Something Gained (USC Series Book #1)

SOMETHING GAINED
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BROOKLYNN

There has always been one constant love in my life. One thing that brought me comfort no matter what else was happening.

Acting.

Being on stage, performing underneath those bright lights, and that addictive adrenaline rush I feel. There is nothing else quite like it.

My phone rings and Jamie, my agent's name, pops up on my screen. I slide across and answer.

His welcoming, sing-song voice sends through to the other line, meeting my ear. "Hey, Brooklynn. Long time, no talk."

I hum in agreement.

It had been a while since Jamie had called me. The last trace of contact with him was a brief email informing me of an audition he thought I should take about a week ago.

"Have you had time to review the email I sent you? About that new position on a new and upcoming series?" he asks and the sound of papers flipping echoes behind him.

"Uh-huh. I think I'm going to take it." When I had quickly skimmed over the script and read some lines for the character Jamie wanted me to play; I was sold pretty quickly.

The show is supposedly going to be airing on the CW. It's about this girl, Annie Russell, who moves from Kentucky to New York to get away from her abusive family. From what I had gathered, the show travels through Annie's emotional trauma and navigates her love life as well.

It differed from the roles I typically play. I usually go for the ditzy best friend roles. It's what I'm best at. But Annie's character piqued my interest because it was deep, emotional and an enjoyable challenge that can improve my acting skills.

"When's the audition again?" I ask, removing myself from my bed and walking over to my desk, where I recall placing the script.

"Beginning of January," Jamie tells me. "You'd have to drive out to Hollywood for it."

I nod and grab the first pen and post-it I see and jot that down. I rip off the note and stick it on my wall with all my other urgent reminders.

"Okay," I drawl absently, skimming over more of the script.

A car honking startles me slightly but Jamie quickly apologises, "Sorry. I gotta go. Talk to you later."

The line dies off and silence surrounds me like a heavy cloud. I take a deep breath in, fluttering my eyes closed involuntarily.

I stand from my bed and walk out into the living room of my apartment, finding Brinley staring right at me.

"Brooklynn. Hello. Haven't seen you in ages," she says through an awfully fake, tight-lipped smile.

I slump my shoulders slightly and avoid her deadly gaze while I walk into the kitchen. When I reach to get a glass, I hear approaching footsteps and know they are Brinley's. Whose else would they be? I hesitate when I turn around to the sink, still not daring to meet her gaze.

"Where have you been?" she asks, less poison lacing her tone this time when she speaks.

I shrug and flick on the sink, filling my glass with water. "In my bedroom."

I know Brinley is only joking around with this interrogation, but I refuse to admit what she knows and is digging for.

"Really? 'Cause last time I saw you was on Friday night. When you left for Aidan's, might I add." Brinley points an accusing finger in my direction.