Page 4 of Lucky 22

Yeah. Conversation’s over.

Oh well.

I’m mildly disappointed because he seems like a nice guy. Hehas kind eyes and a sweet smile. I wouldn’t have minded chatting with him topass some time on the flight. But…it’s obviously not meant to be.

Eventually, we take off. Once we reach our cruisingaltitude, I put my notebook away, pull out my phone, and take advantage of thecomplimentary Wi-Fi to find something to watch. I have three hours until weland at LAX, so I make myself comfortable and settle in quietly for the rest ofthe flight.

Back in LA, my life is as chaotic as usual.My audition was amazing, but I’m still waiting to hear if I got the part.Meanwhile, I spend my nights working at a local coffee shop. I wouldn’t say Ilike it, but it sort of goes with the territory when you’re an aspiring actor.You do auditions during the day and work—often as a waiter or waitress orbarista—at night.

So, really, I’m right on track.

And honestly, I’ve embraced the lifestyle. And sometimes, Ieven feel like I’m thriving. I’ve gotten some wonderful roles that I’mincredibly thankful for.

Unfortunately, nothing’s steady at this point. I’m paying mybills and able to travel home to see my family, but it would be nice to have aconsistent acting gig. After all, that’s the dream.

Growing up, my father worked at Wonder Land in Florida—oneof the biggest theme parks in the world and part of Storyteller Studios. Thefirst time I walked through those gates with my family, my fate was sealed. Iknew it was where I wanted to work, too. Well, I wanted to start by dancing ina parade or something equally cool at the park and then go on to act in one ofStoryteller Channel’s shows.

I’m proud to say that I did work at the theme park,I did get to dance in a parade, and I did eventually end upwith a recurring role on That’s So High School, a hit StorytellerChannel show. But now, I’m ready for that next step, the big break, and I lookat every part I get as a way to meet new people and make connections. It’s veryimportant to do that sort of thing in this business because you never know whenyou’ll end up talking to the person who will change your life.

I’ve met some incredible people and already made some greatconnections that got me from my small town in central Florida to where I amhere in LA, but nothing big has happened yet.

Soon, though. I can feel it.

Taste it.

It’s so close, it’s like I can reach out and touch it.

“Can I get an iced coffee and a blueberry scone?” the nextperson in line asks.

But for now, this is my life. I take orders, pour coffee,serve baked goods, and do it all with a smile. But when my shift is over, Igleefully sprint out the door. Especially since tomorrow is my day off.

When I get back to my tiny apartment, I’m beat. I kick offmy sneakers, yank the scrunchy off my ponytail, and shake out my long hair. Ismell like coffee, and I contemplate a shower, but the sound of an incomingtext makes me pause.

Jim: Hey! We still good for the gametomorrow? I can pick you up at 4.

Oh, right. The baseball game. I groan as I flop down on mybed.

Jim and I have been dating casually for five months now. Iknow he’s serious, and is maybe even in love with me, but I’m not there. Ithink he thinks I’m “the one,” but sadly, he’s not the one for me. I just don’tfeel the same way. And really, I don’t know why.

On paper, he’s perfect. He’s nice enough and cute, but Idon’t feel the spark. My mom always tells me that when you meet your person,your soulmate, you’ll just know. Well, I don’t know if I believe her, but whatI do know is that Jim is not the one. I hate that for us because there is trulynothing wrong with him, he checks every box…the feelings just aren’t there.I’ve thought about breaking up with him. But he’s so darn nice that I alwaysend up putting it off.

So, I’ll go to the baseball game with him.

Besides, a couple of other friends are going with us, soit’s not like it’s a romantic date.

Sighing wearily, I text him back.

Ella: Sounds good!

Ella: Is there a dress code? The lasttime I went to a major league game was like 10 years ago with my dad.

I mean, I guess jeans and a T-shirt will be fine, but I justwant to make sure.

Jim: No worries. I’ve got you covered.

Jim: See you tomorrow.

Ella: Got me covered? LOL! What doesthat even mean?