Free FanGirl by Angel Lawson Page A

part of that colossal, probable failure.”
    “You’re offering me the chance of a fangirl’s lifetime, which could end up being a critical failure, and you think I should say yes.”
    “Pretty much.”
    James Brown lets out a loud, prolonged snore of approval from his bed in the corner. I make a face. “Hush, dog.”
    “That was a dog?
    I laugh. “Yeah, James Brown snores like a 250-pound man, not a 15-pound dog.”
    “I thought it was some kind of monster attack – and wait, your dog’s name is James Brown?” He reaches down and calls James. After a bit of stretching, he ambles over to get his ears scratched.
    “Yeah, my parents have this thing for naming their animals after dead musicians. The last cat’s name was Marvin. His life came to an equally violent end.”
    “Marvin, as in Gaye?”
    “Yeah, before that we had two dogs named Buddy and Kurt, and another cat named Hutch.”
    “Who’s Hutch?” he asks, scratching James behind the ears.
    “My mother had a major crush on some dude name Michael Hutchence.”
    “Oh, INXS – suicide. I love this. It’s like zombie dog names.”
    “Don’t tell my mom that!” I laugh. “Anyway, if you knew my parents, you would realize this is completely typical.”
    The quiet stretches between us. It’s less awkward since my rambling stories of dead famous guys and our silly pet names lightened the earlier moment. In the most sincere voice I’ve ever heard, Gabe says, “Ruby, please be my Alexandra.”
    “Okay.” I feel lightheaded, which is partially from the way Gabe’s looking at me. His sincerity is overwhelming. I swallow. “I’ll do it. I’ll audition.”
    “You will?” A smile lights up his face.
    “I will. Just don’t be disappointed when I suck.”
    “I have a feeling you would be hard pressed to disappoint me. Ever.”
    g
    [1] What? I like owls and, for real, it could have Hello Kitty on the cover so I’m not feeling too bad about it.
    [2] Because (I quote) “Unlike her neglectful mother, I’m willing to make sure you don’t show up in front of a judge with bad words written on your fingernails.”

Chapter 7

Z.net discovered that production for the TV miniseries (to be filmed this summer) has been set up in the Atlanta area. Gabe Foster, creator, and members of the Gencon Production Company are currently auditioning parts, including an open casting call. Andrew Xavier has been confirmed to play the role of Wyatt, the lead male part in the series, resulting in a variety of conflicting opinions. Speculation runs high about who will bring iconic Alexandra to life, as well as other important characters like siblings Cole and Chloe Chase.
    We hold our end of the bargain, posting only Nick-approved information. He gives us just enough specifics, including filming dates, possible casting news and tentative storylines to keep us one step ahead of the other media outlets. Iris says that by teasing our audience about casting news, traffic will increase. So far she’s right. Z.net has become the go-to place for filming and production news — our stats confirm it.
    Iris explains all this to Ashley in the Gencon lobby while I wait for my audition. Ten or so other girls also wait in the small room and another 15 linger outside, killing time before their turn. None of the girls spare me a glance because I’m convinced they haven’t figured out I’m part of the competition. Why would they? I look nothing like the other girls. One has on stripper shoes (does she even realize what this book is about?) and tries to flirt with a nerdy-looking guy who calls the girls to the back one by one. He gets understandably flustered, his brown eyes darting between her face and chest and legs, before running down the back hallway. I would find it all much more amusing if I wasn’t fighting off wave after wave of nausea. This feels like an impossible feat, but I refuse to vomit on the toes of a quasi-stripper. The fake diamond stud in her fingernail scares me. I