Face the Enemy
The audition had gone well. This was a part Rome had been dreaming of playing for months, since he’d first gotten the script back in the spring. The part was challenging, with lots of emotional dynamics, and he would love to have the challenge placed before him.
Rome couldn’t help but smile as he walked out of the room, his script rolled up in his hand. He thanked the woman behind the desk and was about to head out the door, thinking about how awesome it would be to see Ella, when he almost ran into someone coming in the door. Glancing up at the tall figure, he realized he knew him.
“Oh, hi, Tim,” Rome said, trying to sound friendly and not nervous. “How are you?”
“Rome Verona.” Tim eyed him up and down, not stepping out of the way so Rome could get around him. “What the hell do you want?”
Rome cleared his throat. “You know, Tim, I think you and I have gotten off on the wrong foot. Just because our families don’t always get along, that doesn’t mean that you and I can’t be friends.” He offered his hand.
Again, Tim’s penetrating eyes took him in before dropping down to stare at his hand. He didn’t take it. “I don’t know what you’re up to, Verona, but you can go to hell. I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you, and I have a feeling that’s probably pretty far, shrimp.”
That stung. Normally, Rome would fire off an insult in return. He wasn’t that much shorter than Tim anyway. But he was trying to make up for years of family fighting, so he didn’t say what he wanted. Instead, he thought of Ella and said, “I’m so sorry you feel that way. It would be great if we could hang out sometime, Tim. I bet we have more in common than we have differences.”
Shaking his head, Tim stepped around him. “What part did you audition for? I want to make sure I’m auditioning for the same role so I can beat you out for it or be sure I ask if you got the role before I agree to anything so I can turn it down if you’re in this movie.”
Rome tried not to sneer at him. “I auditioned for the part of Robert,” he said. “What role are you auditioning for?”
A wide grin broke across Tim’s face. “Same role.”
“Well, then, good luck. I’ll be nervous knowing I’m going up against you.”
“You shouldn’t be,” he said with a shrug. “There’s no way in hell they’ll choose you before they choose me, especially without your dad’s backing. This isn’t one of his movies, you know?”
“I know, Tim. I’ve always tried my best to make my own name for myself. I rarely audition for films my dad’s company is involved in. When I do, it’s because I’m particularly passionate about the part.”
Tim rolled his eyes. “Whatever, Verona. Don’t drop that shitty philosophical stuff on me. I don’t buy it. You’re following the cash like everyone else.”
It should have been clear that wasn’t the case. If it was, Rome would’ve taken the easy route and only auditioned for movies his dad’s company produced. But there was no point in trying to explain that to Tim. He hoped Ella’s cousin would go home and consider what he’d said to him, how he’d been friendly and polite and not lost his head. At the moment, he decided to let it go and hurry to go see her. “Have a nice afternoon, Tim. Best of luck with the audition.” Rome gave him a friendly smile and then headed to his car, truly hoping he did well. In fact, he hoped Tim beat him out for the part. If that’s what it took for him to win some points with Tim, that was okay with him.
Sitting in his car, Rome took a few deep breaths. He reminded himself that he was on his way to see Ella, and nothing could wipe the smile off of his face. He prayed she’d gotten to the restaurant safely and that she was as excited to see him as he was to see her. Just thinking about her wiped away all of the angst Tim had set on his shoulders. Rome buckled his seat belt and hurried off to meet his girl, confident today would be one of the best days of his life.
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