Page 58 of Claim to Fame

The thought rioted through her, sweeping cobwebs off the corners of her heart, shining a light on places she’d kept closed down for so many years, the parts that hadn’t felt safe to share. Suddenly she wanted nothing more than to share them with Ethan.

“I bet Hannah could help.” Kyla’s voice interrupted Hannah’s revelations.

“Help with what?” Hannah asked, reluctantly turning her attention away from the man at her side and towards the women across the table.

“I teach at St. Anthony’s High School and the theatre teacher left right before Christmas break. Military spouse,” Molly said. “They won’t rehire until the next school year—”

“Not won’t. Can’t,” Caleb said as though they’d had this argument a thousand times before.

“—and somehow I wound up directing the spring musical.”

“It’s because you’re an English teacher,” Caleb said. “The principal assumed that since you can teach Shakespeare, you must be able to run a theater program.”

“He assumed incorrectly,” Molly said.

“You’re underestimating yourself.” Caleb’s voice was sterner than Hannah had heard it before, and color rose in the apples of Molly’s cheeks.

“I’m sure you’re doing fine,” Sabrina said.

“What show are you working on?” Hannah asked.

“Little Shop of Horrors.”

“Oh, I loveLittle Shop!I always loved the role of Audrey,” Hannah said.

“Did you ever play her?” Ethan asked.

“No. I never really looked the part,” Hannah said, brushing it aside.

“If you’re not busy this week, maybe you could come to a few of our rehearsals? I know the kids would love having a real Broadway actress coaching them for a bit instead of their English teacher,” Molly said with a self-deprecating laugh.

“Sure, I could do that. I don’t exactly have a packed schedule while I’m in town,” Hannah said.

“You better watch out or Molly’ll try to get you to apply for the position,” Sabrina said. “I did one play in high school and she tried to talkmeinto applying.”

“Hey, one play is more than I did,” Molly said.

“If she doesn’t try to convince you, I will,” Caleb said, breaking off another piece of bread and dragging it through the sauce on his plate.

“Too bad you’re not in town long term,” Jamie said, glancing at Ethan.

“Please, I bet she can’t wait to get back to the City.” Jo turned towards Hannah, oblivious to the way Ethan had tensed, his hold on Hannah’s hand tightening. “Manhattan has to beat Aster Bay. The Thai food alone.”

“Thai-d Up has some very decent Tom Yum soup,” Jamie said.

“Very decent by Aster Bay standards might as well be cafeteria food compared to New York City,” Jo scoffed. “I walked in a fashion show in the City once a few years back and I never wanted to leave.”

“And yet, here you are,” Gavin teased.

“It’s not always all that amazing,” Hannah hedged.

“Manhattan on its worst day is still ten times more exciting than Aster Bay,” Jo said as she refilled her wine glass. She held out the bottle to ask if anyone else needed a top up, leaning over to fill Gavin’s glass when he lifted it towards her.

“Exciting isn’t always better,” Hannah said. “The City is wonderful and alive. The food and the people and the theater.”

“The museums,” Sabrina offered.

Hannah nodded. “All of it. But it’s also loud and crowded and it’s easy to go days on end without ever seeing someone you know. Times Square smells like urine and it’s too hot in the summer and you can never get a taxi when you want one—”

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