Meagan felt her lips tighten across her teeth.

‘You know what kills me about actors. Nothing is ever good enough. And when everything is juuust right you don’t want to audition because life’s not quite working out. Well, boo hoo! That’s how the world is, Simi. Shitty things happen but we crack on. I work eighteen hours a day, six days a week and all I hear is whining. Not thanks Meagan, great job, Meagan. I tell you what, comedians aren’t perfect but they’re a damn sight more grateful!’

Jemima upped the intensity of her painting.

‘So, instead of telling me my notes lost you the job, how about a modicum of gratitude, a smidge, a drop, a wee dram!’

Simi blinked in shock before stepping out of her overalls, grabbing her rucksack and leaving. Jemima looked over at Meagan before putting down her roller and going after Simi.

‘Oi!’ Meagan hollered. ‘You haven’t finished your wall!’

Chapter 31

Simi

Simi glanced around Nostromo at all the creative types beavering away in various corners of the café. She could see why Jemima loved working here. It certainly made Simi feel better and anything that helped put Meagan’s painting party behind her was more than welcome. Coffee orders placed, they took a seat by the window and waited for their drinks.

‘I got it first thing,’ said Simi, showing Jemima a text.

‘“Sorry about Friday. Good luck at the audition. At least SS isn’t in the running,”’ read Jemima. ‘Well, she apologised. That’s a big step for Meagan.’

Jemima handed the phone back. Simi reread the message unconvinced and frankly, still smarting from Meagan’s harsh words.

‘If she’s sorry, why did I get such a dressing down? She knows I’m grateful,’ moaned Simi.

‘Do you tell her?’

Simi’s brow furrowed. She had assumed her appreciation was obvious but evidently not.

‘Might be worth letting her know. Looking after actors isn’t really her thing. She’s doing her best,’ said Jemima.

Simi’s heart sank. It was true. Meagan was doing her a huge favour and in return, all she did was criticise her.

‘So, who’s SS? Is it this Sandra Scott woman?’ Jemima asked.

Simi’s mood darkened as she remembered that once again, Sandra ‘bloody perfect’ Scott with her flawless everything, had swooped in, nabbing the role of Dorothea.

‘I’d do better in a flying competition with Superman than auditioning against her,’ grumbled Simi.

Why did Sandra even go up for roles like Dorothea, Simi stewed. For her they were chicken feed but for Simi, they were a chance to take her career to another level or any level for that matter.

‘Remember what Luke from our comedy class said. What’s meant for you won’t go by you. Plus, Antonia can’t think you’re all bad. She’s invited you to audition for another role,’ said Jemima.

‘I guess,’ Simi said, searching Jemima’s face for reassurance.

‘Hey, Jem, your coffees are ready!’ called Azi.

‘Come on, chin up.’ Jemima smiled as they collected their drinks.