Ashton watched as Em braced himself on a nearby table.
The phone call had not sounded good at all. Em had been tense from the moment he had picked up and now, he had gone pale.
Over the speakers, he had caught a girl's voice on the line and she had sounded stressed.
He had figured it was about a show when Em mentioned 'auditions' and something that was likely the title of the show.
But as the conversation had continued, Ashton had realized something was wrong.
Em had an extremely expressive face when he wasn't acting and he got more and more upset as the call progressed.
When Em asked what kind of auditions ran at eight in the evening, Ashton had the very same question.
Something felt incredibly wrong.
Incredibly… Fishy.
Clearly the audition date and timing had been moved. Why would it have been specifically shifted to this exact day and time?
Moreover, Em looked thoroughly defeated when he finally said, "I can't leave. But thank you for telling me."
Something sour sat at the base of Ashton's stomach, the more he looked at Em's expression, the worse he felt.
For someone who had been full of life and determination since Ashton had met him, it was unsettling to see Em so dejected.
"Is everything alright?" Ashton asked, hoping to find a way to help.
His mind was already working, wondering if this was another piece in the puzzle he had before him.
Before, he had found it strange that Em was such a good actor but had trouble finding work.
He had seen what had happened in his previous audition.
Now this.
Ashton's frown deepened.
He expected Em to bail. But he had told the person on the phone he couldn't leave.
Respect for Em's professionalism and dedication soared even as Ashton's worry increased.
To his surprise, Em pulled his shoulders back and told him, "Nothing's wrong. We should get back."
Em marched past him and towards the dining room with sheer grit shining in those large, grey eyes of his.
Ashton felt an unexpected tug in his heart.
Had he ever met anyone with so much backbone and so strong a character?
Sympathy and admiration, that was what Ashton was feeling. Probably.
Em was practically a stranger. Ashton was very likely just impressed with his work ethic.
That would explain that strange sensation in his heart.
***
Emmaline's heart felt as though it was cracking, splintering and then finally, breaking.
She had the highest hopes to audition for a role in 'Touch of Love'.
Not only was the producer one of the best in the industry, she was sure that she would do really well in the supporting role. She had even foolishly hoped that it would be her big break.
She shut her eyes, trying to beat down the emotions and focus on her role now.
After taking a few steps towards the dining room, she heard Ashton follow and catch up with her.
By the time they re-entered the room, Ashton had one hand on the small of her back and she had a sincere smile on her lips.
The show had to go on.
It passed in some kind of blur.
Emmaline remained firmly in character, but she was on autopilot.
She leaned in towards Ashton and complimented the hosts on their tea collection.
She answered a couple of questions about herself ('an aspiring actor' and 'I live with my mother, no, it's just us').
She answered a question about her and Ashton ('he asked me first, I wouldn't have been brave enough to ask').
And the whole time, her heart was aching for yet another lost chance.
The whole time, she could feel the weight of Ashton's gaze on her.
The others may mistake it as a lovestruck look, but Emmaline knew that he was worried.
She could tell it from the tone of his voice when he asked her if everything was alright.
Despite being the kind of person she wasn't supposed to like AKA a rich kid, Ashton came across as one hundred percent genuine.
Which made her want to do this job properly. She owed that to him.
"We'll take our leave first," Ashton's voice cut through her emotion laden haze.
"So soon?" Sienna glanced at the clock and Emmaline did too. It was only eight thirty and Emmaline remembered Ashton telling her to be prepared to stay until ten.
"Can't have you all monopolizing Em," Ashton grinned at his family and they shook their heads at him, clearly used to his playful nature.
Ashton grabbed Emmaline's hand and pulled her to her feet.
"Now that you've met him, you can't blame me for wanting to squeeze in some alone time, right?" Ashton winked at Emmaline and like clockwork, Emmaline blushed.
She really had to get her reactions under control!
How could she keep reacting to some random rich gay guy like this? It was a recipe for disaster.
They said their goodbyes and within minutes, Emmaline found herself back in Ashton's car.
"Do you think it went well? Did I do something wrong, is that why we left early?" She asked, already playing back her actions and words.
Maybe her acting hadn't been great after getting off the phone and he wanted a refund!
Ashton turned to her, his face unreadable.
"Em, you did great," He wasn't smiling anymore and Emmaline was once again struck by how quickly he shed the playful exterior for this serious version.
"But that's not what's important right now," He picked up her bag and put it in her hands.
"It's not?" Emmaline was not following at all, she stared down at her bag.
"It's not," Ashton confirmed, he nudged her bag, "Call that person back and ask them for the details of the audition."
Emmaline's brain sputtered and stopped completely.
"What?"
"Call your friend, Em," Ashton started the car and it purred to life under them, "We're going to get you to that audition."