Page 18 of Cast to be Mine

Lisa Lowe arrived next, apologizing for being a few minutes early. She was professional, warm, exactly what I needed for Grace’s best friend in the film. We’d worked together on a small project years ago. I knew she’d be perfect for the role.

“So where’s our leading lady?” Lisa asked, accepting a cup of coffee from Toby. “I’m dying to meet her. I heard she’s completely new to film.”

“She should be here any minute,” I said, checking my phone. 9:52 a,m. The table read officially started at ten.

Damn, I hoped she didn’t make a fool out of me. I took a chance on her. If she pulled any diva shit, I’d fire her. And then I’d be fucked because there was no way I’d be able to keep to our schedule if I didn’t have a leading lady.

Jack made a sound that might have been a scoff. “Unknown actress in a lead role. Bold choice, Micah.”

“She’s good,” I said, hearing the defensive edge in my voice and not caring. “You’ll see.”

“I’m sure she is.” But his tone suggested he wasn’t sure at all.

Jack Montana was one of those guys that needed to be the biggest star in the room. I didn’t blame him for his arrogance. He had people blowing smoke up his ass all day every day for years. An inflated ego was expected.

The minutes ticked by. Buzz and Lisa chatted easily, old friends from the circuit. Jack examined the script pages at his seat, occasionally glancing at his phone. Toby hovered near the door, practically vibrating with nervous energy.

Two minutes before ten and there was no sign of her. I ran my hand through my hair, wondering if I should call her agent. She’d be here. She had to be here.

And then the doorbell rang.

Thank God.

I quickly walked to the door to answer it. There she was. Grace Stone stood on my doorstep looking like she’d stepped out of a magazine spread. Hair perfectly styled, makeup subtle but flawless, dressed in dark jeans and a blazer that managed to be both professional and casual.

Those blue eyes barely concealed her nervousness. I almost laughed.

“Hi,” she said, and I could hear the slight breathlessness in her voice. “I’m not late, am I? I’m sorry. I got so lost. Got on the wrong side of the PCH and had to drive down several miles and turn around. The traffic. I’m so sorry.”

She was flustered. And I believed her excuse.

“Right on time.” I stepped back to let her in. “Everyone else is already here. Ready to meet your co-stars?”

She took a deep breath. I watched her shoulders square. She slipped into that confident persona she’d worn during the audition. “Ready.”

I led her into the living room. I could feel the moment everyone’s attention shifted to her. Jack looked up from his script. Buzz stopped mid-sentence. Lisa smiled warmly.

“Everyone,” I said, “this is Grace Stone. Grace, this is Jack Montana, Buzz Coleman, and Lisa Lowe.”

“It’s such an honor to meet all of you,” Grace said. “I’m really excited to be working with such talented people.”

Jack stood, extending his hand. “Grace. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“All good things, I hope.” She shook his hand firmly, and I noticed she didn’t seem intimidated by his presence. That was good. That was exactly what I needed.

“Micah seems to think you’re the next big thing,” Jack said, and there was something almost challenging in his tone.

“I’m just here to do good work,” Grace replied evenly. “Same as everyone else.”

Buzz laughed, breaking the tension. “I like her already. Someone who’s not here to kiss Jack’s ass.”

“I don’t need my ass kissed,” Jack protested, but he was smiling.

Lisa gave Grace a warm hug. “Ignore them. They’re like children. I’m so glad to finally meet you. I think we’re going to have great chemistry.”

I watched Grace take her seat at the table, and something shifted in the room. The light from the ocean-facing windows caught her hair, creating this halo effect that mesmerized me. She looked down at the script in front of her, running her fingers along the edge of the pages. I found myself tracking the movement like it was the most fascinating thing I’d ever seen.

Get it together, Micah.