Page 9 of Everything's Coming Up Rosie

Oh, wait.

The low-budget—but yes, professional—training video I did for future veterinarians. I portrayed the “what not to do” in three different scenarios, and the whole behind-the-scenes experience was a bit humiliating. The kind of video that would resurface if someone ever hosted a “Roast of Rosie Waterman” because it would provide so many opportunities for mockery.

But it was work. And it paid. So I took it.

I just didn’t know anyone I knew would see it.

“It was so fun to see you being, you know, completely different than the way you really are,” Taylor says.

My cheeks are hot. “How did you see it?”

“Your mom sent out a mass email,” Maya says, and then, pointedly, “Otherwise, we never would’ve known.”

The wordsmassandemailland with a thud.

I try to regroup as I stammer, “Ugh, sh-she did? I mean, I should’ve... ugh... I’m sorry about that. It was a small thing, just for an industry training video, not like, you know,Broadwayor anything.”

If my mom and stepdad weren’t on their Alaskan cruise right now, I would definitely have a few choice words for my mother.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Marnie asks. “We would’ve celebrated with you.”

I shrug. “It’s really not a big deal.”

“It’s ahugedeal,” Taylor says. “Every bit of work matters, right?”

They care. It’s so obvious. Why not let them in?

What are you so afraid of?

I hope my laugh doesn’t sound nervous. “I mean, yeah. Totally. Working actors work, so it doesn’t really matter sometimes what the work is, right?Thatone, though...” I don’t want to go into the details of how the director spoke to me, like I was hardly worthy of breathing the same air as him. And the script? I shudder remembering how terrible it was.

I should be thankful they’re excited about this, but it just widens the divide between them wanting to celebrate the little things and me not wanting to talk about them at all.

“Can we talk about something else?” I ask.

Taylor’s frown deepens. “Rosie, are you okay?”

I feel my smile give and I beg it to stay put. “I’m great.” I take a sip of my iced tea and look away.

“She’s not great,” Maya says to the others like I’m not here.

“She’s obviously not great,” Marnie says.

“Ohh. Guy trouble?” Taylor asks.

Marnie sighs. “Not all of us are dying to get married, Taylor.”

“No, but Rosie would besucha good girlfriend,” Taylor says. “Any guy would be lucky to have her. She’s so fun and happy.”

My insides roll. I feel neither of those things.

“When was the last time you went on a date, Ro?” Maya picks up a piece of bread from the basket at the center of the table and tears off a chunk. “Have you gone out with anyone since Peter?”

“Uh, it’s been a while,” I say.

“See?” Taylor reaches over and touches my shoulder. “You need to get out there. We aren’t getting any younger.” She rubs her belly.

“Are you on any of the apps?” Maya asks. “I could make you a profile while you’re home.”

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