Chapter III
III
Levi
“So did you grow up here?”
Javier, my Uber driver, doesn’t answer me.
Maybe it’s a stupid question. I certainly didn’t grow up here—that much seems obvious to everyone I meet in LA.
I might have the build for film work, but I don’t have the charm.
The look I get in the rearview mirror confirms my suspicion. It doesn’t stop me from trying.
“I’m a stunt double. That’s what brought me here.
” Yes, I’m answering questions he hasn’t asked just to break up the quiet.
I’ve never been good at silence. “You know the Battle of the Gods series? I’m doubling for Colt Haggerty.
” This intentional name drop gets me a moment of eye contact and a quirked eyebrow.
“I know, right? I can’t believe it either.
” It comes out of my mouth with a cautious laugh.
He shrugs as he clicks on the blinker, and my phone rings with a call from Sherry.
“Levi, change of plans.”
This is something else I’ve noticed here: Everyone is all business. No one has time for a greeting, not even my agent. “I’m texting you an address for Ana Barlow’s home. Have your driver bring you there, and we can circle up after. Her manager wants you to meet with her.”
I’m quickly learning that utility is Hollywood’s currency.
But what could Ana Barlow possibly want from me?
I wonder. Sherry answers before I can ask.
“She has a proposal for you, and she promises it’s worth your while to show up.
I can neither confirm nor deny whether this means sexual favors, and, frankly, I don’t care.
Just don’t screw this up. Listen, I’ve gotta go.
I’m sure you’ll do great.” I’m also learning that everyone in LA hangs up before I’ve had a chance to respond.
My experience with Ana Barlow can hardly be called experience: I sat across the room from her at the table read a few days ago. She was courteous, though not particularly warm. Where other cast members were happy to introduce themselves and make small talk, she kept to herself.
I try to update Javier with the new address, but he directs me to the app. I take advantage of the thirty-minute drive to google her.
Ana Barlow in Discussions for She’s All Mine Sequel
They’re Just Like Us: Stars Losing Their Cool at LAX
‘Athena’s War’ Bets on Barlow and Haggerty
What the fck is wrong with AB???
I click on the fourth link, an r/celebsnark thread from two weeks ago.
Immediately, I know it’s a mistake. It’s full of rants and conspiracy theories—about her love life, her career failures, her diet, all the reasons she looked horrible at a recent red-carpet appearance.
To call these comments critical would be an understatement.
This is brutal. If she’s as closed off as SorryNotSorry87 seems to think, I can’t say I blame her.
I swipe up to close the page and put my phone face down on the seat next to me. Trying to learn more about her has revved up my nerves and kicked up my heart rate. Like I’m prepping for a fight scene, not showing up for a business meeting.
The polyester of the seat belt rubs against my neck as I take in a deep inhale, releasing it slowly against the glass window of the Prius as we arrive at a beautiful modern home with drawn shades. Unlike Sherry, I’m not confident I’ll “do great.”
A few long strides, and I’m knocking on Ana Barlow’s front door.