I checked my phone for the third time in five minutes. Still no message.
The café was busy with the lunch crowd—business people grabbing quick sandwiches, students with laptops, couples sharing pastries—normal people living everyday lives.
I wished I could be one of them again.
I ordered another coffee I didn't really want and went back to my table by the window. The audition had gone well—better than expected, actually. The second round was always harder, performing for a room full of directors, producers, and screenwriters, all scrutinising your every move.
But I'd held my own.
I made them laugh at the right moments and made them lean forward during the dramatic beats. When I'd finished, the casting director had smiled and said they'd be in touch soon.
The role was for a new Dark Fantasy romance series. It was going to be a big-budget movie and would be on a Major streaming platform. The kind of project that could launch a career.
