“I’m around. We’ve got the play opening in a few months, so there’s always a lot to do.”
“I was surprised when Raven told me she didn’t want the lead.” Casey brought her coffee cup to her lips.
“She wasn’t offered it,” Jacob said, his gaze fixed on her mouth.
“Really? Why? The audience loves her.” Casey twisted in her chair. Jacob’s staring unnerved her.
“She didn’t fit the part. At least that’s what Simon said. And you know the director’s always right.” He snorted.
Casey knew Jacob and Simon had a strained working relationship. The director could be demanding anduncompromising, but he was brilliant and worked magic with his productions.
“I’m not familiar with the play,” Casey said. “I’m sure Raven’s upset.”I’m surprised she didn’t tell me about it.
“It’s from a new playwright who’s getting a lot of attention off Broadway. The play’s different, and most of the characters are written as teenagers. Simon told Raven she couldn’t pull it off.” Jacob smiled, but his eyes stayed cold. “I have to agree with him.”
“I can imagine Simon didn’t say it with much finesse. He can be blunt and… cruel.”
Jacob shrugged. “She’s been in this industry long enough to know how it goes. She’s such a drama queen, it’ll probably do her good to realize she’s not the diva she thinks she is.”
“I can’t believe you said that.” A streak of anger slid down her spine. “She’s a wonderful actress. She’s gotten rave reviews from critics and audiences. She steals every performance she’s in.”
“You’re biased because she’s your friend. I’m not saying she isn’t talented, but she acts like the other actors are just props for her.”
“I didn’t realize you disliked her that much,” Casey said, picking up her mug.
“She’s all right. I just think it gets old when one actor keeps getting all the leads. This time she didn’t. That’s the way it goes.” Jacob leaned back, his gaze settling on her again. “There’s a radiance about you lately.”
She took a sip, letting the warm coffee slide down her throat. “I’m just in a good mood.”
“That’s good. So when are we going to have that dinner we keep talking about?”
“Soon, I guess.”
“What about tonight after work?”
Caught off guard, Casey stalled by taking another sip of coffee.
“What do you say?” Jacob pressed.
“Tonight doesn’t work.”
“Why not? Are you doing something with that biker you hang around with?” A dark expression crept across his face.
Anger pricked her skin. “I have a work project I need to finish. My boyfriend’s coming by later.”
A tense silence settled between them, the voices drifting through the theatre hallway echoed eerily. His brown eyes glinted with a mix of hurt, fury, and something darker she couldn’t put her finger on.
“I have to leave.” The sharpness in his voice made her jump. Without another word, he rose and walked into the hallway without looking back.
“What was that all about?” Clara asked, stepping into the office.
“We don’t see eye-to-eye on some things,” Casey answered.
“I think he’s jealous because you’re dating my brother.” Clara smiled.
Heat rushed to Casey’s cheeks. “No. I don’t think that’s it,” she muttered.
“It is. Everyone knows he’s got the hots for you. Anyway, I love that you and Rags are together.”