Page 50 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

“Cut.”

I pull away from Aiden—the actor playing Cynthia’s love interest in Reckless Desire —and hold his gaze before I smile.

That was intense. I’ve had chemistry readings before—hell, my chemistry session with my Jaded Beginnings co-star was one for the record books—and yet, I have no idea how this one went.

For the first time in a while, my confidence is shot.

Reed has spent the past week calming my nerves after the images from the beach hit the media. But while the headlines have been mostly positive, I haven’t allowed myself to hope. Not after so many failed auditions.

Jaded Beginnings was amazing for my career.

It was released over a month ago and it’s still making waves.

Yet, I can’t get another role. It’s not like I expected my agent's phone to be ringing off the hook, or for me to be getting roles without auditioning, but I didn’t expect the level of negativity I received because of the role. Or the personal attacks.

I’ve had directors politely, or not so politely, remind me it was one hit, suggesting I remain grounded. I’ve had fellow actresses whispering in the waiting room, thinking I can’t hear what they’re saying.

“Wait until she falls from grace.”

“I don’t see the appeal.”

“One movie and she thinks she’s a star.”

And while I know it’s just talk—or tall poppy syndrome at its finest—it still bloody hurts.

I wonder if they even know what tall poppy syndrome is.

Or even know that they’re doing it—cutting people down that they perceive to be achieving more than them, trying to make them feel smaller.

Why can’t we all build each other up? Support each other.

Congratulate each other on the wins, sympathise on the losses.

I’ve been a mess these past few weeks—travelling back and forth to LA hoping to increase my chances of securing a role, without any luck—but with me through it all was Reed, keeping me smiling, making sure I value my worth.

And now…it all comes down to this.

“Wow.” Aiden’s the first to speak and my eyes dart to his. “I’m torn between wanting to kiss the fuck out of you and tear the world down to find the man who broke your heart. That was intense.”

“Thank you?” I think.

“ Aiden’s right.” The director smiles, drawing my attention to find him watching me in awe. “I felt everything you were feeling in that moment. And if I didn’t know any better, I’d believe this was real life.”

I rush out another thank you and the director laughs. This can’t be real life. Because that would mean I might finally be getting another break.

“As we said when you first arrived, it’s down to you and two other actresses.” More experienced actresses was the term he actually used, but I let that slide. “We’re seeing them both this afternoon and we’ll make a decision after that.”

“Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me again. I look forward to hearing from you.”

I look forward to hearing from you? My God, who am I? I’m usually so bubbly in auditions. I’m usually myself .

I turn to leave, but Aiden calls out before I’ve taken a step.

“I’ll walk with you. I’m taking a break.

” He loops his arm through mine and waves over his shoulder, turning as the door clicks shut.

“For the record, I want you for the part. And I told them that before you came in and blew us all away.”

“What?” My eyes widen.

“Mate. What do you mean, what?” His smooth American accent makes way for an Aussie twang and my jaw drops.

“You’re Australian?”

“Fuckin' oath, I am. I’m an Aussie through and through. And I’ve been a fan of yours since I first saw you guest star on Wilde Country .”

“Jesus. That was years ago.”

“It sure was. But you being an Aussie isn’t why I want you for the role.”

“Why then?”

“Because when they showed me your first audition, you were Cynthia. I saw Hayley when you said hello, and then she was gone and I will never unsee that. You embodied her, and in my opinion, the other two actresses failed at that.”

“Wow. Thank you.”

“Stop saying thank you. At the end of the day, I don’t get any say in the final decision, but know that I’m rooting for you.”

“Rooting?” I question and he nods.

“What can I say, I’ve been here a while. Just wait…you’ll be talking like an American soon enough.”

When we reach the street, Aiden says goodbye and heads left while I walk right to meet Reed, our conversation running on repeat in my mind. I embodied her. I am Cynthia.

The park where Reed’s waiting comes into view, and he immediately steps into my line of sight, his gorgeous smile hitting me in the chest.

No matter what happens, I owe it to Reed. If I am Cynthia, it’s his support that got me here.

I got the part. I got the freaking part! I can see the headline now.

Hayley Jackman to play Cynthia Rose in Reckless Desire .

Releasing a squeal, I jump onto my bed and bounce in celebration, shaking my ass. I got it. I got it. I got it.

It worked . Reed and I did it.

Our fake relationship is coming to an end.

My stomach twists but I ignore it. Just like I’ve been ignoring the chest flutters and the warmth. We’re friends. And when it’s all said and done, I can’t lose that. I need him too much.

Falling onto my mattress, I push my feelings aside and grab my phone to text him but hover over his number, calling instead.

“Hey Baby,” he answers smoothly, his voice holding all the warmth I’ve come to treasure, and my traitorous heart jolts.

“Hey to you too.” I smile, working hard to focus on my excitement instead of my future with Reed. “Are you busy?”

“It’s the offseason.” He chuckles and I picture his soft eyes as he smiles. “I have all the time in the world. I was actually on my way over.”

“You were?” My brows furrow but a giddiness runs through me.

“Yep. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“About what? Tell me now. You know I hate surprises.”

“It’ll be easier in person. Are you home?”

“ Reed ,” I warn, knowing it’s useless.

“Please, Hayls.”

“Okay, fine. My best offer… Two truths and a lie, but it has to be related to whatever it is you want to talk about.”

Reed chuckles again and I thank my lucky stars he’s good with my crazy. “Okay…” He trails off, probably giving it some thought. “Alright. I’m ready. One… I’m thinking about getting a dog. Two… My parents watched your movie. And three… I have a feeling you’re going to get the part.”

I squeal at number three, no longer able to keep it to myself.

“I got the part.”

“You did?”

“I did.”

“Hell fucking yes. Hayley! I’m so happy for you. And proud. I’m almost to your place. We have to celebrate.”

“Wait,” I call out before he hangs up. “You’re not getting a dog, are you?”

“Nope. Not at this stage of my life.”

“Oh my God.” I cringe, covering my face as I audibly sigh. “Your parents watched Jaded Beginnings ?”

“They sure did.” He chuckles softly. “They saw the trailer and I couldn’t stop them. They wanted to support you.”

My chest fills with nervous energy. “I appreciate that. But I’m not sure I’m happy about it.”

“Why? You were fucking phenomenal. And you’re going to be just as amazing in Reckless Desire .”

My heart races as the nerves make way for a smile. “Thank you. Now get your ass over here so you can tell me what you wanted to say.”

“And celebrate.”

“And celebrate. See you soon.” I giggle before hanging up, but when Reed’s parents drift back to my mind, my smile fades.

If his parents watched my film, does that mean they know about me?

I mean, of course they do. It’s been all over the media—and Reed said they wanted to meet me—but do they know know about me?

Or have they been fed the same lies? I can’t imagine Reed lying to his parents, but I have no idea how he’s playing this.

I spiral a little as I wait for Reed to arrive. I’ve hit my limit on random emotions today and I’m ready to escape.

With the world believing Reed and I have been dating for a few months now, the concierge sends him up without question, and when I open the door, he pulls me into his arms, spinning me around in the hallway.

“Reed,” I squeal as my grip tightens. “I’m going to fall.”

“Not possible. I’d never let that happen.”

He comes to a stop and gently lowers me to my feet, holding me until I’m settled. “You did it, Hayls. You got the part.”

“We did it,” I correct him. “You deserve some of the credit.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll accept it. I never saw myself as an actor, but with you, it comes naturally.”

“I think it’s because we’re only half acting.” The words leave my mouth and I freeze, backtracking. “You know, since we’re good friends.”

Reed smiles genuinely and it takes my breath away. “Definitely. But either way, I’m excited for you.”

“Me too. And we can celebrate in a minute. First, what did you want to talk about?”

“You really can’t wait, can you?”

“Nope. Come on. I’ve already guessed it’s about your parents.”

“Yep.” Reed sighs, his demeanour suddenly changing.

“It’s been over a month now and I still can’t convince them to take the vacation I paid for.

Even after telling them about the money Jace willingly accepted.

When they asked him about it, he said it was a loan and that he plans to pay me back.

Then proceeded to make them feel guilty about that too, saying it’s because they never loan him anything.

And as much as it pains me…I can’t let my mother fall back into another state of depression. I refuse to do that to her.”

My heart breaks for him but I’m also a little enraged.

“God, I wish we could do something about him. He deserves a wake-up call from someone not connected to your family. From me. A hard shake should do it, maybe even a strong knee to the balls.” Reed chuckles and though I know what he’s going to say, I’m glad I at least made him happy for a beat.

“In all seriousness, Reed, what the fuck is his problem?”

“I wish I knew.”

“I mean this with all due respect, but has he ever seen anyone? A psychiatrist maybe? You mentioned he’s narcissistic, but I’m wondering if he’s a sadist too.”

“He’s both those things, Hayls. But he’s her son. Mom will never cut him out of her life. No matter what.”

“I hate that for her.” And Reed. I hate that for Reed. “How can I help?”

“Help?”

“Yeah. I’m here to help in any way I can. Isn’t that what you wanted to talk to me about? Please tell me you want me to hurt him?”

“Actually,”—Reed shakes his head, gripping the back of his neck—“I wanted to ask if you’d come with me.”

“On vacation?” A vacation would be nice. I saw the resort he booked and—

“Home.”

“Home?” I gasp as a laugh rushes from my lungs. “To your parents’ place?”

“Yeah. Their birthdays are coming up and I think it will make them—Mom—happy to see you.”

And everything he does, he does to make her happy.

“What do they know about us?”

“That we’re dating.”

“You didn’t tell them it was fake?”

Reed’s face contorts as he grimaces. “I couldn’t. She’d mention it to my brother and he’d broadcast it to the media.”

“Shit.”

“Yep.”

“He really deserves an ass kicking.”

“Believe me, I know.”

“When are their birthdays?” I hide my concern.

While I want to be able to support Reed, I don’t know my schedule for the foreseeable future; I don’t know when Reckless Desire is filming.

And on top of that, I think this is out of my depth.

Jokingly threatening his brother is one thing, but meeting the parents and trying to help is another thing entirely.

“Their birthdays aren’t until early July. I’m only asking now because if I mention it to Mom, it might lift her spirits for a while.”

Jesus . “You know I’d love to, but by then, you’ll hopefully have sorted things out with Bria. Shouldn’t she go with you? I’ll bet she’s been before and—”

Reed frowns, cutting me off, making me feel awkward enough to glance away.

“Even if Bria and I were best friends again, I want you to come. Our friendship has nothing to do with mine and Bria’s.”

“Reed, it has everything to do with that. I think you should talk to her. I think you both need to get everything off your chests, including telling her how you feel.” I have no idea why I’m bringing this up now, but the word vomit is happening and I can’t seem to stop.

“I’ve tried calling her back. Just like you asked. But she's no longer answering.”

“Because you ignored her. Try harder .”

“Why are you pushing this?”

Good freaking question. “It’s a big deal, Reed. She was your best friend for years .”

“Even so, I don’t think talking is going to help. I doubt our friendship will ever be the same.”

Reed runs a hand through his hair with a sigh, and my stomach swirls with guilt. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, Hayls. It was changing long before I got myself a girlfriend.”

I smile but he’s wrong. “What about before we were friends? It was good before that, right?”

“Was it?” Reed’s forehead creases and he frowns again. “Was it good for me to have feelings for her and keep it to myself, essentially lying about our friendship?”

“She had to know and—”

“If she did know, was it good for her to act like she didn’t ?”

I cringe as a tightness settles in my chest, my heart breaking for him. Or maybe for me. I don’t know what I feel, but I know what to say. “No. That’s not good. I just wish you could work it all out. I hate seeing you sad.”

“I’m not sad, Hayls. I truly believe it came to a natural end.

And maybe that would have happened sooner if we’d both just admitted our feelings, or lack of feelings in her case.

We’ll always be friends, but the closeness isn’t there.

And I don’t think we’ll get it back. I don’t even think I want to. ”

“ Reed ?”

“Nope. I’m happy, Hayls. I’ve got you .” He smiles but there’s something about it that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, only before I can question it, he moves on.

“Anyway, we can talk about the details later. How are we going to celebrate?”