AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Heck, if I don’t get this acting part, I could definitely wear the director hat, since I know exactly what every role does and says by heart.
I’m patiently looking forward to Nolan and Stella coming home. I have no big plans for the evening but I figured Stella and I could cook up dinner together. I found a few kid-friendly recipes that might be fun to try out.
While I wait, my phone dings, and I peek down at it. My inbox is still an overactive mess ever since the reality show fiasco aired. And while I’ve been getting my share of hate mail from the fans of my almost-groom, most of the emails are generally positive. In fact, the one I’m looking at now is from a casting agent offering me a role in a commercial for a popular hair company.
Yesterday, I got offered a spot on a reality TV show about reality TV stars. Eyeroll. Then some pharmaceutical company reached out to tell me I’d be perfect for a role in their itch ointment ad.
Every time one of these offers pops into my inbox, it does the weirdest thing to my stomach.
I’m elated.
I’m terrified.
I’m torn.
Why do I keep procrastinating on this? I mean, a career in acting? On TV? Me?
An acting career is something every little girl has dreamed about. When I was a kid, I’d climb on my bed and use a flashlight as my microphone as I recited silly little monologues. It always seemed too good to be true.
But now that the real living and breathing opportunities are here in front of me, I can’t believe I’m having second thoughts.
A big part of me wants to stay here. To settle down in Starlight Falls…with Nolan and Stella.
My mind starts spinning. I haven’t told Nolan about my audition yet. Things are going so well between us and I don’t want to ruin it. But realistically, how long can I keep this from him? We’re only getting more attached to each other. Meanwhile I know that I’ll be leaving town to try out for this part.
Of course, nothing has to change if I don’t get the role in the TV show. But what if things actually go well? What if I get the part? How will that change things?
Despite the mess in my head, I’m grinning the moment that Nolan walks through his front door.
My brows pull together when I realize that he’s come home alone. “Where’s Stella?”
“She’s with her grandmother,” he answers cryptically.
“Oh, how come?” It’s unusual that he’d leave her at her grandma’s at this time of day.
“Because…”
“Because, why?”
He laughs at my relentlessness. “Because I’d like to take my girlfriend on a date.” He whips a beautiful purple and light blue bouquet from behind his back.
My jaw drops as I accept the flowers with a shaky hand. “Oh. Okay.” Wow. I was really not expecting that.
He lifts an eyebrow as he lowers beside me on the couch. “You look surprised.”
“Well, I sort of am,” I admit with a shrug, burying my face in the sweet-smelling petals.
“You’re my girlfriend, Inez. Taking you out on dates is part of the package deal. What? Did you think I’d just chain you up in my sex dungeon and leave you there?”
Actually, I didn’t expect very much at all. As much as I’ve wanted to be in a relationship, I don’t actually know how this whole dating thing works.
In the past, the situations I’ve labeled as ‘relationships’ were never really worthy of the title. The guys who’ve called themselves my boyfriends were usually just interested in ordering takeout and having me watch them play video games before hooking up on their couch. After a few weeks, it would fizzle out. As far as I’m concerned, that’s what a relationship meant.
When I don’t answer his question, Nolan chuckles and brushes his lips across my cheek. “I have my work cut out for me with you, don’t I?”
“You actually do,” I wince.
“Oh, my Stargirl,” Nolan says softly. He lifts my chin and plants a sweet kiss on my lips. “So, will you? Will you go on a date with me?” he asks, looking so unsure and vulnerable at the moment.
