RINGOFTRUTHEBOOK (1) Read online

  “Oh, uh, are you sure? I don’t want to interrupt anything.” Jake looked between Erin and Carissa.

  “No, not at all. Matt and I were just leaving anyway.” She held out her hand. “I’m Carissa, by the way.”

  “Jake.” He shook both Carissa’s and Matt’s hands.

  “Well, Jake, you enjoy your lunch. We’ll see you later.” Carissa pushed a protesting Matt out the door and turned to mouth “Call me” to Erin.

  Erin wanted to crawl under the table and never leave. Instead she put on her business persona and pretended like she wasn’t sitting with the hottest guy she’d met.

  “So was I really interrupting something?” Jake sat down across from Erin and gestured toward where Carissa had just left.

  “No, we were just having lunch to celebrate something that happened at work.” She took a bite of her salad so she’d stop talking.

  “Oh? What happened at work? Big promotion?” Jake sipped his drink, keeping his eyes on her. The deep blue was brought out by the blue in his sports coat.

  She shook her head. “No, although I’m hoping it will end up getting me a promotion. I got an account for a jewelry company, and I get to do all their advertising for Christmas.”

  Jake raised his eyebrows. “Christmas? You realize it’s August, right?”

  “We’ve actually been putting it together for a couple of months now, and they announced who would be over the account yesterday. This morning I had to present the campaign to them so we could finalize advertisements, get the commercials filmed, that sort of thing.” She took a sip of her drink. “What about you? Why are you all dressed up?”

  He looked down at his jacket and blushed. “It’s nothing. I’ve just been to a few auditions this morning.”

  “Auditions? You’re an actor?” She stared at his face, wondering if she’d seen him in a movie before.

  “Well, I’d like to be. I’ve been trying to find something, but for now, I’m just the animal shelter guy.” He laughed, and it sent a thrill through Erin. It was deep and welcoming.

  “It’ll happen. Do you have an agent yet?”

  He shook his head. “I’ve been working on that since I moved here from Georgia. They want to see my acting resume, but I can’t have that until I get an agent and get some gigs. One big circular mess.”

  “The joys of acting. I’m sure you’ll find something.” She brightened suddenly. “Hey, maybe I could help you out. We’ll need a guy for the ads, and maybe we could use you. We’d need to do some kind of audition first, though.”

  “Seriously? That would be great.” He reached forward and put his hand on hers, but jerked back when he realized what he’d done. “Sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” She could feel her face burn. Her hand still felt the warmth of his. “How did the auditions go today? Do you think you’ll get any of them?”

  He laughed. “No. They were looking for people who were younger, or older, or with more fur.”

  “Fur?”

  “Yes, they wanted dogs. I guess I could have taken some of the dogs from the pound.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I have a couple more auditions tomorrow. Among other things.”

  Erin pushed her food to the side, work forgotten. “What things?”

  Jake waved his hand away. “It’s nothing, really. My parents are coming, and I have to get a few things done before they arrive.”

  “Must be world parent day or something. Mine are headed into town as well.” She felt her phone buzz with a text message and pulled it out of her pocket. “Oh, hey, that’s my boss. They want to discuss some of the ads. But, look. If you give me your number, I can call you once we’re ready to shoot the commercials.”

  “That would be great.” Jake checked his pockets. “I don’t have a pen, do you?”

  Erin handed him her phone. “Here, just type it in. That’ll be easier.”

  Jake entered his name and number and handed it back. “Thanks. I’ll see you around.”

  “See you later.” Erin stood and followed him out. She watched him go, and then headed back to the office.

  Debra was waiting at Erin’s desk when Erin arrived. She held up a thick folder full of papers. “Here’s your schedule for the next few weeks.”

  Erin took it from her and shuffled through it. “Wait, this starts tomorrow. I thought we were starting Monday.”

  “This is just how it goes. They liked your ideas enough that they wanted to get started early. Did you get the numbers on the advertising costs?”

  “Yes, they’re on my desk.” Erin grabbed the papers she’d been working on and handed them to Debra. “I think we can make it work with the budget they gave us. We’ll just have to be more careful with who we choose to work with since there won’t be much time for an audition.”

  “Perfect. I’m sure we have some great actors in our database.”

  “Actually, I have an idea for the guy. We just need to come up with a female.” Erin didn’t mean to bring Jake up so fast, but she hadn’t had much choice. Not to mention she had no idea how well he could act.

  “Does he have good credentials?” Debra asked.

  “He’s an up and coming actor. He has no guild, so that could actually save us some money.” Guilds were expensive, and while she planned to pay him well, he’d still be cheaper than most of the actors they usually used. Now if only she knew that he could actually act. Maybe she should have watched his audition first.

  “Wonderful. I’ll send these numbers on.” Debra left Erin’s office, and Erin sat down to go through the agencies. Since she already knew what Jake looked like, she could find someone who would pair well with him.

  By the end of the workday, Erin had a list of a few girls who would work, and she’d called them to make appointments. Two called back and planned to be there the next day. She sat back and stretched, hoping she knew what she was getting herself into.

  Chapter 4

  Jake had a hard time concentrating at work after his encounter with Erin. There was something about her that was intoxicating. She seemed to know what she wanted in life, and it made her that much more attractive. The job she’d talked about sounded appealing, but he wasn’t sure if it was because of the job itself or the fact that he could spend time with her.

  He pushed that thought away. He didn’t know if she’d call. She hadn’t seen him act, and besides, it could be weeks down the road, and he needed something now.

  A small family came into the pound looking for a dog they could adopt. Jake showed them around to the different dogs that would work well with kids. They decided on a beagle, and Jake helped take care of the paperwork while the kids played with the dog. He was relieved to see that it would be going to a good home.

  Once they left, Jake made sure all of the animals had food and water, and then pulled out the newspaper he collected on the way back from lunch. He circled a few more ads so he could call when he got home.

  A few more people came in to pick out a new pet, and then it was time to close. He was shutting off the lights in the back room when he heard the doorbell ding.

  “Sorry, we’re closed,” he called out.

  “Okay, I’ll wait outside,” Erin called back.

  Jake hurried back to the front. “Wait. I didn’t realize it was you. Did you need something?”

  Erin grinned. “How would you like a job starting tomorrow?”

  “What? Seriously?” Jake looked at the calendar. He already had the day off so he could fix up his apartment, but that could wait. He needed this job more than a few decorations.

  Erin handed him a paper. “I got back to the office to find out that they wanted to start tomorrow.”

  Jake read through the offer, and tried not to show his excitement over the pay. It wasn’t huge by any means, but it was more than enough to pay off his rent and get a few things for his apartment. “This looks great. Wow. I don’t even know what to say.”

  “Say yes. Or, at least say you’ll think about it. I found girls that wo
uld match you for the ad, so I need you.” Her face reddened, but it only made her more beautiful.

  “Okay. Well, I’ll be going over to an audition in a few minutes. I can call you afterward with my answer. Unless … you want to come with me?” He asked before he had time to think. She just had him so flustered.

  “I … sure. I could do that.” She checked her phone.

  “Did you already have plans? I can just meet you tomorrow instead.” He shouldn’t have asked. Of course she’d have plans.

  “No, really. I’d love to come. This way I can see you act. Where is the audition?” She put her phone back in her pocket and slipped her purse over her shoulder.

  “Downtown. We’ll have to catch a cab. I don’t have a car.” He clocked out and turned off the computer.

  “The subway might be faster.” She looked at her watch. “Especially right now.”

  It was Jake’s turn to blush. “I don’t do the subway. Confined spaces and all that. I either walk or I take a cab when I have some spare change.”

  Erin laughed. “My favorite mode of transportation.”

  Jake grinned. “Perfect. I’m done here.”

  He turned off the lights on their way out and watched as Erin flagged down a taxi. He was surprised at how fast she’d managed to get one to stop. Usually it took him several tries.

  They sat quietly while the driver took them to the address Jake gave the driver. Jake wanted to say something, but he had no idea what to talk about. He just enjoyed sitting next to her. Their legs brushed as they drove over bumps in the road. After several glances from the driver, Jake knew he needed to say something.

  “So, how was work? Did you get everything figured out?” There. Work was safe, right?

  Erin nodded. “Yeah, we got the numbers sent over to Smithson Jewelers, and things look great. I hope.”

  “I’m sure it’s great.”

  Erin studied him. “I guess. I still feel like I’m pretending to know what I’m doing.”

  “I bet everyone else feels the same way. We’re all just pretending to be responsible, when we really just want to hide under a blanket and play video games.” Not that he could do that. His only TV had no connectors for anything but cable.

  “I know I’d be a lot happier that way.” She laughed at the look on his face. “Bet you didn’t expect me to be a gamer, did you?”

  “No, I can’t say I did, but what I really want to know is what system you have.”

  “Sadly I don’t have any right now, but I have several retro Nintendo games I’ve collected over the years.” Her face reddened and she looked out the window. “Wow, I haven’t admitted that to anyone.”

  “Why not? What good is having all those games if you don’t play them?” Jake looked out the window in surprise when the taxi pulled up in front of a skyscraper. They’d arrived at the studio a lot sooner than he’d expected. He paid the driver and climbed out and helped Erin before closing the door. He couldn’t believe he’d just said that. “Sorry, that was rude of me.”

  “No, you have a point. I just haven’t found anyone to play with. I got hooked on games in college and just buy them when I find a good sale.” She stared up at the building. “So what’s this audition for?”

  “A soda commercial. I’m pretty stoked.” Jake tried to look serious, but the expression on Erin’s face cracked him up. “Okay, so I’m desperate. But it’s a job, and it’s better than the dog food one from yesterday.”

  “I think anything is an improvement.” Erin followed Jake in while he followed the directions to the right floor.

  “Exactly.” Jake’s stomach was tied in knots thinking about having to audition in front of Erin, but he knew she’d need to see him act before she let him be in her commercial. “Here we go.”

  He opened the door slowly to find a brightly lit room with a desk and a few chairs just inside. Jake filled out the paperwork for the audition, then took a seat outside the studio. Erin sat next to him and pulled out her phone to type a message.

  Jake rubbed his hands together and closed his eyes to try get rid of the butterflies. He’d done this dozens of times, but he still got nervous.

  Erin nudged his shoulder. “You’ll be just fine. Just pretend you’re talking to your best friend and ignore the big camera.”

  He opened his eyes and smiled at her. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one in front of the camera.”

  “Exactly. Good luck.”

  A tall, thin man opened the door to the studio and stood in front of Jake with a clipboard. “Are you Jake Wilson?”

  “Yes, that’s me.” Jake shook the man’s hand and took the script he was handed.

  The man checked something off on his list. “Great. You’re up next. We just have to set a few things up. Who is this?”

  “This is—”

  “I’m Erin Tyler. I’m with Silver Script Ad Agency, and I’m here to see how you audition your talent.” She handed him her business card shook the man’s hand. Totally cool and calm. As always.

  The man opened the door and gestured for them to walk in. “Come on in. We just ask for it to be completely silent on the set.”

  Jake walked in and read through his lines a few times so he’d know what to say. He shook off the nerves, and went into acting mode.

  The director sat in his chair and motioned for Jake to go. Without thinking about what he was doing, he stared straight at Erin as if he was talking directly to her and the words flowed from him. The slogan was familiar enough that he didn’t have to think about it.

  When he was done, it was silent in the room for a split second while everyone watched for the director’s response. Two agonizing seconds later, he stood and clapped.

  “That was fantastic. Best I’ve heard all night. Or ever. And the way you spoke, it was like you were talking right to the TV audience. Brilliant.”

  Jake stood there stunned. Did that mean he had the job? “Wow, thank you.”

  “We’ll be contacting you in the next few days.” The director held out his hand and Jake shook it.

  After shaking everyone’s hands one more time, Jake and Erin were ushered out the door before it shut behind them.

  Jake turned to Erin. “What just happened?”

  Erin laughed, her eyes dancing. “I think you got the part. That was amazing.”

  “Thanks. Are you sure?” Jake stood there, still stunned by what had just happened. Usually his auditions were just a few polite words and promises that they’d call him back. They never did. He had no idea how much he would even get paid. He probably should have asked.

  “Seriously, it was fantastic. I can’t wait to see how you do with the commercials for me. You’ll be perfect.” Erin took Jake by the arm and pulled him toward the elevator.

  “So you still want me for the job?” Jake laughed. “That would really make my day.”

  Erin stopped and stared into Jake’s eyes. “The director wasn’t kidding when he said what he did. You made us believe that it was the best soda ever.”

  “Thanks. I guess it helps when you know the slogan by heart.” He laughed. He wanted to tell her that she was the reason he’d been able to do so well, but there was no way he’d admit that right now. Not when he’d be working for her the next day.

  Chapter 5

  Erin woke the next morning to her phone ringing. She rubbed her eyes and reached for it, knocking papers to the ground in the process. It was Carissa.

  “Hi. Why are you up so early?” Erin glanced at her clock and groaned. She still had another half an hour before she needed to wake up. She could have used the sleep after staying up late finalizing the script for the advertisement. That day was more of a run through, but she wanted it perfect.

  “You didn’t call yesterday, so I barely slept. Why didn’t you tell me this Jake guy was perfect?”

  Erin rolled her eyes. “Because I was annoyed with him.”

  “He didn’t seem too annoying at the restaurant.” Carissa’s voice sounded a lot like
her ‘I’m going to play matchmaker’ voice.

  “No, he was nice then. And after work when I went to his audition with him.” Erin added the last part in just so she could hear Carissa’s squeal. She put her phone on speaker so she could get dressed. Since she was up, she might as well get to the studio early.

  “You went out with him last night? How was it? Did you kiss?”

  “I just met the guy. Besides, we were busy the whole time. It was more of a business thing.”

  “Right. Well, if you two have anymore ‘business dates,’ you better tell me as soon as you get home. I want details.”

  “Got it. Now, I really need to get to work. I’ll talk to you tonight.” Erin slipped on her shoes.

  “You’d better.”

  Erin put her phone in her purse, then headed out to the kitchen.

  “Sorry, Coco. I don’t have time to eat breakfast with you.” Erin dished out Coco’s food before throwing some bread into the toaster.

  Coco meowed and watched everything Erin was doing before turning to her food. Erin picked her up and scratched under her chin before setting her down and grabbing her bags. She hurried downstairs and flagged a cab, then pulled the paper out of her purse so she could give the right address to the cab driver.

  Usually they filmed the commercials in a studio that was close to her office building, but since they were going all out with this account, she’d found a higher end studio to work with. She just hoped it was worth the extra cost.

  They pulled up to a building near where Jake had auditioned the night before. Erin paid the driver, and climbed out. She stared in awe at the large glass building in front of her. They’d pulled out all the stops when it came to the contemporary architecture. Erin walked in through the main doors and past the sleek, modern couches toward the reception desk. While waiting for the receptionist, she took in the splashes of bright colors in the paintings, and the almost sterile look to the waiting area.

  “May I help you?” the receptionist asked.

  “Yes, I’m here for the commercial shoot for Smithson Jewelers. Erin Tyler.” Erin tapped her fingers for a moment before she made a fist. Her mom was always getting after her for the nervous habit she’d had since she was a kid.