“But the rumors weren’t true. I got along with everyone, except the one actress who hated me from the moment I walked in the door. It was still a harmonious environment, though. We had a positive rehearsal period.”

“Doesn’t matter if you were Mother Teresa in that room if the opposite is what makes it to print. You know this business. The reviews are good, but—”

“Not amazing. At least, not for me.” She placed a hand on her forehead, realizing her uphill battle. It was like she couldn’t do anything right, even when she did.

“True.” Alika sighed. “I could get you endorsement work, TV spots, but I’m worried that’s the wrong move if we want to revive your film career. It’s all about what you want your future to be.”

“Film is where it’s at, and it’s where I want to be. Stage would be good, too. As long as it’s high profile.”

Alika didn’t say anything. “The only thing might be, and don’t grasp on to this yet, but—”

“Tell me.” Carly stood up, needing something, anything to keep hope alive.

“There’s murmuring down the hall among our theatrical agents that Starry Nights might make a Broadway transfer.”

Carly held her breath. Was it possible? The McAllister was reputable, but Broadway was legendary. If they transferred the show, her visibility would soar. Not only that, but she felt like a part of Starry Nights, and it was part of her. She couldn’t imagine the show making that leap without her and Lauren in their rightful roles. “Alika, my favorite agent ever”—she began to walk the length of her small dressing room, invigorated—“if that happens, it could be a game changer.”

“I hesitated to mention it, as it could all just be rumor. Don’t get your hopes up just yet.”

Carly snapped her fingers. “Too late. How can we make this happen?”

“Well, I could always put the word out that you’d be interested. See if that sparks any momentum for the project.”

“Yes, do that. I am.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, five minutes, please. Five minutes to places.”

“Gotta run,” Carly said, glancing up at the speaker. “But let’s talk soon. This is amazing, Leek. I’m sending a basket of bourbon. All the bourbon. It’s yours.”

“You might want to wait until the deal is done, but I will sip away in your name.”

“You’re making me misty. Showtime. Bye.”

Carly clicked off the call and dashed out of her dressing room en route to the wings, where she planned to deliver the performance of her life and get herself and Lauren exactly where they needed to be. There was simply too much at stake.

Chapter Thirteen