The Extra Read Online Free Page B

corn into his mouth.  She noticed the dirty, matted hair and the grime worn into his clothes.  His face was hidden by a rangy beard, but when their eyes met Bridget thought she recognized an unexpected glimmer of joy.  No matter his current circumstances, Warren struck her as a man who embraced life; at least what he could of it.
    Charles spoke quietly to Warren.  “You’re like, a real-life bum, huh?” he said.
    “I can’t say that I particularly like that word,” Warren answered, none-too-eager to explain himself.
    “Come on Charles, leave the guy alone,” said Bridget, beginning to warm to the man just a little bit.  “He’s not asking you personal questions.”
    “Oh, come on, you don’t mind, do you Warren?” Charles continued.
    Bridget sensed Warren’s unease as he weighed whether or not to answer this question.  She wasn’t sure why she felt such sympathy for him.  The truth was; he didn’t belong here.  If he stayed long enough he was bound to ruin a shot and possibly get them all in trouble, but there was something about him that piqued her curiosity.  Where all of the other extras were busy chasing the Hollywood dream, here was a man just trying to survive.  It was a refreshing dose of reality and quite possibly the most interesting thing that had happened in weeks.
    “You know, this has been quite a morning, but if you don’t mind I think I’ll just finish my lunch and go,” Warren finally said, digging in to his salad.
    “Don’t you want to get paid?” said Bridget. 
    “Paid?” Warren replied, perking up a little.
    “That’s right,” said Charles.  “You think we’re here for our health?”
    “You’re kidding, right?” said Justin.  “They don’t even know who he is.  How are they going to pay him?”
    Warren glared at Justin.  This kid was starting to annoy him.  Justin recognized Warren’s anger and shrank back toward his food without another word.
    “Just get in line with the rest of us at the end of the day,” Bridget said to Warren.  “You never know.  Besides, what have you got to lose?  Or are we keeping you from something more important?”
    “How much is it?” Warren asked with hesitation. 
    “Sixty a day,” said Bridget.  “I know it’s pretty lousy.  I don’t blame you if you want to go.”
    “Sixty dollars?!” said Warren with eyes opened wide.
    “It ain’t pesos,” said Charles.
    Warren didn’t have to think about this too long.  Sixty dollars was a lot of money.  “All right, why not?” he said with a shrug.  “I’ll be a movie star for a day.”  He took another bite of lettuce.
    “Good,” said Bridget with an unlikely air of relief.  “And don’t worry, we’ll make sure that Charles stops pestering you.  Isn’t that right Charles?”
    “What?” said Charles in exasperation.  “Why am I the bad guy?”
    Bridget turned her attention directly to Warren.  “Just act natural and don’t look at the camera.  If you can stand the boredom, it’s the easiest job in the world.”
    “You never helped me ,” complained Justin.  “When I first got here.”
    “I didn’t think you needed it,” Bridget lied.
    “What’s your name?” asked Charles.
    “Warren.  Warren August.”
    “I’m Bridget,” she said, and then motioned to her friends.  “This is Justin and Charles.”
    “Nice to meet you,” said Warren with a nod, his sense of ease returning.  These people weren’t so bad.  And Bridget, well…he knew better than to get his hopes up, but she was awfully cute.  Not his type, perhaps, but still, he couldn’t help but feel a warm glow inside every time he glanced in her direction.
    The man with the goatee and the cargo pants walked out of the soundstage with a bullhorn in his hand.  “All right, back on the set in ten everyone and ready to work!” he announced.
    “Who is that guy?” asked Warren.
    “Kevin, the First AD,” said Bridget.  “Assistant Director.  Don’t worry, you’ll