Page 100 of How He Got the Girl
I hear a rare smile in her voice. “You got it.”
My mouth falls open as her words sink in. “Wait. You’re telling me they want me for the lead role inThe Heartless Prince? I thought they weren’t going to decide for a few weeks?”
“After they saw your audition, they didn’t want to see any more. They knew they’d found their heartless prince.” Karina laughs.
It’s so uncharacteristic of her that I can’t help but balk. “What’s so funny?”
“Thinking of you being heartless.” She pauses, and I can hear papers shuffling. “I guess that’s why they call it acting.”
“Thank you?” My voice rises, making my statement sound more like a question as I attempt to process everything.
I’mgoing to be the heartless prince. It’s truly my dream role…so, why am I not excited?
I run my hand along my chin, the feel of the scruff against my fingers bringing me back to reality. “You said there was more good news?”
“Oh, right. They want you here next week for a chemistry read.”
I wouldn’t consider that good news when it means leaving Mallory sooner than expected. I swallow hard. “Then after that?”
“You’ll begin your extensive physical training. They mentioned that you’ll need to work on combat skills, weapons training, and potentially some stunt training on top of normal physical training and dieting.”
“Okay.” I pace the hallway. “Can I get back to you?”
“Get back to me?” Karina scoffs. “You’re kidding, right?” She sighs like I’m her most exasperating client. “This is what you’ve always wanted.”
“I just need a day to figure things out here.”
She’s quiet again, and that scares me more than her screaming at me. Her silence speaks volumes for someone who is always brief and onto her next task. “Is this about Mallory?”
“Yes,” I answer honestly. “And Granny.”
“If Mallory cares about you, she’ll be fine with you leaving to film. She has to know this is how relationships work in Hollywood.” The sound of more rustling papers comes through the speaker. “They need teachers everywhere. It’s not like she’s stuck there for her job.”
I would never ask that of Mallory. Not when I know how much her family and friends mean to her.
“And I’m sure Granny will understand,” Karina adds. “You have her in a great facility.”
I know she’s right, but I can’t have her tell the director that I’ll be there next week without talking to Mallory and Granny first.
“I’ll call you back soon, Karina.”
“Griffin, I need—”
I hang up. I’ve never done that to my agent before, but I know Karina will find a way to get me the time I need.
I return to the gymnasium, closing the door softly behind me so it doesn’t make a loud sound as the principal finishes her speech. I find Mallory in the crowd again, and I can see the concern written across her face from here.
Is everything okay?she mouths.
I nod, shooting her a forced smile. There’s no use ruining her work event. My dilemma will be the same in a few hours as it is right now.
“Please make sure to check out the sweets table and silent auction.” Principal Abernathy clasps her hands in front of her. “Now, we don’t usually include sweets sale items in our silent auction, but this year we have a real treat. There are a dozen cookies baked by the actor Griffin Reynolds and our very own Mallory Porter.”
A few excited squeals sound from the crowd, and a large group of moms rushes to the side of the room where the auction is set up to bid on my cookies. Seeing as I only measured the dry ingredients, I wouldn’t classify them asmycookies, but as long as it brings in money for the school, I don’t care what they label them.
I dip my chin as they run by, hiding my face. Thankfully, most people who have recognized me have been prettyquiet about me being here. I want this to remain a school fundraiser, not turn into a Griffin Reynolds event.
The principal watches the mass exodus with wide eyes. “Thank y’all for supporting our school. Enjoy the festivities, and go, Wildcats!”
