Chapter 23

Arianna smiled at Evelyn as she handed her a mug of coffee. "You look happy, Ev. Really happy. I don't think I've ever seen you this relaxed. I'm glad you've had this time to recharge."

Evelyn felt her cheeks heat up. It wasn't just getting away that had her feeling this relaxed.

"But I have to admit," Arianna continued as Evelyn sat down at the dining room table across from her, "I didn't just come here to catch up and enjoy the Irish countryside."

They'd just finished breakfast, and Evelyn imagined that they were going to make a plan for today now that Arianna had been here for twenty-four hours and adjusted to the time difference.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh?"

Arianna reached into her bag and pulled out what looked like a script, sliding it across the table to Evelyn.

"What's this?" Evelyn asked.

"This is exactly what you're looking for. Not only is this an impressive script, they want you. Specifically. For the lead role."

Evelyn's lips slid into a smile. "Really?"

Arianna nodded. "I had to bring it to you in person. I know what this means to you, and I wanted to see that look on your face."

Evelyn drew in a deep breath. "I was starting to get used to the rejections. I honestly wasn't sure anyone would ever come looking for me again."

"Well, they have."

"What's it about?"

Arianna leaned forward, her voice low and conspiratorial. "It's a gritty political thriller. You'd be playing a former CIA operative who's haunted by her past and gets pulled back into the game when a terrorist cell threatens to unleash a devastating attack on U.S. soil. The story is raw, emotional, and absolutely gripping," Arianna said with a grin. "It's the kind of role that comes along once in a career, if you're lucky. And the best part? The studio is fully behind it. They see it as a surefire way to revitalize your career, to remind everyone why you're one of the best in the business. They want someone that can do this part justice. Not the hottest actress under thirty."

Evelyn felt a mix of excitement and trepidation wash over her as she flipped through the pages of the script. After months of feeling like Hollywood had forgotten her, like her age had made her obsolete in an industry obsessed with youth and beauty, this script felt like a dream come true.

As Arianna continued to gush about the project, Evelyn felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. While she appreciated the incredible potential of the role, she couldn't shake the thought of what accepting it would mean for her time in Ireland, and more importantly, her relationship with Claire. Would she have to leave earlier than the end of October?

Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to mask her inner turmoil as she smiled at Arianna. "This sounds amazing, Ari. It really does."

Arianna beamed, clearly thrilled by Evelyn's reaction. "I knew you'd be excited. Look, I know you were planning to stay in Ireland for a few more months, Ev, but the studio is really eager to get the ball rolling on this project. They want you to be involved in the pre-production process from the start. That means table reads, script workshops, and meetings with the director and producers. They're also talking about getting a jump on the press and publicity, maybe even a few early photoshoots and interviews to generate some buzz. I know it's not ideal, but this is the kind of opportunity that requires you to be all in from day one."

"When am I needed?"

Arianna picked up her phone, scrolling through her calendar. "August 28th for the initial table reads and workshops. Those will run through the first week of September. Then, they want to start principal photography on September 23rd."

Evelyn's mind raced as she processed the information. That would mean cutting her planned stay short by nearly two months. Two months she had hoped to spend with Claire. But at the same time, the allure of the script, the promise of a role that could redefine her career and remind the world of her talent, was impossible to ignore. Evelyn had worked hard to get where she was, had sacrificed so much for her craft, and walking away from a project like just wasn't an option.

"I assume I can tell them that you're in?" Arianna asked, looking up from her phone.

Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to calm the swirling emotions within her. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursing through her veins. Her palms were slightly damp, and she wiped them on her jeans as she met Arianna's expectant gaze.

"Yes," she said, her voice sounding steadier than she felt. "You can tell them I'll do it."

"I was about to make the call now, but it's the middle of the night back home. I'll have to wait a few hours."

Evelyn forced a smile, trying to match Arianna's enthusiasm even as her stomach churned with anxiety. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Claire. How was she going to tell her that their time together was being cut short? And how did Evelyn care this much about someone so quickly? Yes, she'd been here for more than two months, but things had only changed between them a few days ago. This shouldn't have her so torn up.

Evelyn could feel a lump forming in her throat, and she swallowed hard, trying to push down the wave of emotion that threatened to overtake her.