I'm walking down the stairs, still in shock at Miller's pronouncement, but unable to say a word about it. We're actually inside Aunt Vonda's apartment before I turn around and stare at him with what I know has to be deer vs. headlights terror.

"I can't," I say, even as my heart begs me to go.

Miller ignores my denial, all casual as he addresses Aunt Vonda instead of me. "Another audition," he says. "I was talking to a friend of a friend. Turns out the lead in a small ...