However, River's stamina was impressive, like a fully charged energizer bunny. He just kept on going, flying across the country, promoting his music. So on the days I couldn't accompany him, I begrudgingly let him bring Willa. The woman seemed to not get on my nerves as much as she used to, much to River's relief. He desperately wanted us to get on. Though I remained reserved and incredulous, I wasn't as severe as I was before.
Amidst the insanity, I got the biggest call of my life.
Addison, bless her, announced that I was set to audition for the biggest role of my life. My manager didn't even ask if I wanted to do it; she basically signed me up, knowing that this would be a game changer for me. Someone was interested if I could hold a candle in being the lead in a movie, but it was being all hush-hush until I was one hundred percent on board. All she could divulge was that it was going to be a Martin Lombardo film.
He loved risqué movies, and it downright went straight to the nitty-gritty of the story. He didn't shy away from sex, violence, or death. He was somewhat of a legend, and if Lombardo wanted you in a film, no decent human being could decline such esteemed summons.
This could very well be the summoning that could welcome me to a new frontier.
Chapter Nine
As per our usual Sunday ritual, I spent it with my closest friends. Kells, Anton, and I were brunching at Catch in Weho when I decided to disclose the latest news. The biggest one to date. Well, it was a major deal, and I couldn't gush all about to myself; I had to share the marvelous news to my friends.
Both seemed to be high in spirits as they chatted about the latest Hollywood scandal.
Enjoying champagne and eggs benedict, I glanced at my friends relishing their meals before I placed my drink back on the table and cleared my throat, aiming to get their attention.
"I got a call from Addison last night," I began, bright eyes and all. "It's for this huge movie apparently, and the lead female dropped out due to medical reasons and they want me to audition for it the day after tomorrow. It's for a Lombardo film." I waited to tell them the last bit so I could savor their reaction. And just as I was after Addison's call, both of my friends stilled for a moment before their faces broke into ecstatic squeals and grins. Their eyes danced as they enthusiastically congratulated me.
"My gosh! That's fucking amazing, Cara! Are you going to take it?" Kells asked. "Or you already did? Please tell me you did!" Emerald eyes sparked with intensity as she eagerly waited for my response.
But before I could satisfy her query, Anton was ready to give his two cents.
"Of course she is going to take it! Her stardom will skyrocket like crazy. This is the boost you've been waiting for, babe. Turning this down could cripple your career."
Too many less than known actors have declined roles that turned out to be massively successful. I surely didn't want to be a part of that list. No, I was much more sensible than that. Besides, I was all for good challenging roles.
"Yeah, I can't miss out on this. Even if I don't get it, I have to give it a try at least." My mind had already made a decision. "Although I do worry. There'll be a few sex scenes where I have to bare my breasts … "
Anton's eyes bulged out. "Oh, shit! You're not going to tell him. No wonder you have the look on you, one that says I'm going to get in trouble but Imma fucking do it, anyway. You go get that stardom, baby girl," he wryly stated with wicked zest.
Anything bad, you could always count on Anton to back you up. It was one of the greatest things about having him in my life. Kells made a curt nod as if understanding how dire this subject could potentially be if I did manage to snag the role. River would be beyond displeased.
"This is your life, Cara. No one else can write your story. If you don't follow your dreams now, you might not get a second chance of rewriting it. Like I said, you gotta grab 'em while it's ripe for the picking. You don't have the luxury of passing major roles when you're still building your portfolio."
"I'm not going to pass this. I'd be crazy to." For them to seek me out and ask for an audition meant that somehow they admired my acting chops. Anton took a bite from his waffle tower before glancing back at me. "Are you excited to show your tits to the world? I hope that's something you don't shy away from."
That kept me up all night. I had never fully considered it before, but acting was all about challenging yourself, right? Well, this could be the biggest test yet, and I wasn't going to let it pass.