The mention of fish brought Zeke to mind, making her heart ache a little. She missed him, and over the past week had thought of so many things she wanted to tell him, to show him, to experience with him beside her—like the sun sinking into the Pacific, the abandoned bird’s nest she’d discovered in the rocks, or the delicious fish tacos she’d made on her own, even zesting lime and roasting ancho chilies. Even now, in the midst of one of the most important auditions of her life, she wished that she were with him, standing in rushing waters, lassoing the line about her head so she could land the fly perfectly in the current.

“Miss London?” the casting director interrupted her wandering thoughts. “Would you like to start again?”

“No.”

That word came out before she even comprehended she’d said it, but when she did realize what she’d just uttered, she knew that she meant it. She didn’t want to start again. She didn’t even want the role.

“What?” Maggie asked, blinking. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to distract you. Conrad will—”

“No, it’s not you.” Chase held up her hand. “It’s merely that I just figured out that I don’t want to do this.”

The casting director looked at both the assistants, and the cameraman turned off the tape and leaned back in his chair, looking as if he couldn’t care less about her stopping the read.

Chase released the sides, the pages wafting toward the floor. She shouldn’t be so inconsiderate, but letting that script go was symbolic. She didn’t have to do this. Didn’t have to be an actress. This life wasn’t the one she wanted . . . maybe hadn’t ever been the life she’d wanted. At any rate, she’d decided then and there what her life would not be. “Sorry to have wasted your time. Maggie, please tell Conrad I will be in touch. Fact is, I don’t think I’m right for this role after all.”

“But . . . but . . .” Maggie looked alarmed, like she couldn’t believe Chase didn’t want a role in a Conrad Santos film.

Chase grabbed her purse and tugged it on her shoulder. “It’s fine. I have to go. Thanks.” She gave them a wave and hurried toward the door that led to the holding area.

She startled a few people when she burst into the room, but she didn’t stop to explain. Sunshine met her when she pushed out the door, and she paused, took a deep breath, and pulled on her sunglasses.

Her mother sat in the car and waved at her.