Page 117 of Bad Crush
“Can’t,” I say. “You said that at my last alarm, and this time I really do have to go.”
He loosens his hold. “Fine. I gotta get to the rink anyway. Will you come out with us after your show?”
“Yep. Also, you have glitter all over your face,” I tell him with a smirk and attempt to wipe it away. It’s hopeless.
He gets up, pulls on his jeans, and tucks the heart into his back pocket. “I’m keeping this.”
“No, it should be burned.”
“Too late. It has my name on it, and I want to frame it.”
I groan. He drops one more kiss on my lips. “See you after the game. Break a leg today.”
“Good luck,” I call after him.
“Don’t need luck. I’ve got your heart in my hands,” he says, voice fading as he walks out of my room.
Today’s final show is a matinee. There’s a difference in the air from just yesterday. Nerves are calmed, and all of those worst-case scenarios we all worried about have been thwarted temporarily. Ten minutes before showtime, we’ll all feel it again, but nothing is as terrifying as opening night.
Director Hoffman looks up as I walk backstage. “Reagan, good morning. You’re early.”
“I wanted to talk to you before everyone else got here.”
“Sure. Shoot.” He drops his clipboard to his side and opens his stance to me.
“I’m sorry that I missed a rehearsal and that I was late, but I worked hard for that part. Mila’s fantastic, but I want to finish out the show today.”
The lines around his mouth pull up as he smiles. “It’s yours. Mila called out sick. I think she’s actually sick today. That’s karma for you.”
“Wait, you knew that she was faking?”
“Please.” he scoffs. “This may be my first time directing, but I’ve seen it all before. You wouldn’t believe what kids will say to get out of class.”
“I’ll bet.”
“You did a great job yesterday. You found your fire. I know that I’ve been hard on you, but it’s because I know you can do better. You just need to believe in yourself. Not the character. You.”
“I think I’m starting to.”
“Good. Go get ready.”
I start toward the dressing room, and he calls my name.
“Yeah?”
“You’re a good mentor to Mila. I know she appreciates it, and so do I.”
“Thank you.”
Since the hockey team has a game today, the guys won’t be in attendance. Ginny comes before the show to make sure I’m set with makeup, then wishes me luck and heads out.
The matinee audience doesn’t have the same energy as the night show, but when we take our final bow, it’s to the same enthusiastic applause. Dakota’s in the front row cheering and clapping with a huge, proud grin on her face. I don’t think she’s ever missed a performance now that I think of it.
I scan the crowd out of habit, and my breath catches when I see her. Lori is on her feet, clapping with everyone else. My knees buckle, but I’m held up by the people on either side of me. We exit and the curtain falls for the final time.
I grab water and then head out front. I look for Lori, sure I imagined her, but there she is in the same spot, clutching her purse to her side, looking more than a little nervous. She gives me the briefest nod and then disappears into the crowd exiting through the back doors. I let her go. Maybe she needed her own closure. I have mine.
“You were amazing.” Dakota hugs me. “Someday when you’re a big star, do you promise to still be my best friend?”
