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“Your agent?”
Mum’s cheeks tint with pink. “That’s him. He’s heard all about you. I’ll be ready once you’re done.”
“The famous Ava.” Mitch sweeps me into a double-cheeked kiss, his teeth so whitened that they glow as he flashes a smile.
“In the flesh,” I say.
“I can see what you mean, Zena.” His eyes roam over my hair. “Just beautiful.”
My mother beams at him as he holds out my chair for me, and then one for her.
“Have you ever considered acting, Ava? You have the face for it. We could make you a huge star.”
I smile as I sit. “No, thank you. I don’t think that’s for me.”
He sits opposite me at the table, appraising me like a project. We’ve come to a fancy restaurant in Hollywood.Mum’s head hasn’t stopped swiveling since we arrived. She whispered to me about some big special effects director she spotted at another table as we walked in.
“That’s a shame. I could get you a leading role. Maybe a romance. Do you fancy being paid to kiss Ryan Gosling?” Mitch lifts a hand, signaling a server.
I bite back a surprised laugh as the server fills our glasses with iced water and takes our drinks order before retreating.
“Mitch.” Mum rolls her eyes affectionately. “My daughter has barely been here a week and already you’re trying to cast her.”
“I know a star when I see one.” His eyes travel over to Mum, and she sighs happily.
“When did you two start dating?”
They both look at me in surprise.
“Come on.” I laugh. “It’s obvious.”
Mum smooths a hand over her hair, her lips twisting into a smile as Mitch looks at her like a man obsessed.
“And here’s me thinking I was a good actress.” Mum laughs. “It’s been a while, darling. All the working together turned into something more.”
“I’m happy for you both,” I say, meaning it.
“I’m a lucky man,” Mitch says, making Mum giggle. “Your mother is a star, Ava. Knew it the moment I saw her.” His gaze returns to Mum. “I’ve got you an audition for that movie with Tom Cruise.”
Mum gasps and leans forward, almost toppling off the edge of her seat. “Really?”
“Told you, Zena. We’ve got this. The starring role… it’ll be yours.”
“Oh goodness.” Mum sits back, her eyes dancing. “This is amazing.”
“It’s tomorrow afternoon. We’ll run the lines together. You’ll blow them away,” Mitch says, chuckling as she fans herself with the menu.
“Don’t mind your mother, Ava,” she sings. “I’m just dying here. I can’t believe it. First, you coming here to visit, and now this. I’m so happy.”
Warmth bursts in my chest.
“So, Ava. What are you doing now? Your mom tells me you graduated recently. Any big plans?”
“I’ve been taking some time for myself… working on something.” I glance at Mum. She nods at me encouragingly. I straighten and take a deep breath. “I’ve been writing my story. About the crash, the forest, not being found straight away… the whole thing.”
Mitch’s brows shoot up. “Really? That’s something you’ve never spoken about publicly, isn’t it?” His eyes dart to Mum, and she reaches for my hand.
I grip onto it for courage.
