More than Distance

15

“I’ve had better days.” There was a pause before she spoke again. “Carla, I’m very sorry to tell you this, but American Supermodel has been cancelled by the network.”

“W-what…?”

“I know, it was a total surprise to me as well. Completely out of the blue. They green-lit us for another season but now they’ve pulled the plug at the last minute. Those assholes.” She sighed. “I’m really sorry.”

The world was crumbling under my feet. I rested a hand on the chain-link fence to keep me steady. “I understand,” I said, but inside my head I was silently screaming. This couldn’t be happening, not now of all times.

“I know this puts you out of a job and I feel terrible, I really do. Especially with the situation with your mom…” She cleared her throat. “That’s why I wanted to tell you about another opportunity I have available.”

“What is it?” I asked, reaching for any spark of hope. Without the spot on American Supermodel, I had nothing lined up for the summer. No job. No apartment. No boyfriend. Absolutely nothing at all.

“I could use you on our other show, Road Trip Race.”

That spark of hope burst into a giant flame. No way. A job on Road Trip Race, my favorite show? “As the host? Is Chuck Bannon leaving?”

“No, sorry. As a contestant.”

Just like that, my hope flame was extinguished, leaving only a smoky trail behind. I didn’t answer. I’d had a permanent position on a show and now she wanted me to be a contestant on one? Seriously?

“I know it’s not nearly the same, but you would get paid a stipend for every week you’re on the show, plus the winner of each challenge gets five thousand dollars. And if you make it to the end, you and your partner would win a million dollars.”

I couldn’t find my voice. I couldn’t believe she was even offering me this after she’d just told me all my dreams for my career had been crushed. Even though I loved Road Trip Race, going on it wasn’t a job. What would I do when my time on the show was over?

“I think viewers would love to see you on the show since you were previously on Behind The Seams. And you have a boyfriend, right? Maybe he could go on as your partner? If not, I’m sure we could find someone to pair up with you.”

I’d always daydreamed about going on the show with Daniel and using our car knowledge to win, but I’d never been serious about the idea. I’d never once thought we would actually do it. I wasn’t sure he would even be interested in being my partner, especially with the new location opening soon and this drama with my parents.

“Carla? Are you there?” Giselle finally asked, when the silence became overwhelmingly awkward.

“I’m here.”

“What do you think?”

My hand shook as it held the phone up to my ear and the pressure in my throat became unbearable. “I… I can’t. I’m sorry. I’m grateful for the chance, but it’s not for me.”

“I understand. Again, I apologize for what’s happened. It was completely out of my control. But if you change your mind, give me a call in the next day or two. The show starts filming next Monday.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

I hung at the phone and stared at nothing. The summer after graduating from college was supposed to be the best time of my life. I’d planned everything perfectly, but now it was all turning to dust. Within the space of a week I’d lost everything. What was I supposed to do now?

I clicked my phone screen on and off while trying to make a new plan. I could call my agent and see if he could whip up some modeling jobs for me to make sure I could eat. But where would I live? My roommates and I were moving out of our apartment at the end of the week. One option was to move in with my brother, except Ryan was staying with him for the time being. I could live with my parents—or my dad, anyway—but I couldn’t deal with them right now. I’d have to find a new apartment, but that took time and money and I was short on both right now.

I’d never felt more lost in my life.

Maybe going on the show really was my best option. For a moment I considered it. Daniel and me in a car, cruising along the highway, looking for scavenger hunt items. Visiting all sorts of different places and working together to try to win money. But then I shook that fantasy away and got back to reality. Going on the show was not an option.

After a quick phone call to my agent, I wasn’t in any better shape. According to him, every decent job was already booked for the summer. He could schedule me some spots for fall or winter, but otherwise I’d have to wait around and see if any last minute modeling jobs popped up. No, I’d have to figure out some other way to make money. Or I’d have to go to my parents and beg them for help.

I took a deep breath and attempted to regain my composure, then headed back inside the shop. The guys were both working on their bikes, but they looked up when I walked in with nearly identical worried expressions.

“What’s wrong?” Ryan asked.

I blew out a long breath of air. I supposed there was no reason to hide it at this point. “American Supermodel got cancelled. I’m out of a job. I’m not moving to New York after all.” My voice trembled a little at that last bit and I ducked my head in case the tears came. I would not cry in front of Ryan.

“Oh s**t. I’m sorry. I know you were excited about that job.” Daniel stepped forward like he wanted to hug me but I shook my head.