“Ah yes.” His face lights up as he sees me. “My little Maria, thank you for coming. Please, take a seat.”
I do as he commands and twist my hands up awkwardly in each other. When I’m in front of the camera I can be the most confident woman on the planet. I really become the best version of me, but in reality I’m still me.
“Things have been good, haven’t they?” He smiles. “You have enjoyed acting in the movie.”
“Oh yes, it’s been a wonderful opportunity. Thank you for it.”
“Yes, well you have been wonderful too. And I believe that you handled the press very well.”
I suck in a deep breath. “That wasn’t expected, but I think it was okay in the end.”
“It was, it was.” He nods. “Which is why I want more of you.”
“More?” Uh oh. What does this mean? I don’t know if I like the sound of that.
“I have a new project that I’m working on and I would like you to be a part of it.”
“Oh my God, really?” I can’t keep the excitement from my voice. “You would?”
I was a little worried that I would struggle to find my next job, but it looks like it’s here in front of me. That’s awesome, I couldn’t have asked for more. I perch on the edge of my chair and wait.
“I will obviously send you the script to take a look through before you agree, I know that you will want to check out the role before you accept it.” I nod eagerly. I’m sure I will want the role, especially if it’s like this one. “There is just one stipulation that I want you to be made aware of first.”
“What’s that?” My mind spins, all the possibilities fly through my brain.
“It’s in Iceland, so we will need to be there during the process of filming.”
“Oh.” I don’t know what to say to that. It’s a long way away. Of course I knew that this was going to be a possibility, movies are filmed all over the world, but I guess I wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon. “Iceland, I see.” I don’t know if I can imagine myself in Iceland for any period of time.
“Yes, so anyway I will send you the script and see what you think. I personally do hope that you agree because I think that you’ll be perfect for it. I’m sure that you’ll love the challenge as well. But do let me know as soon as you have made the decision. I would like to get the ball rolling quickly with this one.”
He nods, indicating that it’s time for me to leave, which I do. But my mind races as I move, I wonder what decision I’m going to make. Right now, it isn’t based on the role, it’s based on me, and whether or not I have it in me. It’s scary, but at the same time it was just as terrifying to move to Hollywood and I did that. I packed my bags and just went without thinking too much about it because I knew it was the right thing for me.
I exit the building quickly, allowing the cold air to wash over me. I shiver lightly, but I suppose if there’s a possibility that I’m going to Iceland then I need to get used to it. I’m sure that Iceland is much colder than LA. Hollywood is always warmer than everywhere else, and Iceland has ‘ice’ in the name.
The only question is if I’m going to do it. I haven’t yet decided. I like the idea of it even if it’s scary. But for now, I don’t need to decide, it’s time to go home and to relax after the long day I’ve had.
***
Ring, ring… Ring, ring… Ring, ring…
I jump up off the couch, instinctively wiping drool from my chin. I didn’t even realize that I’d fallen asleep until this very moment. I must have been much more tired than I thought.
“He… hello?” I stammer in to the receiver. I didn’t even look at who was calling me.
“Hi, Tia, where are you?” Rae’s rushed voice calls back. Are you home? I need to see you.”
“Er…” I glance around. It’s a little messy but I think she might be used to that by now. “Yes, I’m in.”
“Okay, I’m just around the corner. I’ll be there in a moment. I have so much to talk to you about.”
She hangs up the phone without even bothering to say goodbye. I stare at the hand set very confused. I know that Rae can be a little crazy, but she sounded like she had something then right on the tip of her tongue. Usually she can’t wait to say whatever is on the tip of her tongue, so I’m confused as to why she didn’t now. It must be huge. I can’t even begin to imagine what it might be… but I do hope it’s good news when it comes to her career. There has been a little bit of imbalance in our friendship since I got the Maria role and I’d like that to fill up.