Darcy in Hollywood

Upon returning to Building 4, Elizabeth hurried to her father’s office to let him know about the plans. When she opened the door, he was throwing his phone onto the desk in frustration. “Is there a problem?” she asked.

Tom Bennet swiped his hand through the thinning hair on his forehead. “Brody Smith dropped out.”

“Damn.” Brody had been hired for a small but pivotal role in two scenes that were due to shoot in a few days.

“Where are we going to find someone with the right look on such short notice?”

Elizabeth thought about who would be right for the character. “I might know someone.”

“Can he get here tomorrow to read some lines for Roberta? The casting agency is sending over their candidates in the morning.”

She shrugged. “I can ask him.”

After explaining the charity partnership idea, Elizabeth darted out of her father’s office and pulled out her phone. She had exchanged a couple of text messages with George, the friendly EMT, but hadn’t spoken with him since he’d deposited her at the hospital.

Getting George into the movie would have a certain irony given how badly the Darcys had treated him. Obviously he’d been kicked around by life and deserved a break. She opened her phone and texted his number.

Elizabeth: The movie has a part to fill ASAP. You’d be just right. Can you come for an audition tomorrow?

George texted right back: Awesome! Yeah, I can be there, no problem.

Elizabeth: You don’t have a shift? If so, we can probably work around it.

It took a few minutes before he replied: No, I don’t have that job anymore.

Elizabeth: Oh no! What happened?

George: Stupid misunderstanding with my boss. I got blamed for something not my fault.

Elizabeth: That sucks! I’m so sorry.

George: Yeah, well, I was sick of that job anyway. But I’m psyched about the audition! I knew you’d come through for me. You’re like my guardian angel.

Elizabeth was glad he couldn’t see her blush. She responded: You don’t have the part yet.

George: Yeah, but I have a good feeling about it. I know you’ll bring me good luck. What time should I be there tomorrow?

Elizabeth: 10 a.m.?

George: See you then! Thanks for thinking of me.

Elizabeth signed off with a smiley face emoji, reflecting that it was nice to be appreciated.

***

The next day Darcy was leaving the makeup room when he turned a corner and received an unpleasant surprise.

Wickham, complete with a self-satisfied smirk.

Darcy stared, trying to comprehend why one of his least favorite people in the world was in the building. And why was Elizabeth standing beside him?

“Darcy.” Wickham nodded as though they were casual acquaintances.

Screw that. Darcy wasn’t going to pretend politeness. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m auditioning for Roland.”

Darcy closed his eyes briefly. Could his luck be any worse? His character had two scenes with Roland. Pivotal scenes, and very emotional. A deep loathing for the man playing the part would not make those scenes easier; it could ruin them. Darcy knew the original actor was unavailable, but he hadn’t imagined—