wells in my chest for the first time since my audition this morning. This is going to be fun. How else can I allude to knowing about his night?

“Would you like a drink?” Reed asks, making it easy for me as I follow him into the kitchen.

“I’d love a whiskey.”

“A whiskey?” His frowns and I nod again.

“Please.”

Pausing for a beat, he eyes me curiously before walking toward the fridge, flashing me another glance as he opens the cabinet above.