On the Outside (Caught Inside #3) Read Online Free Page B

and coming up with the best tones. Nope, none of these casting agents saw that. All they were able to focus on was the fact that I was now Harper Montgomery—bad girl of show business . Apparently all the auditions were meant for the girl next door, and after my “little stunt,” as Robert so lovingly referred to it, nobody in show business could see me any other way but a tramp.
    “Thank you, we’ll let you know.” The prim woman pursed her lips and nodded her head slightly. She motioned for her PA to snap off the camera and gestured toward the door. “You can leave.”
    My mouth dropped open. “But I didn’t even get to read—”
    “We’ll let you know,” she snapped.
    Dumbfounded, I backed away slowly until my fingertips grazed the wooden door. It suddenly opened, causing me to stumble into a pretty girl—a girl who looked strikingly like me.
    “Watch it!” she growled, pushing me off of her.
    Catching myself, I straightened my body and frowned when I noticed the crowd that had formed in the waiting room. It was as if I’d landed in a convention for women with long red hair and blue eyes. It wasn’t a foreign concept to see clones of yourself at auditions. I mean, these casting agents do have a specific type they’re looking for. However, it was a bit strange to see almost mirror images of you scowling, whispering, snickering, and even glaring in your direction. As hard as it was, I found some shred of strength to lift my chin and puff out my chest.
    I will not let them get to me.
    The walk between the two rows of seats made me feel even more like an ant under a magnifying glass. These Harper clones stared at me, whispering loud enough for me to hear.
    “Look, there goes that slut.”
    “Did you hear? She’s slept with Aaron Ferguson now. She must be loose, if you know what I mean.”
    “Read an interview with Coby Evans. He said she was a pain to work with. Bet she hit that and quit that too.”
    Inwardly, I cringed but kept my mouth shut. There was no way I was going to start yet another scene in a major studio, considering that I was already skating on thin ice. Somehow, amidst all the hate, I mustered enough strength to make it to the lobby of the building, where yet again I was met with more whispers and stares.
    “There’s no way I’m getting this part,” I mumbled under my breath. I glanced behind me and noticed that even the security guard was laughing at me. “Or any other part for that matter.”
    Just my luck, Justin Timberlake’s melodic voice began to croon again, interrupting my impending wallow in shame. My heart involuntarily clenched at the sound of my cell phone. It was an all too familiar feeling…that hint of hope I felt that Riley would reach out to me. A full week had passed and still nothing but radio silence. It hurt and I missed her. To make matters worse, Aaron would not stop contacting me. I guess the fool didn’t know how to take no for an answer. I should have known he was crazy. I mean, he once followed Riley all the way to California to beg and grovel. She was smart and didn’t give him the time of day. I should have taken note.
    JT hit a high note, prompting me to answer. I lifted my phone and rolled my eyes at the image of Robert on my screen. I always thought actors were supposed to love their managers. Why did I hate mine so much?
    With a sigh, I answered. “Hello?”
    “You didn’t get Law and Order .”
    I snorted. “I kind of figured that.”
    “Or the pilot or the—”
    “Okay, okay, I get it.” I sighed and rubbed circles against my forehead. “You don’t need to call me just to tell me stuff I already know.”
    There was a slight pause before a cheerful voice asked, “Are you so sure about that?”
    My eyelids blinked rapidly. “Wait…why do you sound so happy?”
    “Maybe because despite your transgressions—”
    “Big word there, Rob,” I interrupted with a huff.
    Ignoring me, he pressed on. “Somehow you impressed the casting