Chapter 28

• My body is yearning to get closer to him, to break the professional boundary we haven’t even fully gotten to establish yet. But I force myself to remain calm while we explore the giant house. My eyes are wide as I look around the elegant interior. Everywhere I look, there are signs of wealth. The mid-century modern sofa, the gilded lamps, and the stained-glass feature in the cabinets. Every item looks to be either modern designer or stylish vintage. There’s art on the walls that probably cost more than my entire tuition. Opened white French doors separate the foyer from the cozy living room. I’m so impressed by my surroundings. Yet, his home is warm and inviting despite the upper-crust furnishings. There’s a crackling fireplace with beautiful photographs and paintings on the mantle above it. I see signs of actual living-- a book dogeared in a chair, a coffee mug in the sink, a stack of paperwork on the dining table. He’s ridiculously rich, but he’s a normal guy otherwise. I feel more and more comfortable here with him by the minute. He’s just so damn gorgeous and so charming, too.
• He takes his time showing me around, and then he brings me into a guest bedroom. It’s simple but beautifully decorated.
• “It’s time to prepare for the audition process,” Cliff says. “In the closet to your right, you will find your uniform on a hanger. There’s an en suite bathroom through that door if you need it. I’ll wait in the hall for you to get changed.”