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In another world, I could have believed the outrageous amount of money was what ultimately made me accept the role, but in truth, I already made my decision hours before the call.
I decided it was silly for me to hesitate at such an amazing opportunity, considering just hours before I was taking every breath in the hope that I’d land the role.
I really don’t want to start my career off with a project that will distract me from my goals. And even more than that, I certainly don’t want to fall for Kai’s deceptive charm again. He easily turned me to putty that night at the party, and regretfully, I don’t trust myself to resist him a second time.
But yesterday, he promised. He promised me with the only words that could change my mind. He promised to respect the boundaries. He promised me his own self-control. As much as I hate to admit it, I need to lean on his control. I need his resolve. If I know he’s intent on keeping his distance, I can keep mine too. If I know he’ll make it seem like he doesn’t want me, I can trick myself into believing I don’t want him either.
So, here I am, having accepted the role of Elaine, and looking at almost five challenging months on the stage with Kai. Spending hours with him, looking into his eyes, kissing him…
I shake my head. The terrified half of me still can’t believe the other half willingly agreed to this.
I pass the new, correctly made latte to my aggravated customer, and turn away to wipe the counters. As I scrub at a tough spot with a sigh, I find some solace in the realization that I won’t be working here much longer. The initial table read will take place in just two weeks. My “yes” has jumpstarted the rehearsal schedule, and things are moving fast now. I’m simultaneously panicked and enthusiastic.
“One espresso macchiato, please.” A deep, familiar voice rings out from behind me.
I spin around to find Kai standing across the counter, smiling radiantly. I’m astonished. “How did you know I work here?”
“I overheard one of the producers talking about you. He mentioned you work here,” he replies. “So, here I am, since I had no other way to contact you.”
I’m completely still for another beat. He has this uncanny ability to stop me in my tracks, even on my own turf. It’s disorienting. “Well, then I suppose the correct question would be why are you here?”
“I wanted to congratulate you. I heard you accepted the role this morning.” He grins.
“I did, and thank you. It’s $6.50.” I punch his order into the register.
He reaches into his pocket and retrieves his wallet. “And I wanted to stop by and chat a bit about our characters…and compare notes…since we likely won’t see each other again until the table read. I fly back to Chicago tonight. It would be nice to know we’re on the same page.” He hands me his credit card.
I slide it through the reader and pass it back to him with his receipt, studying him closely and wondering what his ulterior motives are.
“When’s your lunch break?” he asks.
He still makes me nervous, but I’m going to have to learn to live with it. I look at the clock. “I can take it now.”
“Perfect.” There’s no mischief in his expression, just a friendly set of eyes.
I try to smile in return. I need to at least attempt to feel comfortable in our new professional relationship, but it’s the strangest sensation. I nod awkwardly and turn to make his drink.
“When’s your last day of work?” he asks from behind me.
“I haven’t even spoken to my manager yet,” I reply. “But probably tomorrow, if I can find someone to fill the rest of my shifts. I have no time anymore. My first meeting with the dietician is tomorrow afternoon, and then I’ll be meeting with my dialect coach the day after that. Who knew a New York accent would be so tough it requires a coach?”
“A dietician?”
“Yeah, Elaine is supposed to be tiny.” I turn and hand him his drink.
“But you are tiny.” He eyes me with concern.
I pour myself a black coffee and step around the counter. “Elaine’s family is poor. They want me to watch what I eat. Maybe lose a few pounds.”
“I hardly think that’s necessary.”
“Honestly, I’m more worried about the accent,” I exhale as we sit down at a table in the corner.
Kai takes a sip of his drink. “We’ll fumble through it together. I won’t let you make a fool of yourself if you don’t let me either.”
I grin and turn my attention to the table.
“I’m so glad you took the role,” he says simply.
