Page 125 of Off The Rush
“Ready,” I reply, my chest swelling with happiness as I look into his eyes.
“Emma, are you relaxed enough now?” Luka chimes in, watching us with an amused yet caring expression.
“Definitely,” I say with a smile, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. “Thank you, all of you.”
“Anything for you, babe,” Alec says, coming up beside me and giving me a quick peck on the cheek.
“Tonight is important,” Luka reminds me, his gray eyes full of understanding. “We want you to feel confident and ready.”
“I am,” I assure them, feeling a renewed sense of determination thanks to their support.
“Good,” JD says, pulling me into a tight hug, “because we know you’re going to be amazing.”
“Absolutely,” Alec chimes in, his arm around my shoulder.
“Without a doubt,” Luka adds, wrapping me in his embrace from behind.
“I love all of you.”
“And we love you,” Alec confirms.
As I stand there, surrounded by the love and support of these incredible men, I can’t help but feel grateful for this life we’ve built together. And with their encouragement, I know that no matter what challenges life throws at us, we’ll face them together.
* * *
The stage lights blaze into life, casting a warm glow over the bustling theater as I step out from behind the curtain. My stomach is a whirlwind of butterflies, but I can’t help the grin that stretches across my face. This is it – my first solo show.
I’ve been in chorus shows since I graduated but I’ve finally gained enough of a following to have a show where I’m the star.
“Break a leg,” whispers one of the stagehands as they rush past me. I take a deep breath, inhaling the familiar scent of sawdust and paint that clings to the stage. It’s a comforting reminder that I belong here.
“Thanks,” I whisper back, my heart pounding in my chest.
“It’s time, Emma,” calls the stage manager, her voice barely audible above the excited chatter of the audience. Their anticipation is palpable, sending a thrill down my spine as I find my mark on the stage.
At this moment, standing on the brink of an incredible opportunity, I can’t help but think about how perfect my life has become. Alec, Luka, and JD have been there for me every step of the way, cheering me on from auditions to rehearsals, and now, my big debut.
“Emma,” a hushed voice comes from offstage, and I turn to see JD giving me a thumbs up, his brown eyes sparkling with pride. “You’ve got this,” he mouths, and I nod, feeling a renewed sense of confidence.
“Thanks,” I mouth back, my mind flicking to the memory of Alec helping me rehearse, his blue eyes focused and determined as we worked through song after song.
I close my eyes, take another calming breath, and picture Luka’s strong arms wrapped around me, his quiet, reassuring presence a constant source of comfort.
“Remember,” he’d told me, his gray eyes intense but caring, “no matter what happens out here, we’re always going to be proud of you.”
“Thank you,” I’d whispered, touched by his unwavering support.
The curtain begins to rise, revealing an audience full of eager faces.
As I look out at them, my heart swells with gratitude and pride, knowing that not only am I living my dream on this stage, but I’m doing it with the love and support of three incredible men who have made my life richer than I ever could have imagined. And no matter what challenges await us, I know that we’ll face them together – as a team, as a family, and as partners in every sense of the word.
* * *
