Breaking free - Gracie Abrams

029 The Windsor-Fletcher

The Windsor-Fletcher
029

"i know you get pitched a lot of ideas like this," phoebe said. "you're the moment right now, but i've seen your work, especially the way you handle dialogue in intimate settings. i think you're my best option. charlotte lawrence recommended you—she's already cast."

"i don't know... i mean, i'm really looking forward to resting for a bit. i start filming again next month, and after that, there's the parachute premiere. it's been nonstop for me this year."

phoebe's expression didn't falter. "cruel intentions is for you, gabriela. caroline's a bit of a villain, but she's layered, complex. it's a role unlike anything you've done before. you'd kill it."

"who's charlotte playing?"

"annie glover," phoebe replied. "you won't have a ton of scenes together, but the ones you do share? some of the best moments in the script."

gabriela exhaled, tapping her nails lightly against the table. "phoebe, in any other world, you know i'd jump at this. but i really need time to breathe, to be with my family for a bit."

it wasn't a lie, not entirely. but the bigger reason she'd been dodging new projects lately was gracie. we told each other we'd make it work, the promise replayed in her mind every time she started spiraling into doubts about what came next.

phoebe then nodded. "understood. but can i send you the script anyway? just give it a read. no pressure, no deadlines. if it's not the right fit, i'll move on."

"okay, fine. send it over. i'll let you know by the end of the month."

phoebe's face lit up with a smile. "perfect. that's all i'm asking."

the blonde stood up, walking to a table with older people—some of them producers gabriela recognized. probably more discussions about the series. gabriela stayed at the bar, stirring her drink, waiting for felix's speech to start.

she had arrived earlier with gracie, but as soon as they walked in, they split up. their outfits matched just enough to make it look deliberate, but no one seemed to notice—or care. gabriela scanned the room, her eyes flicking across the crowd. gracie wasn't in sight, though. she figured she was probably off with audrey and olivia, who'd come along too. for a second, she thought about texting her, but she didn't. instead, she took another sip and let her gaze wander, hoping to see her.

imagine if she and gracie walked in holding hands—would everyone notice? would they stare, or would people actually support them? she knew for a fact her mom would never, not in a million years, let her be with gracie publicly. maybe her brothers would back her up. nate definitely would. at least she had that. was gracie thinking the same thing? no, probably not. gracie told her mom, and her mom actually accepted her. but what if it—

no, stop it. she cut the thought short. thankfully, jeremy's voice broke through her spiral, pulling her back to the bar. he had that way of calming her down without even trying, like a natural reset button.

"the fuck?" he pulled a lemon wedge out of his drink and holding it up like it offended him.

"brother-in-law," she turned to him with a smile.

"hey," he replied, still eyeing the lemon. "who was the woman you were talking to?"

"why? you interested?"

"nah," he held up his hand and wiggling his ring finger. "i'm married to your sister, though you probably don't remember since you were blackout drunk at the wedding."

"jeremy allen white is rude to fans," she shot back, narrowing her eyes. "noted."

"aww, you're my fan."