Page 56 of Just Beachy

“Worse,” I groan.

“What’s worse than not getting the job?”

“Having to turn down a well-paying acting gig because you have scruples.”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“It turns out the audition was for a national chain of clinics that specialize in breast augmentation.”

“Breast augmentation?” His forehead wrinkles.

“Yep. I was asked to come in because I donothave a huge chest.Andbecause the chain believes that since Cassie Everheart ruined her life with alcohol,Murder 101fans would see Cassie having a boob job as her first important step in trying to turn her life around.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I mean, I’ve never envied women with huge breasts, and I have no desire to ‘enhance’ mine now.” I do not mention that mine have already been enhanced though in amuch less obvious way. “And apparently, I didn’tneedto audition because my agent had already negotiated a hefty payment for the role without telling, or warning, me.”

Luke nods, making it clear that he’s listening but is smart enough to let me vent.

“They want to use meandCassie to try to convince other women to have boob jobs,” I continue. “Oh, and they’re throwing in a ‘free’ augmentation, which I would be contractually required to have, before they shoot the ‘after’ part of the commercial.”

“Okay. Thatiskind of creepy.”

“It’scompletelycreepy and doing it would have felt like an all-time career low, at a time when I didn’t believe my career could tank any further.” I shake my head. “But as desperate as I am to get an acting gig, I’m not prepared to alter or display my breasts for the world to see.”

Luke starts the car. “So it sounds like you did the right thing in turning it down. Shouldn’t you be feeling good about refusing to compromise yourself and your principles?”

“Oh, it felt great in the moment. But it turns out that doing the ‘right thing’ is not what it’s cracked up to be. Especially when it keeps you from earning a good-sized paycheck plus residuals.”

“Gotcha. Well, I think you should focus on feeling good about the decision you made. It’s not everyone who’s strong enough to walk away when something doesn’t feel right.”

“Thank you.” We ride for a few minutes in silence while I try to clear my head. We’re on the Howard FranklandBridge on our way over Tampa Bay when my cell phone rings.

“It’s Grand,” I say as I answer. “Hi, what’s up?”

“I’m calling to see if you’d like to invite Luke to come for an early dinner this evening. Maybe around five thirty? I’m making meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and I have an apple pie in the oven for dessert. I can’t wait to hear about your audition.”

“Can I help?” I ask, though what I really need right now is a long walk on the beach. And maybe a little time in the sack with Luke to help me get over the damn audition that wasn’t.

“Thanks.” I can hear the smile in Grand’s voice. “But I’ve got everything under control. And I know the kitchen isn’t exactly your ‘happy place.’ ”

“What’s going on?” Luke asks. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Grand invited you to join us for an early dinner. Are you up for it?”

“Sure.”

“We’re both already salivating,” I assure Grand. “I just need to decompress, and Luke has the day off.”

• • •

By the timewe leave Luke’s for dinner at Grand’s, we’ve taken a long, leisurely walk on the beach, showered together (sometimes you need help to make sure you’ve gotten rid of every particle of sand regardless of where it’s been hiding), then tangled with each other in Luke’s bed until we basically passed out, exhausted from the day and the numberof times we had sex. It’s close to 5:00 p.m. when we have a final shower and force ourselves to put on clothes.

Grand has appetizers waiting for us, and in moments I’ve filled two wineglasses with a favorite pinot noir and poured Luke a Stella Artois.

We clink glasses and toast each other.

I’ve already downed my wine and poured another before Grand asks how the audition went.

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