“Perfect.” Rick Hennessy stood from his chair across the room and approached her. The casting director hit pause on the video camera as Carly gathered her composure from the scene. This was the third reading she’d done for them that day She’d worked on the sides for hours to be sure she’d nail the audition, and while she wouldn’t say it was her best ever, she was still quite satisfied with her work. “You brought so much more to the character than even I saw,” he said and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Amazing work today. I know you’re not someone who auditions anymore, and I want to thank you for doing this for me. This has been just fantastic. My brain is firing.”

“I’m glad. It felt good,” she said. “I love everything about the script.”

“It’s a smaller role than you’re used to, but meaty as fuck, and I want to really highlight the character’s contribution to the main’s arc. Plus, there’s the whole shock factor of this scene that is going to have people talking once the reveal happens. You don’t see her admission coming.”

“I didn’t, when I read the script.”

He ran a hand over his stubble. “I can see you really killing this. It’s exciting. This has been good.” He looked to his casting director, still seated at the table, and nodded.

Carly felt relief rise up in her chest, and she couldn’t stop smiling. She placed a hand on her chest. “I feel the same way. Honestly, for me, it’s not about the size of the role, it’s about the character.”

“Totally.” He held out his arms for a hug, which she reciprocated. “Thanks for this, Carly. You were amazing, as you always are. Big fan. We’ll be in touch.”

“I look forward to it. Thanks, Rick.” She waved to the group at the table and grabbed her bag. When she emerged onto the studio lot, she raised her shoulders to her ears and took a deep breath. For the first time in weeks, Carly felt like things just might be okay. She popped her sunglasses onto her face and headed home. Maybe she’d pick up a couple of iced coffees to surprise Lauren. After that, maybe they’d get dressed up and go some place fancy, romantic, and picturesque. She had something to celebrate.

* * *

The restaurant Carly had picked out for them was breathtaking. The Orchard Inn Restaurant was just what it sounded like, a little restaurant nestled inside an inn located on an actual apple orchard. Lauren had no idea such a combination existed and had never seen anything like it. It felt like they were having dinner in the most romantic of storybooks. She’d even worn the pretty red dress and her favorite silver bracelet to make her feel fancy.