Bounce Read Free

remember?”
    I think I do—vaguely. Mia and Beth can deconstruct a film to shrapnel, but usually it’s the soundtrack, more than anything, that stays with me.
    â€œLooks like the guy’s a shoe-in for a Spirit Award this year,” says Beth. “And he’s, like, twenty-four.”
    â€œWell, that’s great,” I say. “It helps the movie, right?”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œAnd when you get the lead part, that’ll mean even more attention for you too, right?”
    No answer.
    I poke at the shower curtain, and she yelps. “Right?”
    â€œI really don’t know,” she tells me. “They cast these roles on type. Like who looks good with who. When Jon Ayers was in the lead, I had it nailed. He’s a big guy. Part Hispanic. We had mad chemistry.”
    â€œWell, just go and have mad chemistry with Garrett.”
    She snorts.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œNothing. Let’s just say I’m not his type.”
    â€œWell, be his type,” I tell her. “You’re an actor. Anyone who can’t see how beautiful and talented you are is a dumbass, and these guys are not dumbasses.”
    â€œThat’s true,” she says, and cuts off the water.
    â€œWho’s not a dumbass?” Mia asks, peeking around the doorway. Her dark curls fill the narrow space like her own personal storm cloud.
    â€œBeth’s worried she won’t get the part now that they cast someone else as the male lead,” I explain.
    â€œYou’ll get the part,” Mia says.
    Beth rolls her eyes and wraps up in a towel.
    â€œSeriously,” Mia insists. “They used you for the teaser. They already see you in the part. And your acting kicks ridiculous amounts of ass. You light it up in there, Bets. I promise.”
    â€œ And your best friend is Assistant Director.”
    â€œWell, Second Assistant Director,” Mia says. “Which I think was really just Adam throwing me a bone so I wouldn’t follow him around, keening.”
    â€œThat Adam Blackwood could throw me a bone anytime,” Beth mutters.
    â€œWe’re getting off-topic,” I tell them. “Come on! I need this. I’m seriously down to seventeen dollars and a couple of drink tickets. I don’t want to have to go home to Lexington and teach music lessons. Please don’t make me.”
    Mia squeezes my shoulder. “Chin up, Sky. Beth’s going to kill it. You’re going to score at least a speaking part. I’m going to AD my ass off, and it’s going to be magic and sparkly unicorns for all.”
    She leaves.
    â€œSee?” I say, grinning. “Magic and sparkly unicorns for all. It’s been decreed.”
    â€œWell, as long as it’s been decreed.”
    â€œI think you’re just nervous,” I tell her. “Like your dream is so close to coming true you don’t want to jinx it. But you’ll see. It’ll be just like Mia says. You’ll rock the lead. I’ll rock whatever job I can get. You’ll become a great big star. And I’ll get my cello back and serenade you on your worldwide press tour.”
    Beth laughs. “Way to dream big, Pinkie.”
    â€œAlways.”

   Chapter 3   
    Grey
    A s soon as we get in the car, Adam’s on the phone with Brooks, his college buddy who’s also the director and co-producer of the film he’s funding. While Adam’s more of a high-tech and financial wizard, Brooks knows everything about the film business. He’s been working at the big studios for years, with the last two at Lionsgate. They’re a good team. A motivated person could learn a shit-ton about The Business by listening to them. That person’s not me.
    As he drives and talks to Brooks, I pull the ski hat he forced me to wear down over my ears and recline the seat all the way back, trying to get some sleep.
    At the Coffee Bean in the Country Mart, Adam parks and shoves a