Chapter 2012
Ivy couldn’t fathom the idea of getting something for nothing. She prided herself on her independence and work ethic.
“No need, Grandma,” Ivy brushed off the offer of help with a playful grin, “With my killer resume, I’ll land a job in no time.”
Alyssa, respecting her wish, didn’t press the matter further. Instead, she deftly changed the subject to a lighter topic, “So, how was the movie night with Balfour?” she inquired with a twinkle in her eye.
The mention of the movie night brought back memories of that unexpected kiss, causing Ivy to look away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, “It was fine, Grandma,” she replied, a touch of awkwardness in her voice, “But why didn’t you tell me it was his birthday? I didn’t bring a gift or anything.”
“The best gift you could give him is your hand in marriage,” Alyssa quipped, noticing Ivy’s flustered reaction. Her smile grew wider, sensing something more between the two.
Their conversation was interrupted by the ring of the telephone. Ivy picked up the receiver, greeted by an unfamiliar number, “See, Grandma? I told you I’d get a job offer soon. Let me take this call.”
She walked to the bay window, the sunlight casting warm glows on her face as she answered, “Hello?”
“Hello, is this Ivy Dunhill?” came a respectful voice from a woman on the other end.
“Yes, speaking. And who might this be?”
The woman on the line got straight to the point, “Hello Ivy, I’m Juliana from Echo Entertainment Company. We’re producing a new film and we’d like to offer you the lead female role. Are you interested?”
“A movie?” Ivy was perplexed, “Are you sure you’ve got the right person?”
“Absolutely,” Juliana assured, “We saw your work in the ad for the Harris Group and felt you perfectly embody the character we’re casting for. It took us quite a while to track down your contact details.”
The offer to play the lead in a movie left Ivy in disbelief, assuming it was a case of mistaken identity. But hearing how they had found her, she began to take the offer seriously. She had done the ad as a favor to Nolan, never expecting it to lead to something
like this.
“I appreciate the compliment, and thank you for considering me, but I’m not a professional actress, and I’m not looking to become one. I’m afraid I’ll have to pass on your movie.”
Juliana glanced at the director, Colton, sitting beside her, her voice tinged with disappointment, “Colton, Ivy says she’s not interested in acting at the moment.”
“She turned us down?” Colton was taken aback. He’d directed several acclaimed movies and was used to actors jumping at the chance to be in his projects.
The fact that Ivy, his ideal choice for the lead, had declined so readily was unexpected.
Juliana nodded and showed a resigned smile on her face, “Yes, she declined without hesitation.”
Colton was suddenly on edge. He’d poured years of effort into this film, and everything was in place except the perfect actress.
After he looked at so many actors, he found Ivy but did not expect her to reject it.
Determined, he took the phone from Juliana, “Ivy, this is Colton, the director of the film.”
Ivy was startled to hear a man’s voice on the line. “Director? This isn’t some kind of scam, is it?”
“Of course not,” Colton replied earnestly, “I’ve reviewed many actresses for this role. You possess the exact qualities we’re looking for in our lead. I’m personally inviting you to join us.”
