One Look: A grumpy, single dad small town romance(45)

“Oh, that sounds super casual.” Annie sighed wistfully. “I wish I had someone to cook for me.”

I elbowed her. “Maybe that hot new wine guy.”

Annie’s smile grew as she finished her cup. “Maybe. Around here, you never know.”





When my phone rang and the number that flashed across the screen had an LA area code, my stomach dropped. I looked over at Penny, who was on her scooter and making her hundredth lap around the playground; then I picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Good afternoon, is this Lark Butler?”

“It is.”

“I’m from the Grinstead Casting Agency. We reviewed your video slate. Would you be available for an in-person callback?”

In person? As in LA . . .

“Oh, I, um . . .” Penny caught my eye and waved wildly. “I am not currently in California.”

“I see. I do have it in my notes that we would accept recorded callbacks; however, any advancement beyond that would require you to be in person.”

I breathed a small sigh of relief. A lengthier video audition I could definitely handle. If by some small miracle I made it past that round, I could figure out my next steps.

“Of course. I would be honored to submit a recorded callback.”

“Lovely.” The woman on the other end was robotic, as though this call was anything but lovely. “Also, any recent references.” She provided brief details of what was required, and I scrambled to write it all down on the back of a crumpled receipt from my purse.

It wasn’t a huge role, but it was already all over Twitter and Instagram that Chase Singleton had been cast as the series’ leading man. If I got the job, I would be playing his bitter ex-girlfriend in some pivotal character arc scenes. The woman at the agency also explained that depending on my performance and the direction the showrunners took the series, the part had potential to expand to a series regular. It meant getting in front of the right eyeballs and standing out from the crowd of thousands of LA hopefuls. In this industry, that was ninety-nine percent of the battle.

I hung up the phone and tried to loosen the knot that had formed in my throat.

Holy shit.

I hadn’t landed the gig yet, but I’d made a huge step in the right direction. I bet Aunt Tootie could provide a reference for my latest performance. The Grinstead Casting Agency didn’t need to know that it was for crying at a funeral—or that I was now embedding myself into their little community. I tapped my feet in a little dance of excitement, and Penny rode up.

“What are you doing?”

“Dancing!” I exclaimed. I held my arms out to her as I stood. “I got great news today!”

Penny hopped off her scooter and gave me a big hug. I rocked her side to side and started tap-dancing again.

Penny’s giggles were infectious as we celebrated and had our very own dance party. A niggling little pinch formed under my ribs when I thought about leaving Penny to do an in-person audition.

I swept the thought away. Thousands of actresses, those working every single day in LA, were vying for such a small number of roles. The likelihood of me getting the job was so slim I couldn’t let it bother me. I had learned the hard way it was best not to get your hopes up at all.

For now I was personal assistant to the Wyatt Sullivan, tutor, college-athlete wrangler, and nanny extraordinaire.

I laughed and hugged Penny again.

That gig was pretty dang amazing.





“What did I tell you?” My mom was so satisfied with herself. “Goddess will provide.”

“You did say that. Although Goddess still has a little work to do. It’s just a callback.” I held the phone between my shoulder and ear as I looked over my appearance again.

“I’ll continue to help manifest greatness into your life.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Aubergine. I have to run. I’m already late for dinner with Wyatt and Penny.”

“Yet another good thing my intentions have brought into your life.”

I laughed. She was always taking credit for anything positive that happened. She called it raising her vibrations. Truth was, she did pretty much get what she set out to do, so part of me couldn’t find it in me to tease her too much. “You’re the best, Mom.”

After we hung up, I huffed out a breath and fluffed my hair again.

It’s just dinner—Penny invited you.

I pressed a hand to the flutters rioting in my tummy. I was being silly. It was just dinner, but there was something about being in his home, outside of me working for him that felt . . . intimate.

We’d done a pretty good job of keeping things between us strictly professional. Wyatt had a string of meetings in St. Fowler, and with me helping Kevin cram for an upcoming exam, the days were busy.

One last swipe of lipstick and I headed down the stairs and across the gravel to their house. The door was open, but I still rapped my knuckles on the screen door.

“It’s open.” Just his voice sent ripples down my spine.

I stepped inside, drawn in by the warm smells coming from the kitchen. I set the bottle of red wine I was clutching down on the table.

“You didn’t need to bring anything, but thank you.” Wyatt’s eyes lingered on my mouth a fraction of a second too long, and I felt my temperature rise.