Carly didn’t understand. She moved to the couch and took a seat next to Lauren. “Why do you say that? You’re fantastic at it.”

“I don’t know that I would go that far. Didn’t get many jobs. Make that one. A voice job for a nightclub commercial that aired only on the radio. I played the part of a happy college girl, thrilled with the drink options.”

“I’d buy those drinks based on what I just heard.” This whole concept was blowing Carly’s mind and her entire perception of Lauren. “You were out there auditioning? What happened? Why would you give up if it’s what you wanted?”

Lauren nodded, and embarrassment flashed. “I tried to make a go of it. Didn’t work out.” She shrugged, as if stuffing down the regret of what had never been. “After a while it became clear that I was on my way to being a professional waitress and part-time out of work actress. What I really wanted was a way to pay my bills in the midst of something I love.” She gestured to the space around them. “And here I am. The learning curve was steep, and I started at the bottom, but I like to think I’m damn good at my job.”

“You are. Don’t get me wrong.” Carly tucked a knee beneath her. This new information had her keyed up and intrigued on top of the high she’d just received from the nuanced scene work. “Tell me about a favorite role of yours.”

Lauren laughed. She was so pretty when she did that. “I can tell you about the time I received my first lead role. We did Peter Pan Jr. in middle school. I was cast as Wendy, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ll never forget the afternoon I saw my name posted on the cast list.”

Carly was rapt. “Get out. What happened?”

Lauren beamed. “I rehearsed night and day and counted the moments until the curtain rose. Not to mention, the entire town would be there, including my extended family who’d driven in.”

“And you were a hit,” Carly supplied, imagining Lauren wouldn’t settle for anything less than perfection.

“No. Actually, my performance was fine, but my nightgown snagged on the set during the flying sequence and brought the whole thing tumbling down. Children and nightgowns and Lost Boys scattered for safety as I swung back and forth, dragging the wall.” She grimaced as Carly laughed. “I probably should have taken that as a sign it wasn’t meant to be for me. Unfortunately, it took a little longer for me to get the message.”

Carly tried to stop laughing, but the image of young Lauren sitting in a pile of rubble while an audience looked on in horror was too much. “Was anyone hurt?”