the last time

part one

September

Aurora

"I just don't think I made the right choice in coming here," I mumble into my pillow.

Alex chuckles and I lift my head to glare at him through the phone. He's typing on his computer and scribbling things down on a paper as he listens to me rant through FaceTime. Over the past couple months, I've had 26 auditions and have managed to land not one.

"Ro, it takes time. What? Did you think they'd have a role waiting for you the moment you stepped foot in New York? Also, how are you still in bed? Isn't almost one in the afternoon?" He asks, sipping his drink and looking at me over his glasses.

I sit up and grab the phone that was being propped up by one of my pillows. "I mean, not right away but eventually and please don't judge me, I worked a double last night," I say quietly.

He smiles at me and I can feel some of my panic start to slip away. Alex has always been my comfort person. He is a great listener and calls me out on my shit when need be but never fails to encourage me.

"Ro, just keep at it. You're going to land something eventually. Hey, at least you're not unemployed." He says, calmly.

I nod, "Yeah, I guess so."

I got a job at a restaurant about two blocks from here during my second week in New York. It's sort of fancy for my liking but it pays well and works with my auditions. That restaurant is filled with aspiring actors, writers, and musicians so we all get along pretty well.

"I mean, it's paying me enough that I don't have to dip into my savings so much." I say, getting up from my bed and heading to the bathroom.

"Ah, yes. How much savings do you have left, Ro? Need any cash? I can send some if you need some help." Alex says, going into overprotective mode. Alex is always worried I am in need of something but I can't say I hate it. In fact, it makes me feel safe that he always offers. I know my brother will have my back if I need his help and I adore him for that.

I throw some cold water on my face and tie up my hair into a ponytail while shaking my head. "No, I'm fine for now, Alex. Thanks. I've managed to save up quite a bit over the last couple of years that I don't have to worry too much about my money. Plus, the budget Nick made for me has really helped. Thank him for me, will you?"

Nick is my brother's boyfriend. They've been dating for almost a year now and I can tell Alex is smitten with him. When Nick heard about my plan to move to New York, he offered to help create a budget for me so I knew how to manage my money. Alex says he's a control freak and needs things like that to be in order or he will go crazy. I am thankful for that, he's managed to save me from careless purchases.

"Of course." Alex paused and I knew what was coming next, "Have you talked to dad lately?"

I spit out my toothpaste and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. "Uh, not really. I mean, he's texted but only to ask about some passwords and how to reset his computer but that's pretty much it."

He nodded slowly but didn't say anything else. Things always seemed to get awkward when our father came up. Alex knew that once he got me on the topic of our father, I did not hold back.

"Hey, Alex, I've got to go. I have to get ready for my shift." I said, heading to the kitchen.

"Of course. Take care, Ro. I love you and please let me know if you need help with anything. I'm serious, okay?" He says in his lawyer voice.

I smile at him through the camera, "I love you too, Alex. I'll let you know, thanks."

I make myself a bowl of cereal and quickly put on my all black uniform as I check the time. Shit, I think, I'm going to be late. I grab my purse, my phone, and my keys and lock my apartment door behind me and I make my way to the elevator. I put in my AirPods as I wait for the elevator door and I check my emails. As I step into the elevators, I see an email from Lexi. Attached, it has a casting call sheet for a music video shoot fifteen minutes from my place.

Can I send them a headshot? Think it'd be a good starting point.

I smile and read through what they're looking for. It's really not much that they ask for. They're looking for a girl, ages 22 and up for a music video about a break up. The artist isn't listed but it is only fifteen minutes away from here and it pays really well. I step off the elevator and out of my building, in the direction of my job. Lexi has been sort of my manager throughout this whole thing. She finds roles for me, sends a headshot, reminds me of audition times. She's made this process seem less terrifying.

Yes, please. Literally anything will do at this point. Tell them I'm desperate.

I walk into work and head straight to the back to clock in and put my purse and AirPods into my locker. I tie an apron around my waist and give myself a quick glance in the mirror. I shrug and grab a pen and small notepad then head to the kitchen.

"Hello, darling. What section am I serving?" I ask my manager, Luisa once I spot her.

"You're late. Again, Rory." She crosses her arms at an attempt to seem serious. "I'm giving you section C."

"What? No, please, Luisa." I say putting my hands together in the most dramatic way I can manage. "I will make it on time for a whole week, just give me another section."

"Sorry, Rory. I've got to start punishing you. Then I have to pick up your slack and I have auditions back to back today. Just help me, will you?" She says, giving me her best puppy dog eyes.

I roll my eyes, "You're lucky I love you, amor. Section C is filled with douchebag producers and directors who don't even tip well!"

She smirks, "Be on time next time and maybe you'll get the VIP section."

"Oh, you play with me too much, Luisa." I sigh, going out to the hosts podium.

I take a quick glance around and see it's not too busy today and I send a silent prayer it remains like this for the rest of my shift. As I approach the hosts podium, I see Michael and Alexa texting on their phones.

"Ay, mis amores, sus teléfonos, por favor!" I say, mimicking Luisa when she catches us. They both look up and smile at me.

"She gave you section C, didn't she?" Michael asks, elbowing Alexa.

I nod and give them my best pout, "How'd you know?"

Alexa giggles and hands Michael a $10 bill, "We overheard Luisa telling Ethan she was going to give you section C next time you were late. I didn't think she actually would, considering you're her favorite, but Michael swore she'd do it this time. You just cost me $10, Rory."

I fake gasp and smack them both with my notepad, "How dare you profit off my misery?"

Before Michael can respond, a man around our age approaches the podium, "Hi, my usual table, please."

"Right away, Mr. Hayes," Alexa says, grabbing a menu. "Will anyone be joining you today?"

"Yes, actually. Just one more guest." He smiles at her then at me.

Alexa nods and goes around the podium, "Please follow me, Mr. Hayes. Rory, follow me too? It's your section."

I nod and follow behind Mr. Hayes into my section. He sits down and thanks Alexa and smiles up at me. "Can I actually have a moment? My friend is always a bit late."

"Of course, Mr. Hayes. Just give me a shout whenever your friend arrives. My name is Aurora, when you're ready," I say, turning to walk away. As I turn, I bump into someone and stumble back a little. "Oh my god, I am so sorry."

The man in front of me just smiles and shakes his head, "No worries, I was texting. It was my fault."

I nod and step aside when I hear Mr. Hayes chuckle, "Always gotta make a scene, don't you, Harry?"

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please, idk where this story is going to go. might be slow idk just read if you want <3