Twist of Fate by Louise, Tia (free ebook reader for ipad .txt) 📗

I’m not sure if I’m relieved or annoyed by his response, but I’ll take the pass. Thanks. I’ll keep you posted.

I pull my robe tighter around my waist as I walk to my bedroom Googling the number for urgent care. I’m just touching it when my finger freezes over the screen, and a wash of fear floods my veins.

“No.” It’s the only word I get out before I run to my laptop and pull up the calendar function.

Not that I keep track of these things on my calendar, but I rack my brain trying to remember. When was the last time? What was I doing?

My eyes scan the calendar, and I swallow the knot in my throat, remembering a saying I heard or read somewhere.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged, when one part of your life takes off, it’s only a matter of time before Fate takes notice and kicks you in the shins.

Fourteen

Scout

“I’m more afraid of this crime than I am of never winning again.” I’m standing behind a chain-link fence on the perimeter of a fake racetrack in a fake NASCAR uniform.

Anticipation buzzes in my chest, and I have a great feeling about this audition. I’m up against two other guys for the part, and this show is going to hit. I can feel it. Mixing NASCAR with fighting crime seems as obvious as Miami Vice.

“There’s nothing I can’t do with a race car.” I flex my arms and tilt my chin, doing my best version of a hotshot gear head.

“Dunne and Carrier. You’re up!” A female casting assistant reads our names off her iPad and heads to the small room where the casting directors wait.

Energy surges in my veins, and I am Callus McMasters, race car driver by day, private detective by night. Chuck Carrier is an extra I recognize from other shows. He’s playing the crusty old pit boss Rooster Fishburne. He’s experienced and steady, and when we take our places, he gives me a kindly wink.

“Begin when you’re ready.” The girl steps to the side.

I flex my muscles and square off facing Chuck. “I’m more afraid of this crime than I am of never winning again.” I’m passionate, quiet fervor.

“That’s the difference between you and me, kid.” Chuck nods his head as if he’s tipping a cap. “I’d leave this one alone. It’s out of our league.”

“It’s not out of my league.” Lowering my chin, I arch an eyebrow. “There’s nothing I can’t do with a race car.”

We hold three seconds.

“And, cut.” iPad girl steps into our space and motions to us, seeming bored. “Thank you. If you’ll just come this way.”

She calls the last pair. We were told they’d decide today, and a lot of us are waiting around to see if they might give us the good news now.

“They’ll contact our agents. I’m taking off.” Chuck pats my arm. “Hope to see you on set, kid.”

He saunters away like he’s done this a hundred times, which I’m pretty sure he has, and a guy from one of the previous pairs sidles up to me. “It’s lucky you got to go with Chuck. Word is he’s already been offered the role of Rooster.”

My chest flashes. “I didn’t know that.” I look after Chuck and back to the guy. “If he’s got the part, do you think that means…”

“I don’t know what it means other than that bodes pretty well for you.” He scans me up and down, and I can’t tell if he’s pissed at me or trying to make friends.

The last pair comes out, and the younger of the two walks over to where we’re waiting. My informant crosses his arms. “How’d it go?”

“As if it matters. They’ve already decided from what I hear.” He curls a lip at me, and I give him a friendly smile.

His eyes widen, and he makes a freaky, mock-smile in return as if to say back off.

And here I thought only girls were that catty.

Looking around, I see it’s just the younger members of the group still waiting. All the experienced guys have jetted, which tells me nothing more is going to happen here tonight.

“Well, good luck, guys.” I hold out my hand in a little wave before starting for the door. “See you around.”

“I’m sorry…” The guy who just came out from his audition steps forward. He waves his hand as if he’s stirring the air in front of me. “Don’t I know you?”

I pause and study him a minute. “I don’t think so. I’m pretty new in town, and I don’t recognize—”

“New in town?” The guy looks over his shoulder at the informant and they both exhale a laugh. “Did you say you’re new? I don’t think so. I’ve seen your…” His eyes flicker to my crotch and back to my face. “Body of work.”

“Excuse me?”

“Do you just do print media? Wasn’t that you in Howard’s Other End?”

“Sorry, bro. I think you’ve got me confused with someone else.” I hold out a hand and smile. “No harm done.”

The girl with the iPad steps out into the waiting room and smiles at us. “We’ll be contacting your agents, so you’re free to leave. Thanks for coming.”

She turns on her heel, but before she goes back inside, Catty pipes up. “Excuse me, but I might be withdrawing my name from consideration.”

The girl’s chin pulls back, and she frowns at him as if he’s nuts. “You know this is a Mining Diamonds joint. It’s basically guaranteed to air.”

“If you say so… I’m not sure how I feel about them allowing porn stars to be in the cast.”

The girl laughs and her voice rises. “Porn stars? Who the hell is a porn star in this cast?”

Catty and Informant both glare at me, and my throat constricts. What the fuck? A weight drops in my stomach, and I turn to the girl.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about. I’m no porn star.”

“I’m sorry. Rammin Rod? Dreamboys?” Catty holds up a hand as he turns on his heel and