Chemistry Test

FLASH FICTION: Lights, camera, action...

Photo by GR Stocks on Unsplash

“They’re ready to see you now,” the woman with a clipboard said.

Shona walked into the room, struggling to keep those butterflies in check ahead of her first professional audition since leaving drama school. It didn’t help that the person she immediately clapped eyes on was Callum Carlyle. Yes, the same Callum Carlyle who had just been voted Rising Star at a major awards ceremony after his stint in that Tartan Noir crime drama. And, if that wasn’t enough, Callum was also a total hottie.

He was sat next to a stern-looking woman who wore a trendy black outfit and orange-framed specs that just screamed Creative Type.

“Hi, Shona,” she said. “I’m Juliet. Head of Kilted Haggis Productions. We’ve watched your showreel, and everyone agrees that you could be a fantastic fit for our inaugural film project.”

“Oh, thanks,” Shona replied, unable to stifle a blush.

“The script’s still under wraps, but what I can tell you is that it’s a Glaswegian take on the classic screwball, meet cute, romantic comedy genre. Pretty much a two-hander, with a few cameo roles to drive the action. Callum’s already on board as the male lead, so today we’ll be checking your suitability to play his love interest. We need to see that there’s a genuine chemistry between you on camera.”

Callum gave a cheeky thumbs up when Juliet turned her back to speak with the videographer. Shona didn’t know whether to vomit, faint or both.

“No need to be nervous,” Callum said, offering a reassuring smile as he strolled over. “We’ll just have some fun. Maybe improv a scene where we meet at a party?”

“Cool,” Juliet chipped in. “Go with the flow, see where it takes you.”

“OK, then, if you’re both ready. Action!”

Shona had done some improvisation as part of her acting course, but she much preferred working from a script. Luckily, Callum got the ball rolling.

“Hey, it’s you again!” he exclaimed. “Seems like we’re always bumping into each other.”

“But Glasgow’s such a big place, it can’t be happening by chance,” Shona replied, effortlessly picking up Callum’s cue. “Are you sure you’re not just following me around?”

“Nope. I was at this party first, so it must be you who’s following me…”

“Wow, I bet you think you’re someone pretty special to have random girls chasing you all over the city for no good reason.”

Callum laughed. “Well, I wouldn’t go that far. Anyway, since this is a party, perhaps we should hit the floor for a boogie.”

Before Shona could respond, Callum had pulled her close and they were slow dancing round the room to some imaginary music. Probably Ed Sheeran.

“Cut!” Juliet’s voice suddenly rang out. “That was great stuff.”

Oblivious, Callum and Shona continued their smoochy dance.

“You can stop acting now,” Juliet said.

“Don’t know about you, but I’m not acting,” Callum whispered in Shona’s ear. “This chemistry feels real to me.”

Shona found her audition nerves had completely evaporated as she leaned in to kiss him.

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This story was written and longlisted for the Micromance Magazine Frantic Romantic Weekend Writing Challenge (February 2026). The prompts were inaugural, chemistry and end with a kiss.