This is the eleventh part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, and Part X before continuing.
“Well, it’s not a starring role,” Eliza said as soon as Angela picked up the phone. “And I highly doubt it’ll be a blockbuster, but I did get a part in a movie that’s shooting in New York City this summer.”
Angela squealed, squeezed her eyes shut tight, threw her free hand in the air and danced around in a circle. “Yes! I knew it. I told you. I told you you just had to put it out there and the universe would bring it to you. I am so excited. When are you coming?”
“I’m on a pretty tight schedule. Season one of the show wraps in May and the film starts shooting at the beginning of June. I’m not gonna have a lot of breathing room, but I’m gonna squeeze in a few days to spend with you. And because it’s a minor role and I don’t have to be back in L.A. until August, I bet I’ll be able to hang around after we wrap. Or at least after I wrap.”
“You mean before you get back to your hit TV show? That you’re starring in? The one that got renewed for a second season because it broke all the ratings scales? That show?”
Angela couldn’t see Eliza’s grin, but she could hear it through the phone. “All right. I guess it’s officially time to get my hopes up.”
“Get your hopes up? No. See, you’ve moved way past the getting excited phase and are squarely in the phase of popping champagne bottles and spraying champagne all over the room just because you can.”
Eliza laughed, then said, “No, now I’m in the phase of trying to take advantage of this. One breakout role is not enough to make me a star. I have to keep working as much as I can so my fans don’t forget what I look like.”
“Oooooo! Your ‘fans.’ That sounds so legit. So Hollywood.”
“I know, right? It’s crazy, but there are all these people who love me. Or they think they love me. Or they love my character. Or something. I don’t know. Having people I don’t know know who I am is deeply weird.”
“Yeah, but this is what you wanted, right? This is all you’ve ever talked about for as long as I’ve known you.”
“Yes and no. I love acting, but I’ve always known how hard it is to be famous.”
“Do you even know how ridiculous you sound right now?”
Eliza giggled. “Do I sound like a Hollywood starlet?” She made her voice breathy as she half-joked with her best friend.
“Yes, you do.” Angela made her voice high and shrill, like a teenaged fan. “O. M. G. I cannot believe I am talking to THE Eliza!” Getting back to business she said, “So I’ll see you in June.”
To be continued …
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