Page 114 of Lucky 22

Even if home is a hotel suite in Phoenix.

Even if that home moves.

Because really, home is…him.

Home.

Ha!

Last night feels like a distant memory in the light of day,because we’re immediately back to the real world. Christian’s at the stadium,and I’m at the hotel, looking at apartments online. I know by now that theydon’t have to be perfect. They only need to be functional.

They all look the same to me, and I know it doesn’t matterwhich one we pick; it’s temporary.

Always temporary.

I’m sipping tea and having a pit-tea party when my phonerings. Seeing Tracy’s name makes me smile.

“Hey, Tracy.”

“Ella,” she begins excitedly. “Are you in LA or Torontoright now?”

“Neither,” I reply with a laugh. “I’m actually in Phoenix.”

“Phoenix? What on earth are you doing there? Did you decideto meet Christian for a game?”

“No, um…” I guess it’s not really a secret since heofficially played on the roster last night. “Christian got traded here. So…hereI am.”

“Oh, my goodness. This is amazing! That means you can getback to LA quickly.”

I’m certain she has an audition for me. That’s the nature ofour relationship, and one of the few reasons she calls. So, she’s not surprisedwhen I ask, “What’s the role?”

“Sweetie, this is going to be the biggest thing of yourcareer. Bigger than The Echo Wars. Bigger than Ashla.”

Okay, she definitely has my attention.

“What is it?”

“How do you feel about superhero movies?”

“Um…”

“You know Storyteller just inked a deal with a majorfranchise, right?”

I nod, even though she can’t see me.

“Well, they’re casting for their first big movie, and they’relooking at their in-house talent first,” she tells me. “Your name came uprepeatedly. I don’t want to say the role is yours, but…this role could mostdefinitely be yours.”

“Oh, my gosh…” I’m breathless and shaking, and I immediatelyget up to pace. “So, this is a major…”

“A major motion picture, Ella. This is everything we’ve beenworking for! So, how soon can you get here?”

I can barely remember what day it is. Monday? Tuesday?

Tuesday. It’s Tuesday.

“I can be there Thursday, Tracy. I’ll text you as soon as myflight is booked.”

“Excellent! It’s finally happening, and I am beyond thrilledfor you. Here’s to great things.”