By then I’ll be little more than a memory in her life.
By then, she would have forgotten all about me.
But I’ll still be thinking about her.
Always.
Chapter Fifteen
Liz
Stuff gets crazy in the weeks after the preview. In the countdown to opening night, things go wrong, installations malfunction in the middle of performances. Everyone goes a little crazy. It’s exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
The buzz for the play is crazy too. I’m still floating on the high from all the flattering feedback about my performance since the previews began.
…making her own name…
Sets the stage alight…
A pure new talent.
Aidan Court’s new star.
I haven’t talked much with Aidan since he left early on preview night. It’s understandable. He has a lot to deal with as we barrel toward opening night, but even though our last conversation didn’t end very well, at least, it was something.
Something more than watching him hurry away after rehearsals every day without a word to me.
I’m no longer pretending that what happened between us meant nothing, but it makes no difference when the only words we exchange have to do with the play.
On opening night, my dad makes sure to tell me how much it costs to replace each leg of the battens, and how, if I broke them, it would be worth it to replace them all.
Aidan sends a cookie basket filled with star shaped cookies.
Aidan Court’s new star…
In my dressing room mirror, my reflection looks calm and composed. My makeup is done and I’m already in costume, waiting for the final call to go down to the stage.
I want tonight, so badly, and somehow, my desire for success has become so entwined with wanting Aidan that I don’t know how to differentiate them anymore.
Something flutters in my stomach. All the butterflies in the state of New York have found their way there. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, saying a silent prayer to Ethel Barrymore, Vivien Leigh, and Katharine Hepburn.
There’s a knock on my door.
“Come in,” I call out.
The door opens and my heart skips when I see Aidan in the mirror.
We’ve been working together for weeks and even shared intimate moments, yet, whenever his amazing blue gaze focuses on me, I still feel like I’ll melt.
“Hi.” My voice sounds breathy. I don’t care.
“Hi, Liz.” He gives me a gentle smile, and I turn around to face him. I wish he wouldn’t be so gentle. I wish he would back me against my dressing table and tell me again how much he wants me. I want to crash into him like a wave crashing onto a cliff and who cares if I break into pieces?
I don’t.
I let my eyes roam over him. His hair is combed back, waving around the collar of his cocktail jacket. Even dressed semi-formally, he looks like danger and desire combined into one irresistible package.
“You look good.”