Page 25 of Cosplay & Consequences

“Okay,” he said. “Here’s the thing. Most likely, if I don’t get to talk to you tonight? I’m not getting this role. If I don’t get this role? Chances are MaxFlick is going to do what they usually do. Cancel the series.”

His tone was earnest. Plaintive. Almost on the edge of begging. The cancellation prospect was something I had called out days ago on my stream, so it wasn’t entirely a surprise. Still, the thought of losing the show wasn’t appealing to me. And then there was that small twinge of guilt about calling him out on stage less than an hour ago.

He continued. “I know you’re a fan, but this has a bigger impact. It’s not about me losing a role. If that happens, it’s a loss for people who work on production. The writers. Extras. The other actors. So, if you’re angry with me, I get it. But at least give me a chance to apologize and ask a favor. One meal.”

This was bordering on emotional blackmail. Somehow this man knew how to get to me. Despite its flaws, I still loved to watch the MaxFlick show. Isla’s performance was always incredible, and Miles Mueller knew how to play a villain. I hadn’t thought of the other people who might be affected by him losing the role. But I didn’t like the corner he forced me into.

“You really care about the production?” I asked.

“Of course I do,” he said earnestly. “I’ve been part of a show for ten years. You rely on those people, so you can make a living. Work with them long enough, and they become family. All I’m asking is that you give me a chance.”

I didn’t respond. Mostly because I was disgusted with myself that I was letting him convince me to do this.

“Do you like Chinese food?” he asked.

“I don’t hate Chinese food.” I couldn’t believe I was listening to him.

“Is that a yes?”

God. Was I really doing this?

And then he pulled a dirty trick on me. His voice dropped an octave, and he dropped the line from Cauldron where Tyrst’an convinced Fiona to turn on Oderan.

“Don’t make a proud man beg.”

Something popped in my chest, and a tingly sensation flooded through my limbs. It wasn’t fair how well that worked on me. “Yes.”

“Fantastic. There’s a place around the corner called Kao’s. Are you free at 7:00? I noticed that your panel on fantasy authors ended around then.”

He actually checked my schedule? No. It was probably his sister who did. Either way, he was attempting to be considerate. “I’ll be there,” I promised, hating myself for agreeing to any of this.

“Thank you, Jessica. I really appreciate this.”

“You haven’t seen me eat yet. You haven’t maxed out your credit cards, have you?” I don’t know why I was joking with him. This was a bad idea.

He laughed. A rich sound that rang with deep tones. I fought the smile that tried to come to my face. “Is that a promise or a threat?” he asked.

It was a dumb joke, but I found myself laughing. Damn it. “You’ll have to wait until 7:00 to find out,” I said, hating myself for letting this happen.

“Then I’ll see you at 7:00,” he replied, still chuckling. “Thank you, Jessica.”

I said goodbye and ended the call. When I turned around, both Bray and Bennet were watching me. Their elbows rested on the table, hands raised and flat under their chins. Their wide eyes feigned innocence, but the smirks betrayed them entirely.

“Oooooo,” Bennet cooed. “Who was that?”

“I bet it was that dreamboat, Daniel what’s-his-name,” Bray stage-whispered.

Bennet gasped dramatically. “No!”

“Do you think he asked her to be his girlfriend?”

“O.M.G. I would diiiiiiie!”

“Enough,” I tried to sound exasperated, but I couldn’t help but laugh at their antics.

“Well, that was a fast turnaround,” Bray teased. “Did he call for a second date?”

“He called, because wants to clear the air and apologize.” I sat down and picked at my fourth turkey leg.