The Invisible Silver Lining [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

Chapter 32

Xander stops reluctantly in front of a tall black door. He squeezes my hand before saying, "Number one fifteen. This is it baby." I lean against Xander's arm, my head resting on the cool fabric of his purple shirt. He plants a light kiss on the top of my head. His soft voice comforts me a little, "You ready?" I take a deep breath. I'm about to enter my first professional acting interview. Its for a television show called Hidden, directed by the well known Alec Fory. The show itself is also very well known. Its currently almost finished with its second season, according to the short amount of information Colette gave me. I've never seen it though so I hope that doesn't affect the outcome of this interview. Xander's seen a few episodes so, according to him, its interesting and grabs you hook, line, and sinker because of its well written script. In a nutshell, the show is about secret spies, shootings, car chases, and the discovery of one's self.

I look up at Xander and take another breath. I face him, slipping my arms around his waist. "No. I'm not ready." I say in a shaky voice. Xander holds me tightly, his hands rubbing my back. "What if I introduce myself wrong? Or get scared and loose my voice? What if I stumble? Or trip and fall in front of Mr. Fory?" I whisper into his chest. "What if-" Xander silences me. "Shh. Even if all that happened, which I know it won't, they'll understand. You are going to rock their worlds. I know you're going to get the role." I tilt my head up to look him in the eyes. I'm wearing heels so I don't have to stand on my toes when I hold his face in my hands. He gets my gist and bends his lips down to mine.

He pulls me to him, as close as I'll go. I keep his face near mine as our lips speed up, still moving together. His tongue flicks across my bottom lip, making me moan.

Suddenly, the door opens and Xander jumps back, breaking our kiss. Colette stands in the doorway, a knowing smile on her face. I bury my face in the crook of Xander's shoulder, embarrassed, I hear him ask Colette, his voice cracking a little, "A-are you r-ready for her?" I look up at his face. Its red as a tomato. Looks like I'm not the only one who's embarrassed. Colette responds, still smiling, silent laughter reflected in her eyes. "Yes. Alec is ready for you Emilee. Alexander, you can meet her outside later." Xander nods asking, "What time?" I check my watch. Its two-fifteen now. "She should be done in three hours." My eyes widen. Three hours? What am I going to be doing that will take up three hours?

I can feel my fear slowly returning. I hug Xander one last time, trying to soak in his warmth, his smell. Trying to remain calm. Xander lets go of me slowly. "I'll be back in three hours Em. Remember, you're going to be fantastic." He turns and walks back down the hall we entered. I sigh softly, watching him go. I wish he could be with me now. I'm going to need all the help I can get to make it through this interview. "He's right you know."

I turn to Colette as she says, "You're going to be just fine. Now, best come in. Alec's waiting." I smooth my black pencil skirt nervously. I take a deep breath before following Colette into room one fifteen.

Inside, there are nine people sitting around an oval table made of stained oak. One man with slicked back dirty blonde hair and a lean figure is standing. Everyone looks up and watches as we enter. You can do this. The tall man who is standing smiles at me, "You must be Thorn." I nod, "Yes sir. Emilee Thorn." He smiles. "I'm Alec Fory. Are you ready for your interview?" I swallow "Yes sir." He gestures to an empty seat by a man with curly red hair. "Then have a seat." I look back at Colette, but she's disappeared. I sit down slowly. The man sitting next to me smiles, his smile peaking through his full-face beard. "I'm Jeremy Grant. Nice to meet you." I smile back, "Nice to meet you too." Alec takes a seat at the head of the table. He looks at me, his emerald eyes boring into me. "I know you wanted an interview, but we need to read through the script of a possible new episode. I've already cleared this with your agent and she's okay with it. This episode features a new character, Alicia Rivers. You will be reading the part of Alicia and I will count that as your interview. If I like what I see, well we'll get there later. Oh, and why don't each of you introduce yourself and the character you play so Thorn doesn't feel like she's reading to total strangers."