Page 85 of The Fake Script
“Sounds great! That’s what you wanted, right? Fewer romantic movies, and more serious projects.”
My eyes lock on hers. “It’s in Brazil.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh, right.”
We stay like that for a while, staring into each other’s eyes. Finally, I say, “I’m not doing it.”
“What! No, you have to, Auston. It sounds like an amazing project.”
I shake my head. “Things are different now.” I don’t know why I considered it, even just for a second. I’m not going to Brazil for months on end when I’ve just reconnected with Emma. When I’m finally happy. When I finally made the choice to try my hand at theatre.
“Auston,” she says, taking myhand. “I understand, but you have to seize this opportunity. You’ve been working so hard for the last ten years for this. It could change the trajectory of your career.”
“Maybe, but there’ll be other opportunities. I don’t want to leave now. I haven’t even looked into theatre yet.”
“Please, don’t do this,” she begs, her face serious. “Don’t turn your back on your dream for me, Auston. I’ll be here when the shoot is done. We can video chat. I can visit you. We’ll be fine.”
My heart booms against my ribcage. “No, I’m not doing that again.”
“It’snotthe same.” She squeezes my hand. “My life isn’t in shambles this time. I’m not alone. I have my friends, a job I love, and I’m happy. But I won’t be if you’re miserable. If you don’t go after your dream, and you regret it. Please, don’t pass up an opportunity because of me.”
My chest tightens. “Emma . . .”
“At least go to the meeting,” she suggests, looking at the letter. “You don’t have to do it if you’re not interested. Plus, that will give you time to look into theatre options. But don’t shut it down without giving it a chance. We can make it work, I promise you. It’s during the winter anyway. I spend all my time reading.”
The corners of my lips twitch.
“Please, Auston. I already havemy dream job. I want you to have yours.”
I draw her against me, and she settles on my torso. “Fine. I’ll go to the meeting, and we’ll take it from there. You’re a very stubborn woman, you know that?”
She giggles, melting into my embrace. “You’d better get used to it. Because I’m not going anywhere.”
A warmth spreads through my chest as I kiss her forehead. We’re fine. No matter what happens, everything is going to be all right.
“Are you okay, lad?” Cillian asks. We’re sitting in the private waiting room at Teterboro Airport, about to fly out to LA for my big meeting with the studio execs.
“I’m honestly not sure how to answer that,” I mutter, my elbows sliding on my knees.
“You know you can still turn around and go back to your girl. You’re your own boss, after all. If you don’t think you’re making the right decision, don’t make it.”
“That easy, huh?” I snort out a chuckle, even though he’s never made more sense.
“Of course it is.”
“It just feels wrong,” I admit. “Here, I finally reconnected with Emma after all these years, and now I’m leaving again. But I don’t want to. The prospect of doing this movie doesn’t even excite me anymore.” I release a long sigh. “But my mom worked hard to get me this shot. It’s everything I ever wanted.”
“Is it, though?” He drills me with a knowing look.
I stare back at him. “What do you mean?”
Adjusting himself in his seat, he grabs his phone from his pocket. “Stumbled on this earlier. Take a look. It just might put things into perspective.”
Confused, I watch the video he’s showing me, and my heart leaps. Suddenly, everything makes sense, and I’m reminded why Cillian is my best friend. This guy really does have my back. Literally and figuratively.
“So, are we going back to Brooklyn?” he asks, a smile teasing his lips.
I bump my fist on his shoulder. “We are.” Relief floods me, and I’ve never in my life felt so light. “Thanks, man.”