Alika sent back a heart emoji. Carly tossed the phone next to her on the couch, feeling worse for the conversation.

She heard a garage door open, signaling Lauren’s return from day three on the Hennessy shoot. Apparently, she’d been having a fantastic experience on set and had even received an offer for that guest spot gig on that TV show, The Subdivision, which had been killing it in the ratings lately. Carly knew because she read Variety religiously on her iPad these days with all the spare time she had. Lauren came to LA three weeks ago and had already booked two major jobs with interest mounting in more. Her agent called with new auditions daily. This wasn’t a fluke. Lauren had a full-fledged career waiting for her if she wanted it. Carly was beginning to wonder if she did. Her excitement had waned noticeably, which Carly took some responsibility for.

Carly sighed and headed into the kitchen to say hello, and force herself to smile. All the while, she braced for the way the daily update would make her feel.

Lauren beamed as she entered. “Hey, gorgeous person. How was your day?” Lauren stripped off her blue peacoat. Her cheeks were pink from the weather. She seemed like someone who’d come home fulfilled, and accomplished. “Nippy out there. Who knew California could nip so effectively?”

Carly shrugged. “Day was fine. I did amazingly well at Wheel of Fortune, and I checked the mail. It was a huge day for me, really.”

Lauren laughed and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I suck at Wheel of Fortune. I aspire to your heights.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t advise that.” She rolled her eyes. “Looks like you had a fantastic day.”

“I did and I didn’t. I feel more comfortable on set now. I know where all the food is and have gotten used to where to sit. I just wish I felt more like myself.”

“You’ll get there.”

“Not sure about how I’m doing in the acting department, though. Everyone seems happy enough, but I wonder.”

“If they seem happy, then you’re all good.” Carly pushed off the counter and wandered back to the living room. She should have talked it out with Lauren further, told her all about her own insecurities when she’d started out. Offered a few tips. She honestly wanted to participate in Lauren’s journey. She just also couldn’t seem to make herself engage.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Lauren followed her with a furrowed brow. She’d been shooting Carly those concerned looks ever since she’d won the film role. It was becoming almost painful to be on the receiving end of them.