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Chapter Three
Summer
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry about that,” Emilia said as she guided me into the elevator. “Matt is such a klutz sometimes. Like, an emotional klutz.”
“He’s right,” I said. “I haven’t achieved anything substantial since I started acting.”
“Honey, whatever. You just haven’t had your big break yet.” Emilia rested her head on my shoulder and squeezed my arm as the elevator doors slid shut. “I bet this whole Academy thing will push you over the edge.”
“That’s what I’m hoping.” I was desperate to get into an esteemed acting school in LA, the ASD Academy, in the hopes it would not only get me out of my tiny apartment in Miami but move me to the city where I’d be able to follow my dreams.
I’d spent years doing odd jobs, trying to make ends meet, all while pursuing my passion, but there wasn’t the scope for it I would’ve liked. And I didn’t have the money to go anywhere. I’d been scraping together savings for the past year, but I was nowhere near what I needed for tuition yet.
And I didn’t want to apply until I had it all in hand.
“I’m going to pay you well for giving us these dance lessons,” Emilia said, as if she’d read my thoughts. “And the money can go straight into your acting-school fund.”
“Am I a hack?” I asked, shaking my head at the question. I was usually pretty confident, but when it came to this, I had my doubts. “I mean, surely I should’ve been there by now.”
“Been where?”
“Hollywood. On the big screen. A star.”
“You’re a star in my heart,” Emilia said, straightening. “You’re one of kindest, hard-working, loyal, and best people I know. Everything you have, it’s because you fought for it. Summer, just because you haven’t made it big yet, doesn’t make you a hack. Remember who you are and hold your head up high. Think of all the people that have encouraged you along the way and believe you have a gift. Don’t lose sight of the truth and all that you have worked for.”
I took a breath, forcing the pressure and negative thoughts away. She was right. And this week wasn’t about me. It was about Emilia and Scott. “Em, thank you. You always know how to make me feel better. And, enough about me. From here on out, it’s pure celebration time. I can’t believe it. You are getting MARRIED!! I can’t wait to meet the other bridesmaids,” I said.
“Eek!” Emilia clapped her hands together.
The elevator doors slid open, and we exited into the gorgeous, marble-floored lobby. Em chattered away, talking about arrangements for the wedding, her excitement for the joint bachelor and bachelorette party—because hell no, she would not let Scott have a stripper—and her planned future.
I didn’t envy my best friend, but I was happy for her, and her light mood uplifted me. Our life trajectories were in completely opposite directions, but I always knew that Emilia wanted to settle down and have a family. To see her dreams come true warmed my heart because she deserved every bit of happiness that came her way.
Though it didn’t do much for distracting me from Matt. Before she’d interrupted, he’d been staring at me like he was just about ready to rip my clothes off.
Never. Going. To. Happen.
I didn’t want that. I was here for Em, and that was it. The fact that I even had the chance to visit the Bahamas was so friggin’ awesome. I could be nothing but grateful.
We entered a ballroom—a grand space with more marbled flooring and views of palm trees and sandy white beaches through floor-to-ceiling windows—and caught sight of a group of women standing around a piano at the end of the hall.
The hotel had already provided complimentary champagne and a sound system loaded with music I’d need to teach the ladies and gents how to dance the waltz.
Emilia clapped and whistled. “Hellooo!”
The women turned. They let out cries and shrieks and claps and rushed across the floor towards the bride-to-be. They hugged her en masse, and it kind of reminded me of a gazelle being pounced on by a pride of lions.
Finally, the hubbub calmed down, and Emilia emerged from the mass of perfume, designer dresses, and chatter.
“Everyone,” Emilia said, “there’s someone I’d like you to meet.” She pressed a hand to my back and I came forward. “This is Summer. I’ve already told most of you about her, but I thought formal introductions were in order.”
“Why?” A woman who wore her hair platinum blonde asked, turning up her nose. “Like, what for?”
“Because she’s the maid of honor, Chastity,” Emilia said.
“Nice to meet you.” I nodded to the woman.
“Sure.” She shrugged.
I’m already winning them over. Great.
Emilia traveled in different circles. Her family was old money. And I was no money.
