Page 12 of Everything's Coming Up Rosie

Don’t give up yet, Rosie.

I navigate over to the Sunset Playhouse website and see that they are, in fact, a legitimate organization, so having money to pay the creative team makes sense. I click around for a few minutes, looking for information on this particular production ofCinderella, but I come up empty. So the website is a little outdated... not a big deal. If they’ve had staffing issues, it makes sense. Maybe I can help.

And let’s be real, I don’t have any other options right now.

The timing of this isn’t lost on me. I was about to unload the truth about the last seven years, hoping one of my friends would tell me to quit. It wasn’t what I signed up for. It didn’t pan out, and that’s okay.

But now this. An out-of-the-blue job I never could’ve seen coming.

I click back over to the email and type out a reply, half listening to the conversation that has now turned to the dating lives of the waitstaff in this restaurant, because there is a story about every one of them and Maya knows them all.

Ms. Spencer,

It is wonderful to hear from you with such excellent news! I’ve looked over the materials, and I would love to officially accept the job. I can be in Door County by Friday, and I’m excited to begin.

Sincerely,

Rosie Waterman

I hit Send and watch as the email disappears, noting the slightly giddy feeling rising up inside me.

I got a job. In a theatre. And it doesn’t involve showing anyone to their seats.

My mother’s words rush back.“Promise me you won’t let anyone steal your dreams, Rosie.”And I absently wonder if “anyone” includes me.

“So...” I interrupt their conversation now that I have actual news, which feels good. Especially since I’m telling the truth.

“I wanted to let you know I’m going to be part of the creative team for a production ofCinderella.” I realize as I say it that I know very little about what this job entails.

They collectively gasp, wide-eyed.

Dropped silverware, hands raised, there’s overlapping, “Like, directing? Have you done that?” with “I knew you were keeping something from us!” and “Where? When can we come see it? I loveCinderella!”

And as I smile—and as they genuinely are happy for me—my reservations fall away, and I can’t help but wonder ifthisis the one.

Is this the job that’s going to change my life?

Chapter 3

Thursday morning, all three of my friends insist on driving me, en masse, to the bus station, which is about a half hour away.

We all pile into Taylor’s SUV because it’s the biggest, and my heart breaks yet again at the realization that I’m not ready to leave.

Over the last several days, I’ve helped Marnie pack up her apartment, gone cake tasting with Maya, and helped Taylor address the thank-you cards from her shower.

To some, boring and mundane.

To me? Brilliant and special.

A stark reminder of what’s been missing.

When I told them I’d taken the job in Wisconsin, they were so genuinely excited for me. It made the whole thing seem important. I got a job! No, it’s not New York, but it’s a professional job in the theatre, which Taylor was quick to point out.

To them, that was a very big deal. Maybe a little celebrating was in order.

Their support buoyed me. It made me feel like I wasn’t totally crazy for quickly replying yes and hitting Send.

However, now that the bus station is getting closer and the job is somehow getting more real, a wave of worry washes over me.

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