A Hire Love. Candice Dow

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СКАЧАТЬ smiled and his philosophy made me smile. Though I could have interpreted his speech to say that he planned to be a starving actor for the rest of his life, I decided to assume that this was a man with strong faith. I shrugged my shoulders. “It makes sense. So, did you live in New York prior to pursuing acting?”

      “Born and raised. What about you?”

      “Alabama.”

      He blushed. “I love Southern women.”

      “Why? Do you think they can cook?”

      He laughed. “I used to, but I noticed that the script says the only thing that you can make are reservations.”

      I smiled. He said, “It’s okay. I love to cook.”

      I should have just told him that he was hired on the spot. Instead, I decided to be fair and finish the auditions. Thirty minutes didn’t seem long enough. If I didn’t account for his tardiness, twenty minutes was too soon, though it was long enough for me to decide that he would likely be my leading man.

      Smiling, I said, “That’s good to know. I’m quite impressed. I’ll give you a call to let you know my decision.”

      He gazed into my eyes. “And you didn’t even allow me to get into character.”

      “Yeah, I understand, but I have more auditions.”

      “Really? I thought for sure you’d found your guy.”

      We both chuckled. He smirked and noted, “Confidence was in bold print.”

      “I know. You clearly have that mastered.”

      “Do you promise to call?”

      My heart fluttered and I paused before I spoke: “Yes, I promise.”

      “And I promise you that I’m the man for this job.”

      When he stood, he delicately gripped my fingertips. As he kissed my hand, his eyes pierced through me and summoned me to stand. Just hire him Fatima!

      “Thanks so much. We’ll talk soon.”

      He smiled. “I’m holding my breath, so don’t take too long.”

      His chest inflated with air and mine deflated. He was clever, funny, handsome, and the guy for the job. I pulled out my cell phone to get Mya’s input on my selection. When I looked up, Number Five strutted in, and I slowly closed my phone. A platinum chain hung from his neck. His plaid Polo shirt was unbuttoned all the way, exposing the seven-inch crucifix dangling on his white T-shirt. Aside from the flamboyant jewelry, I couldn’t have created him better from scratch. He made me hold my breath. While I disregarded his attire, I absorbed him. He was at least six feet four. Caramel brown. Dark features and a fabulous smile. His pec muscles reached out to me as he approached. I squirmed in my chair. Hmmm. My mouth watered when, unlike the rest of the actors, he reached for a hug. Awkwardly, I stood. My, my, my! I felt protected.

      My interview questions escaped me. As I cleared my throat, he smiled at me. “Would you like some water?”

      “No, actually, I’m okay.” His concern flattered me as I confirmed, “I’m good.”

      He grabbed the pitcher on the table and began to pour water into my half-full glass. A triple-tier platinum bracelet dangled from his wrist. Though his looks and appeal had me floating, those jewels were sinking the odds. Finally, I sipped the water and smiled.

      “See, I knew you needed water.”

      “So, how long have you been an actor?”

      He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Acting actually came to me. I started out as a model.”

      His defined bone structure was definitely what I wanted to see on the cover of a magazine. I took a deep breath. Unconsciously, my head nodded.

      He smiled back. “Yeah, so I got a few acting gigs and found this to be more lucrative.”

      As I critically examined the bling he flossed, I teased, “I can tell.”

      He didn’t catch the joke. If he is hired, I’ll stress the dress code then. For now, I decided to get acquainted with his personality. Sike. Not really, it was one of those instances when attraction defeats intellect, because I heard nothing this man said.

      He was funny. I think. He was clever. I guess. Just as I was about to say cut, he said, “I bought tickets to the Alvin Ailey performance tomorrow, would you like to go?”

      I had to decline because Mya and I had tickets for tonight. “Did you already have the tickets or did you purchase them because the script said that I never miss the company when they’re performing?”

      “The latter.”

      “How’d you get tickets so late?”

      “eBay.”

      I asked, “eBay dot com?”

      “Yes.”

      Hmmm. He’s fine and computer-literate. Every thug needs a lady. Okay, okay. I interrupted whatever he was saying, “I should be making a decision soon, so I’ll give you a call.”

      “We’re done?”

      “Yeah, I’ve had a long day, but thanks so much for coming out.”

      His head bowed. “Thank you.”

      I sat there alone and sipped more of the wine that Number Four had bought. How could I not be sure if I wanted Four or Five? I was physically attracted to both, but something about Five connected with my body. Then, on the other hand, Four had it all, but he also seemed too arrogant to become fully immersed in the script. Since this script was about me, I needed someone that I could mold, like Number Five.

      Mya called as I compared their pros and cons. While I tried to explain the dilemma, she interrupted me, “Duh? Have another audition.”

      I huffed. “When do I have the time to do this?”

      “Have them meet us at Lotus after the show.”

      “Tonight?”

      “No, next week.”

      I laughed. “Okay, I’ll give them an hour apiece.”

      “It sounds like a plan. See you at six.”

      “Thanks, Mya.”

      “Don’t mention it.”

      Mya would never understand my rationale for wanting Number Five. So, I planned to have him arrive at eleven and have Four come at twelve. Maybe she would be slightly convinced by the time Number Four got there.

      Scene 7

      RASHAD

      When I walked into the restaurant, my mouth nearly hit the floor as I realized that Fatima was СКАЧАТЬ