AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Savanna gathers her hair into her hands and throws it over her right shoulder, moving to the beat that cranks through the speakers. “What’s up with your brother?”
I roll my shoulders, attempting to lose myself to the music. “He’s protective.”
“He was acting like I’m a serial killer about to lead you into my killing den.”
“Hey, this is California,” I joke. “You never know.”
She chuckles, throwing her hands above her head.
“So, you got a part in The Hunted?” I ask to change the subject.
Her face illuminates with a smile that tugs at the corners of her mouth. “Can you believe it? A major motion picture for once. No more commercials or TV episodes. At least not until filming wraps. I hate seeing my name next to Patient Number Four or Mean Girl Number Two in the credits.”
I would love to see my name in any credits, regardless of the role, but hey, we can’t always get what we want. Savanna beams with excitement while I secretly die on the inside. I’m happy for her, believe me, I am. I don’t want to be jealous. It’s not in my nature to allow myself to feel that emotion. But right now, it’s taking my body and mind by storm.
I hug Savanna and get a whiff of sweat mixed with her flowery perfume. “Congrats, girl. You deserve it.”
We met at an audition for a walk-on part in a television show, and when we ran into each other for the third time, we decided to stay in contact. I thought Savanna would land the lead role in a new murder investigation pilot similar to CSI, but we both messed up our lines. Savanna stumbled out of the casting room in tears. I was so nervous my hands wouldn’t stop shaking.
Until tonight, I hadn’t seen her in over a year.
“Pinch me,” she says. “Because it still doesn’t feel real.”
I pinch her arm and laugh.
“You work for Vinnie Sax,” she yells, her mouth inches from my ear. “Talk to him. He would rep you.”
“Yeah, right. Vinnie only represents the top actors in Hollywood. He would laugh in my face if I asked him to help me get a role.”
“Suck it up, buttercup.” She blows me a kiss. “You were always tougher than me. If anyone can handle this business, it’s you.”
Acting is not for the faint of heart. You need to have a strong back and an even thicker spine if you want to survive in this business. It takes a lot of talent and determination to force yourself to endure the rude comments from casting directors. And even more confidence and self-love to push through the darkest moments.
These people will break you down if you let them. I guess, in some ways, I have allowed them to win. All of their nasty comments and constant rejections has gotten into my head. Dylan helped me with my lines when we were together. He used to tell me that I had talent and not to give up on my dreams. But it’s easy for him to say. Everything he touches turns to gold.
After I dance with Savanna for a while, the men join us on the dance floor. Sloan hands me a fresh beer. Dylan gives me one of his cocky smirks that go straight to my core. Max bends down to whisper into Savanna’s ear, and she nods. The boys look pleased, so it must have worked in their favor.
And I guess I served my purpose.
After we fall into a nice groove, Sloan latches onto a tall blonde who runs her long nails down his arm. I keep my fingers crossed that she can keep him busy long enough for me to talk to Dylan.
Savanna clings to her husband like plastic wrap, molding her thin body to his muscular frame. They look like a couple in love, like the kind of people you see in movies and think, I want to be them. Yeah, this girl has it all now. And I’m still trying to get my shit together, fighting my unwanted feelings for my brother’s best friend after all these years.
Dylan taps his hip into mine. His beautiful blue irises have sadness in them that makes my stomach knot. He wants me as much as I want him. It might seem like our relationship was built on sexual desire, but with Dylan, we had so much more. Sex was only a bonus.
With Sloan occupied, Dylan suggests we get another beer. We move in the opposite direction of my brother, headed toward the bar. Dylan grips my hips from behind, steering me where he wants. He dips his head down to speak against my ear.
“I told Sloan I’ll watch you tonight. But I never said I would behave myself.”
I smile up at him. “You’re such a bad boy.”
