A Lonely Sky Read Online Free Page A

liquor into more glasses. “He’s to be on the television.”
    “You are ?” Julia found herself impressed with this handsome stranger. He lived her dream.
    Sam rolled his eyes, but laughed. “Actually, I’ve done television before, bit parts here and there.”
    Heimo talked over his shoulder as he headed to the couple on Julia’s right. “He’ll get his break soon. He’s goin’ to be in a movie. Ask him!”
    “What movie?” Julia tried to conceal her excitement.
    “Look.” Sam lit another cigarette. “I’m only up for a part. It’s a mini-series for the BBC. I don’t have the part yet and I think it’s bad luck to talk about it before I have it.” He turned to her again, his eyes kind and apologetic. “I’m not trying to give you the brush off, Miss, but I’m just superstitious that way.”
    “Believe me. I completely understand. I wanted to study acting, but-”
    “You poor, poor child.” Sam winked. “I suggest you have a drink and start drowning your sorrows early. It’s a miserable life so far. I’m ten years into it and still bloody broke.”
    Disappointment flooded Julia. The last thing she wanted to hear was how difficult the life was. She looked away unable to respond.
    Sam seemed to sense her quiet. “I don’t mean to discourage you.”
    She looked down at her water. “That’s okay. I hear it all the time from my father.” She rose to leave. This evening became worse by the minute. “I should see if my friends want to go.”
    His hand on her arm stopped her. “I’ve upset you.”
    Julia forced a smile. If Sam only knew how sad she really felt, he’d see what a great actress she already was. “No, it’s not you. It’s just been a long day and I need some sleep. It was nice-”
    Bob staggered up to the bar, slurring his words. “We’re gonna have just one more.”
    “You’re pretty drunk as it is,” Julia said.
    Bob nudged himself between Julia and Sam and shoved three steins towards Heimo. “One more round, my good man!”
    Julia glanced at the booth. Kim and Chris huddled together, deep in conversation and each other. She sat back down, and stared at the floor. She’d rather be anywhere than in this tavern.
    Bob scooped up the drinks. “Later.” He stumbled back to the table.
    “Look,” Sam spoke. “I could walk you back to your hotel. Where are you staying?”
    “Thank you, but I’ll just wait for my friends.” She didn’t intend her words to sound as sharp as they did. Sam looked down at his drink.
    Heimo walked over. “Fräulein, Sam is a good man, and will cause no harm to you if he walks you home.”
    “It’s the least I can do,” Sam said. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
    “I promise you, Fräulein,” Heimo said. “Me and Sam are not in, how do you say, cahoots ? Yah, cahoots . We are not in cahoots to steal your fresh American passport.”
    Julia smiled at the funny little bartender and felt reassurance in his twinkling eyes. She turned towards Sam, and sized him up again. She liked what she saw.
    “I’m staying at Friedliches Haus. Do you know where it is?”
    “Of course.” Sam smiled. “I’m not staying too far from there. I’d be happy to see you safely back.”
    “Let me tell my friends I’m going.”
    Sam stubbed out his cigarette and picked up his jacket.
    Julia walked over to the booth. “I’m leaving.”
    She finally won their attention.
    “You are?” Kim said, as if this were the first time Julia mentioned it. “I’ll go, too.”
    Julia breathed a sigh of relief, but Bob interjected. “Oh, come on, Kimmie. Just stay ‘till I finish my drink.” He picked up his beer and chugged about half. “It’ll only be a few more minutes.”
    “Just wait, Jules, we’re almost done. As soon as Bob finishes, we’ll go,” Chris said.
    Julia clenched her jaw. How many times would they promise to leave? The evening only grew later.
    “Ready?” Sam walked up beside her, and she suddenly felt very small next to Sam’s tall