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Waiting in

the Wings

Visit us at www.boldstrokesbooks.com

Waiting in

the Wings

by

Melissa Brayden

2011

waiting in the wings

© 2011 By Melissa Brayden. all rights reserved.

isBn 13: 978-1-60282-597-0

This ElEcTronic Book is PuBlishEd By Bold sTrokEs Books, inc.

P.o. Box 249

VallEy Falls, ny 12185

FirsT EdiTion: sEPTEmBEr 2011

This is a Work oF FicTion. namEs, characTErs, PlacEs, and incidEnTs arE ThE ProducT oF ThE auThor’s imaGinaTion or arE usEd FicTiTiously. any rEsEmBlancE To acTual PErsons, liVinG or dEad, BusinEss EsTaBlishmEnTs, EVEnTs, or localEs is EnTirEly coincidEnTal.

This Book, or ParTs ThErEoF, may noT BE rEProducEd in any Form WiThouT PErmission.

Credits

EdiTor: cindy crEsaP

ProducTion dEsiGn: susan ramundo

coVEr dEsiGn By shEri (GraPhicarTisT2020@hoTmail.com) Acknowledgments

I truly believe that passion is life’s greatest motivation. It makes anything possible. I know that it was passion, and not my literary prowess, that allowed me to write this novel. I’ve been a teller of stories, in many different capacities, for as long as I can remember.

However, this is the first time I’ve attempted to create a story of my own. Without the following people, there’s no doubt in my mind I would have crashed and burned. Tremendous thanks to: Radclyffe and the team at Bold Strokes Books, for giving me this opportunity, risky as it was. You offered me guidance early and it made all the difference. I hope this is just the beginning.

Sheri, for a stunning cover that encapsulates more than you realize.

Cindy Cresap, for teaching me an amazing amount about writing. Working with you was an invaluable experience and your patience, wit, and keen eye for detail saved me. I dream about dialogue tags now and that’s a good thing. Thank you for making me better. You’re amazing at what you do.

Becki, for consistently rooting for me. I always know you’re in my corner.

My parents, for taking me to the Apollo Victoria when I was eight years old. You started it all.

Dedication

For Krissy and Alan, who get me.

Waiting in the Wings

Chapter One

How soon can you be in New York?” That’s how the call began. I hadn’t bothered to check the caller ID before answering because I was preoccupied with the fifteen thousand things I was trying to accomplish to be out of my apartment and on my way to the city in the next four days.

“I’m sorry. Who is this?” Not my nicest phone voice, but I was busy.

“It’s Andrew Latham from the Journey Agency. Come on, Jenna, tell me I made a better impression on you than that.” I cringed.

In an embarrassing turn of events, it was my new agent I’d just barked at, also known as the guy who held all my cards in his slick little hands. I was immediately nervous and cursing myself for the oversight. Automatically, I stood and stared at myself in the mirror above my dresser. My first observation was that I was a total mess, as I’d been packing for the move most of the day. I straightened the bandana holding back my blond hair I’d let grow long for casting purposes, and reminded myself that Andrew Latham couldn’t see me and to relax and hold it together.

“Sorry, Mr. Latham. I think we had a bad connection at first.

How are you?”

“Excellent! How’s does it finally feel to have that diploma under your belt?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but Andrew Latham had no intention of slowing down.

• 9 •

Melissa Brayden

“Listen, I have an audition I’d like to submit you for immediately.”

“Oh, wow…I’m, uh…I’m thrilled to hear that. You have no idea.” Yeah, those were the words I heard leave my mouth. Way to play it cool there, Jenna.

I’d met Andrew Latham briefly at my senior showcase. The house had been full of agents and industry people scouting out the newly minted talent, and I’d been handed quite a few cards after my performance. Two days later, the Journey Agency offered to represent me, and of course I’d leapt at the opportunity. It doesn’t get much better when you’re twenty-three with only college and regional acting experience.

I’d just graduated from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and with no job lined up, I was off to New York at the end of the week, along with my fellow out-of-work classmates, to wait tables until I found a way into the business. Not the sturdiest game plan, but it’s all I had. “I’d like to hear a little bit more about the part, but any audition is welcome at this point.”

“Perfect!” he bellowed back at me. “I’m going to level with you. This casting notice came out this morning and they’re starting to see girls for the part tomorrow. I thought of you immediately.

It’s ensemble work for a touring musical and they need someone yesterday. You fit the breakdown and I’d like to get you in there ASAP. Can you be in New York tomorrow?”

I thought for a moment. Could I? There was a lot I had to accomplish to be out of the apartment, and the plane ticket I’d purchased wasn’t until the end of the week, but surely I needed to make this happen. I had nothing else going for me. “Of course I can,” I said. “What do I need to prepare?”

“Come with a song, a monologue, and wear comfortable clothes for the dance audition. I have your e-mail address, and my assistant Debbie is going to send you the details of the call on Wednesday.”

“Thanks, I’ll keep my eyes open for it, Mr. Latham,” I said numbly, my mind racing. Surely, there were questions I should be asking, but I was still all kinds of flustered.

• 10 •

Waiting in the Wings

“Great, we’ll talk soon,” he said. And then he was gone. Just like that.

I stared at the receiver in my hand. Had that really just happened? It had. An opportunity had fallen into my lap and it was time to jump. I promptly threw away everything in the pile I was sorting through and opened my laptop to see about that plane ticket.

❖

New York City in June was crowded and hot and wonderful.

I couldn’t get over the bustling streets and the feeling there was so much going on in such a small radius. I’d managed to book a hotel room on Priceline located only five blocks from the rehearsal studio where the auditions were taking place.

I got up early that morning, wanting to take my time and hit Starbucks before my ten a.m. audition slot. As I sipped my vanilla latte, I talked myself through the beats I needed to hit in my monologue from Hatful of Rain and the breathing techniques that would carry my voice to the high note in “Life of the Party,” the song I’d chosen to sing.

By the time I arrived at the rehearsal studio, I’d talked myself into a serene state of mind. This was my zone. This was the place I’d gotten myself to mentally when I’d snagged role after role at CCM.

It was all a matter of showing these people what I was capable of.

After that, it was out of my hands. That was my mantra and that’s what I would repeat over and over until it was my turn.

The casting notice Andrew Latham had sent my way was fairly vague. They were looking for a twenty-something actress to replace a girl from a touring production of a Broadway show. It was an equity show, so the fact I already had my union card from my regional work helped.

I entered the small waiting area and saw three rows of girls who all looked, well, a lot like me. I felt immediately inconsequential, but reminded myself that was not the mentality that was going to get me anywhere near Broadway. I was going to have to prove myself every step of the way. That shouldn’t be a surprise and it was time

• 11 •

Melissa Brayden

to suck it up. I reported to the clearly irritated young guy collecting the headshots. “All right…Jenna.” He scratched his chin and made notes on his all-powerful clipboard. “Have a seat and look over this scene.” He handed me the sides to study without ever looking back up. “If they like you, they may have you read.”

As I sat, the title of the show caught my eye and I felt my breath catch in my throat. The show I was reading for was Clean Slate, winner of last year’s Tony Award and the hardest ticket to come by in town. The tour had kicked off a few months ago and starred Adrienne Kenyon in the lead role of Evan. She’d already gotten a slew of amazing reviews and the tour was still in its early stages. I felt my “zone” start to crumble away. This was monumental. This was an opportunity of a lifetime. This was so out of my league.

Before I had a chance to reflect on this new development any further, Irritated Guy called my name and sent me into the audition room. A long table was set up across the room, comprised of five people. I introduced myself to the panel and handed my music to the accompanist when I saw Dermot Levonshire sitting among those at the table. I was about to audition for not just casting agents, but for the director of Clean Slate and about six other successful Broadway shows. I swallowed hard.

As the music began to play, I felt everything slow down. My voice felt strong, which gave me courage. I did my best to let each note resonate, staying light and delicate on the fun parts of the song, and then moving into the power notes, holding eye contact with each member of that table in rotation. Fearless, I had to show them I was fearless. As the song began to crescendo, I made sure to control my belt and let the emotion of the lyrics come through. I added a little bit of movement and ended the song with the playful grin that would hopefully show my carefree side as well.

When I finished, the table applauded and consulted with one another quietly. Finally, the middle-aged woman sitting in the center of the group introduced herself. “Jenna, I’m Brenda Herring, one of the casting directors on the show. I think we collectively enjoy your voice but would like to see more from you. Would you mind reading the scene with Brent?”

• 12 •

Waiting in the Wings

Would I mind? No, I didn’t mind. Wouldn’t be a problem.

Brent, the actor onsite for the reading, strolled over and took a seat on the stool next to me. I took a final glance at the sides and tossed the paper to the floor. The premise was for me to seduce Brent and end the scene by taking his face in my hands and kissing him. The guy-thing was not my forte, but I was an actress and a damn good one. I went for it, and even took it one step further and ended our exchange in his lap. I realize it was a bold move, but I felt it in the moment and I’ve always been one to let my instinct carry me.

The panel across the room once again conferred quietly while I waited in silence. “Jenna, can you come back at four for a dance audition?” I stared at them. Yep, I could do that.

“Sure. Should I prepare something?” I was trying my best to appear confident.

“No, Todd, our assistant choreographer, will teach you a few combinations from the show and we’ll see how it goes. Thanks, Jenna, see you at four.”

I was dismissed. I picked up my dance bag and started the walk back to my hotel. On the way there, I took out Andrew Latham’s card and dialed his number.

“Jenna, Jenna, Jenna, my favorite new client, how’d it go?”

The background noise he was talking over made it sound like he was in a car somewhere…and possibly eating something.

“I think it went well. I mean, I got a callback at four to dance.

Listen, Mr. Latham, did you—”

“Latham.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Call me Latham, no more mister. It kills me. If I’m going to represent you, let’s try to lose that formality.” Another bite. What, was that an apple?

“Okay…Latham,” I said carefully, “Did you know this was an audition for the tour of Clean Slate?”

“I did and I think you’d be great for it. Listen, don’t let the credibility of the show fuck with your head. Go back there later today, dance like you did when I first saw you at your college showcase, and that’s all we can ask for. Right?”

• 13 •

Melissa Brayden

“Right, right. Okay. I’ll go back and dance.” Simple as that.

I put my phone back in my bag and finished the walk to my hotel.

Once there, I lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Antsy, I grabbed the orange I’d left on my nightstand, threw it into the air, and caught it with my right hand. This was somewhat of a ritual for me. A way to sort things out when I had a lot on my mind. As I watched the orange rise and fall back into my hand over and over again, I admitted to myself there was no way this was going to happen. No way. Do not get your hopes up. Don’t go there.

And I didn’t. When I returned to the studio at four, I had convinced myself this was an audition for fun and to gain a little experience. I wasn’t going to involve myself emotionally because that would only lead to disappointment. But when five o’clock rolled around and the twelve girls I’d learned the dance combination with became five, it was hard to stop the wheels in my head from turning.

During one of the five-minute breaks, I shuffled through my bag for a bottle of water as one of the other girls casually sat next to me on the floor. “Is it just me or are those last five eight counts ridiculously hard to hit after only ten minutes of instruction?” She shook her head and retied her shoe.

The truth was they weren’t that difficult for me, but I didn’t want to come off too self-assured. “No, they’re definitely making us work for it with that finish.” Despite her complaint, however, I’d noticed this girl earlier and she was good. She was smaller than me, with short dark hair that bounced when she danced. True, she was behind a half step on the first few run-throughs, but her movements were crisp and clean. She was my toughest competition.

“I’m Elaine Rowe by the way. Lanie.” Her eyes narrowed. “I think you can pack it in though, the job is mine.” As I began to raise my eyebrows in surprise, a huge grin erupted on her face and she nudged my shoulder with hers. “Ah, I’m just screwin’ with you.

You’re good. What’s your name?”

“Jenna,” I replied. “And I don’t think you have much to worry about. You’re pretty good yourself.”

• 14 •

Waiting in the Wings

“Oh, well, thanks. I haven’t seen you at one of these before.

Are you new? After a while you get used to the same old faces at audition after audition.”

“Just finished school, actually. I guess you could say I’m getting my feet wet with this one.”

“Aha. Fresh off the boat, huh?” Lanie studied me carefully and nodded before glancing over her shoulder at the meeting across the room breaking up. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, kiddo, but I think Todd and company are ready to get on with things. I guess we should head back over. Break a leg. You’ll need it,” she said playfully, “cause I’m clearly their favorite.” Just for good measure, she glanced back and shook her head at me, pointing out that she knew she wasn’t. I laughed.

“You too, Lanie, thanks.” We headed back to our spots in the dance formation. It was nice to have a friendly face in the midst of this process. Lanie looked to be maybe four or five years older than me and therefore probably came with more experience. It would be cool to talk to her more and bend her ear about the business, if she was willing, of course. But that would have to wait until later.

The audition continued and continued and continued. God, did it continue. Even though I’d never been to an audition of this caliber, I knew this was going on for quite a bit longer than normal. Once the dance audition concluded, they still had each one of us read one final scene before thanking us for our time.

“We’ll be in touch,” was all they said, which sucked because I was dying to know how I’d done and what they were thinking.

Instead, I started on my way home for the night. I’d done my best and I’d made it past a lot of other folks. That’s something to hold on to. I’d gotten about two blocks from the studio when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw it was coming from Latham’s cell phone.

“I don’t know where you are,” he said upon my answering,

“but turn yourself around and go back. They want to see you again.”

“Now?” I stopped in my tracks on the street, causing the guy behind me to slam into my dance bag. “Sorry,” I called to him as he passed, muttering curse words at me.

• 15 •

Melissa Brayden

“Yes, now. They’re waiting for you. You must be doing something right.”

I sighed, though it was laced with hope. “On my way.”

I opened the door to the studio and found the room empty. I dropped my bag and began to quickly change back into my dance shoes, just in case. Before I could get the left one on, Lanie walked in the room and glanced around expectantly. “Hey. Any idea what’s up?”“I guess they’re not finished with us. I’m exhausted, but I’ll go all night if they need me to.” And I meant it. I was pretty much on adrenaline at this point because my body was mostly gone from the paces we’d gone through that day.

She raised her eyebrows and tilted her head. “All I can say is bring it, bitch.” I laughed at her feisty declaration. This girl was fun, if not a little crazy. I decided to get her number before she left. There was a definite friend potential there.

Before I could get that number, however, Brenda Herring followed by Irritated Guy from the check-in process breezed into the studio. “Hello, ladies. Thank you so much for returning this evening. We have our decision and because we’re on a time crunch, I wanted to speak with you both personally. No reason to wait.”

I stared at Brenda Herring wishing against all hope that she would talk faster. Talk faster, Brenda Herring. Apparently, it had come down to Lanie and me. I glanced at her and she sent a small smile back my way, along with a nod of her head. A silent “good luck.”

Brenda continued. “Elaine, we were very impressed with you all around. We’d like to offer you an ensemble position on tour with Clean Slate.” I felt my breath leave me as Lanie’s eyes lit up. “The show has already played its first few days in Detroit. We’d like to get you out there as soon as possible and into rehearsals. The goal is for you to start in the show two weeks from now when it hits Chicago.”

Lanie closed her eyes and brought her hands to her face. I put my arms around her and gave her a squeeze. “Congratulations, Lanie. You deserve it.” I was genuinely happy for her. It might not

• 16 •

Waiting in the Wings

have gone my way, but there would be other shots and other shows down the road. Plus, I now had credible audition experience.

As we turned back to Brenda Herring, my arm still draped over Lanie’s shoulder, she held up her hand to signal she had more to say. “And, Jenna, we’d like to invite you to join the Clean Slate tour as well, in the role of Alexis. Provided you accept, we would need you—”

Wait, what? I shook my head to be sure I heard her correctly. I allowed the whole sentence to hit home. “But Alexis is a supporting role. I thought this audition was for strictly ensemble.”

“Today was strictly an ensemble call. Auditions for an Alexis replacement were held last week. Dermot saw the show recently on the road and was unhappy with the actress playing Alexis and she was let go. We had a few understudies in contention for the role, but no one we were excited about. You nailed a certain likability the character needs in the first half of the show and the strength she needs in the second. It’s a tall order. Plus, Dermot liked you a lot.

We all did.” She put her hand on my forearm. “You’re new. You’re fresh-faced. I guess you could say you’re a risk we’d like to take.” At that point Brenda Herring snapped out of her sincere woman mode and abruptly handed a stack of folders to her assistant. “Dennis can fill you in on the details of travel and rehearsal. My office will fax over the paperwork to your representation. Congratulations, ladies.

Welcome aboard.” And with that, she was gone.

Lanie and I stared at each other for only a few seconds before promptly screaming and falling into each other’s arms. Dennis rolled his eyes and waited until our jumping up and down came to a reasonable springing before rattling off a series of dates and times.

Not that I got any of it. I was too busy feeling what it was like for step one of my dream to come true.

• 17 •

• 18 •

Waiting in the Wings

Chapter tWO

The flight to Detroit was delayed by two hours, and far be it from me to waste precious time. I took out my script and the notes that had been faxed over and continued the memorization work I’d been doing. I was well aware of the fact that hard work was my secret weapon, not natural-born talent. Lanie was sitting next to me reading a trashy romance novel she’d picked up in the gift shop.

The cover bore a picture of an overly muscular man with his shirt half off. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“What are you laughing at?” Lanie followed my gaze to the cover of her book. “Are you laughing at Brandon Iron? Because I’ll have you know he’s ridiculously hot. I don’t care what you think; he’s going to live under my pillow on tour.”

“Brandon Iron? Is that a joke or the poor guy’s name?” I couldn’t contain my full-on laughter any longer. “Please tell me you made that up.”

“Of course that’s his name. If you shut up right now, I might let you borrow it when I’m done. But you’re on warning. Brandon prefers his women to take him seriously.”

“You know what? I think I’m gonna pass on this one.” I patted her knee in mock sympathy. “I’d hate to get in the way of what you two have going.”

She glared at me and hugged the book to her chest. “As if you could, hussie.” A moment passed and I could sense her tone come

• 19 •

Melissa Brayden

back down to serious. “So what is your story, Jenna? Leaving some heartbroken guy back at home?”

“Actually, no, which is probably for the best anyway. The whole long-distance thing isn’t for me.” Not that I’d ever tried it, but I’d sure seen a lot of others crash and burn.

“But if there were a guy, what would he be like? Come on, dish.

We have time to kill.” Ah, the land of girl talk was fast approaching.

I thought about the best way to handle this before deciding to just be honest.

“Well, there wouldn’t be a guy. That’s just it.” I looked at her purposefully.

“Oh…” she said, slightly confused before the realization of what I was saying hit her. “Oh! Okay. Wow. Usually I’m pretty good about picking up on these kinds of things, but you got right by me.”

“Most people don’t pick up on it. No big deal.”

“I guess I’ll have to broaden my perspective. Soooo, I take it there’s no special gal at home either then?”

“Nope. Completely on my own. But it’s not a bad thing. Getting this job is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me, and the show is all I should focus on at this point in my life.”

“What a very reasonable, level-headed, and boring answer you just gave,” she said sweetly. “We’ll have to see about that.”

❖

When we landed in Detroit, a production assistant named Stewart was waiting to drive us to our hotel to drop off our belongings and then on to the Fisher Theater where Clean Slate was playing. Stewart looked like he couldn’t have been more than sixteen, but upon a little flirtatious grilling from Lanie, we learned he was twenty and completing an internship with the show.

“So tell us about everyone,” Lanie said. “I’ve worked in several companies where the group’s pretty tight, and several where, well, let’s just say you didn’t want to hang around much once the show ended each night. What are we looking at here?”

• 20 •

Waiting in the Wings

“No, they’re pretty okay, really. Of course you always have your prima donnas who you’ll spot right off the bat, but everyone kind of balances each other out. They’re a supportive cast, but I’m not going to lie and say they aren’t competitive. But what actor types aren’t, right?” He turned and winked at us before signaling for his left turn. He was cute. Kind of like a miniature man.

“What about our leading lady? One of those prima donnas you mentioned?” Lanie just couldn’t let up. But in actuality, I was curious about Adrienne Kenyon myself. It looked like she was in most of the scenes I had in the show. My character would act as her best friend throughout the first half of the musical, and then steal her boyfriend and stab her in the back in the second half, one of the many horrible things that happened to her character.

“Um, no I wouldn’t say that about Adrienne.” Stewart thought for a moment. “But you can tell the show is important to her. And she certainly won’t take any crap from anyone when it comes to doing our best show. I think she’s amazing, personally.” He smiled broadly in the rearview mirror.

Wow. That was a pretty great review from Stewart the intern.

Sounded like he had himself a crush on the show’s resident star. I was definitely looking forward to meeting her though. Not that I wasn’t already familiar with her work. She’d been famous since she was fourteen and on the most popular teen TV series, Highland High.

It was a complete guilty pleasure, but I was hooked on it throughout my youth. However, I was also able to realize something most of America perhaps did not. Adrienne Kenyon was immensely more talented than Highland High allowed for. I had seen her in her first Broadway show six years ago on a family vacation to New York, and was blown away by her vocal range and power. Some might say she was cast in Clean Slate solely because her name would sell tickets, but I had a feeling those people were wrong. Unfortunately, her true talent was often overshadowed by tabloid gossip, most of which surrounded reported feuds with her parents over control of the money she’d made as a teenager. Not that I necessarily believed that stuff.

Stewart informed us that the company managers had arranged for us to see the show from the audience that night before going into

• 21 •

Melissa Brayden

rehearsals first thing the next morning. He provided us with tickets and dropped us off at the front of the house. That sounded great to me. It would be nice to sit back and take in the story live. I also wanted to take notes regarding the audience’s perspective on many of the scenes I had already started interpreting on my own from the script.

The house lights of the theater began to dim only moments after Lanie and I took our seats in the audience. Slow, melodic music began to play from the orchestra pit, and a single blue light illuminated Adrienne Kenyon alone onstage. The character, Evan, sang quietly, asking herself how and when her life had taken a turn.

As the song continued, her voice picked up power and her sorrow crescendoed as she took a knife to her throat, intent on taking her own life. The emotion she put forth as an actress was so raw, so visceral, I felt my heart ache for the character before the show was barely underway.

The rest of the first act happened in flashback, where we watched a happy, beautiful Evan graduate from college, meet the guy of her dreams, and struggle with upward mobility in her job in the fashion industry. I was charmed and rooting for her, enjoying life through her eyes. She was funny, likeable, and beautiful. Everything you wanted in a protagonist. In the background, however, the audience saw how the people in Evan’s life were working against her, behind her back, setting her up to fail. She discovered the numerous betrayals at the end of Act I, leaving the audience to wonder during intermission how she’d deal with the trials she’d been dealt. Personally, I was heartbroken for Evan, who was simply confronted with one life-altering blow after another from the people she loved most.

In Act II, Evan’s discoveries send her spiraling into a life of prescription drug abuse and desperation. She eventually makes the decision not to kill herself, but to take back her life one element at a time. We watch her systematically overpower everything that oppresses her and triumph. Her life is a clean slate, spread out before her. She rises from the depths and does so with a flourish.

The story was beautiful. It was a tale of feminine triumph that brought the audience to their feet at the end of Evan’s final number

• 22 •

Waiting in the Wings

in the show. Not only did I stand and applaud wildly at the end of the show, I had tears in my eyes as well. It was a project I would be happy to be a part of. The whole thing was still a little surreal for me.

I paid careful attention to the character of Alexis, the character I would be playing in the show. She was written to be funny, alluring, but in the end, downright duplicitous. The understudy currently playing the part had done a good job, in my opinion, vocally.

However, the role called for a lot of dancing and I did see several areas I wanted to tighten up. I also wanted to take the fight scene with Evan to a higher emotional level, if given the leeway to do so from the creative team. I was pumped and wanted to get to work right away.

Once the audience started to leave the theater, we headed to the door Stewart had shown us would lead to the backstage area. We made our way to the greenroom where we met Craig, the production stage manager for the show. Craig would be the one overseeing our rehearsal and putting us into the show when the time came. He pretty much was in charge of the company and the show.

After about fifteen or twenty minutes, the cast in various stages of makeup and dress began to make their way into to the greenroom.

We met Benjamin Costa, who played the male lead in the show. Ben was strikingly good looking and intensely well built. It was clear he spent some time in a little place called the gym. When I was introduced as the “new Alexis” his eyebrows shot up and he pulled me into a warm bear hug. I liked this guy.

Not to be left out, Lanie extended her hand, and in a voice an entire octave lower than her own said, “And I’m Elaine. Nice to meet you, Ben. You were great tonight, and can I say very good looking?” Ben blushed. I shook my head and suppressed a grin.

Lanie could certainly work it when she wanted to. I could already tell she had set her sights on Ben. Lord help him.

Next up was Sienna Ivy. She was the ensemble member who was filling in as Alexis until I took over in Chicago. I was hoping to sit down with her at some point and talk about the character and what insight she might have. After all, she’d gone on for the role a

• 23 •

Melissa Brayden

number of times. I also wondered why they hadn’t offered the role to her permanently. She was the official understudy, after all. She’d done a nice enough job, no doubt. I walked over to her tentatively and waited for her to finish the conversation she was having with another female cast member. When she turned my direction, I immediately put my hand out. “Hi, Sienna? I’m Jenna McGovern. I wanted to introduce myself. I’m new—”

She put up her hand to stop me. Her face was so impassive, it could have been carved from rock. “I know who you are and why you’re here,” she said icily. “Congratulations, welcome aboard, and all that. Are we done?” A plastic smile stretched across her face.

Ouch, she clearly wasn’t a happy camper.

I took a moment. This girl had dropkicked me before even saying hello. This wasn’t good. But I’d been around actors enough to know you shouldn’t show your weaker sides to those that would clearly prey upon them.

I held her gaze and responded evenly. “We’re done if you want us to be.”

“Splendid.” She walked away.

Okay, so maybe everyone wasn’t going to be happy to see me.

I hadn’t anticipated this and stood, glued to my spot. I felt arms fold around my waist from behind and a voice in my ear.

“She’s obviously a certified bitch. Don’t let her get in your head. That’s what she wants,” Lanie said quietly. I nodded and gave her arms a squeeze.

“So, you want to meet Adrienne?” Craig asked. I turned to look at him, shaking off the prior conversation.

“Definitely. Let’s do it.” I smiled. Hopefully, this would go better.

“I’m going to stay and chat with Ben,” Lanie said. “I’ll catch up with you soon.” I squeezed her hand and shot her a knowing grin.

She winked back.

I followed Craig down the hall to Adrienne Kenyon’s dressing room. He knocked on the door and, hearing a very distant “come in,”

we did. The room was small with an adjoining bathroom/shower.

Adrienne must have been finishing up in there as we heard the water

• 24 •

Waiting in the Wings

from the shower switch off. Craig directed me to the small couch across from the dressing table and mirror. “Tell you what, Jenna.

She’ll be out in a minute or two. Why don’t you wait here and I’m going to go check on the bus, in case folks want to ride back to the hotel, okay? Be back in a sec.”

Before I could protest, Craig was gone and I was alone in the dressing room of a celebrity, a celebrity I was trying desperately to make a good impression on…a celebrity who was just getting out of the shower. Could this be any more awkward? I decided I could meet Adrienne a little later. I started to leave, but before I could make it across the small room, the door to the bathroom opened and Adrienne Kenyon entered, her hair wet and a towel wrapped around her. “Oh, hello,” she said, a polite though perplexed look on her face. I could tell she was trying to be friendly, but also seemed to be wondering who the hell I was and why I was in her dressing room.

“I’m so sorry to barge in on you,” I said. “Craig will be right back. He was going to introduce me because we’re going to work together, I guess, and he’ll be back any second. I’ll wait in the hall.”

Man, could I talk any faster?

Adrienne’s eyebrows shot up but luckily she was smiling.

Slightly. “It’s not a big deal.” She extended her hand. “I’m Adrienne.

Are you Jenna?”

Right, Jenna, that’s me. “Yes,” I managed and shook her hand.

“Just so you know, I wouldn’t normally plant myself in someone’s dressing room without an invitation.”

“We’re pretty informal around here. You never know when you’ll have one of us planted in your dressing room. Don’t worry.”

She sat at her dressing table and started to brush out her hair.

I think that’s my cue. I turned the door handle and started to walk out, but turned back. I had forgotten to say what I needed to most. “Before I go, I just wanted to let you know I saw the show tonight and thought your performance was inspiring. I’m excited to be here, really pumped.” Pumped? Where did I get this stuff? I wanted to crawl into a corner and die.

Adrienne seemed amused, however, which only made me feel that much more foolish. “Well, I think everyone’s happy you’re

• 25 •

Melissa Brayden

here. You should come out with us tonight. We generally hang out after the show.”

“Thanks, that’d be fun. I’m anxious to get to know everyone.”

I nodded one or two times too many and then left the dressing room before I said anything else I’d want to punch myself in the face for later.

It wasn’t until I was alone in the hallway that I allowed myself to acknowledge that Adrienne Kenyon was ten times more striking in person than on any TV show or stage production. She had long, dark brown hair, big green eyes, and skin I would kill for. She was gorgeous. And the towel hadn’t helped matters either…

❖

The Davenport was a small bar two blocks from the hotel we were put up in. Apparently, in every city, the cast zeroed in on an after-show location for the week of the run. I’d met most everyone in the company by the time we walked to the bar. They seemed like a fun bunch, with the exception of Sienna, who hadn’t given me a second look since our initial exchange. That relationship was one I might need to work on at some point. I tended to shy away from conflict and would rather do what I could to smooth things over in a situation like this.

The company split into several tables once we got inside. I wound up sitting with Lanie, Georgette, Craig, Kyle, and few more of the ensemble members whose names I hadn’t yet committed to memory. I noticed Adrienne sitting with Ben, Sienna, and a few others at a table not far from ours. I was already getting a feel for the different cliques within the company.

Georgette got the waiter’s attention and ordered a round of beers for all of us. I didn’t protest even though I wasn’t a huge drinker. I wanted to blend in tonight. “I cannot believe I left my lip gloss at the theater,” Georgette practically yelled. “I mean can you believe I left my lip gloss at the theater?” She was staring at me with widened eyes and seemed very intent on lip gloss.

• 26 •

Waiting in the Wings

“No, I can’t believe it either. That’s horrible.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“It’s just typical,” she continued. “If it’s not one thing, it’s another. I can’t even believe I did that! Wait!” She grabbed my arm across the table and froze. I stared back, freezing as well. The grip she had on my arm was five seconds from painful. This girl was hardcore. “I am in love with this song. Are you not in love with this song, Jenna?”

I listened for a moment. It was an eighties song, “Hungry Eyes.” I nodded. “It’s a pretty good song.” I didn’t think Georgette heard me answer, however, as she was already up and heading to the small makeshift dance floor across the room. It was a slow song, but she didn’t feel the need to dance with anyone else. She was perfectly content moving and swaying to the music on her own. A few others in our group got up to dance as well. I sipped my beer and couldn’t help but look across at Adrienne. She was laughing at something Sienna had said. I forced myself to stop staring by literally shaking myself out of it. I turned back to Lanie. We were mostly alone at our end of the table now. “So what do you think about all of this?”

“I think we’re going to do fine here. Don’t worry your little head about it. I also think we shouldn’t stay long. We have early morning rehearsal, and they don’t.” At that point, something over my shoulder caught Lanie’s attention. “Well, so much for that tree I was barking up.” She sighed.

I followed Lanie’s gaze to Ben leading Adrienne to the dance floor. I had to admit they looked pretty cozy, but to comfort Lanie I said, “They’re just dancing, Lanie. It doesn’t mean he’s off the market.”

“It’s whatever. This isn’t my first rodeo, kid. Leading man, leading lady, I get it. That story’s about as old as they come. It’s a shame though. Look at that guy.” She bit the knuckle of her index finger for emphasis.

I looked back at them. She was right. They would have beautiful children if they wanted to, who would undoubtedly grow up to star in Broadway shows of their own. “You’re right. We should head back for our beauty rest. I would hate for you to fall on your

• 27 •

Melissa Brayden

ass tomorrow.” She elbowed me as I laughed. I grabbed my purse and took Lanie’s arm. As I turned back to say good night to those nearby, I caught Adrienne’s eye as she danced. She smiled politely and waved good night. It was enough to make my breath catch a little. I shook my head at my reaction and headed out the door.

❖

The next morning came way too early, but I didn’t fight the exhaustion from the long day before. I was ready to get to rehearsal and get started. It turned out Todd from the audition was also the dance captain for the show, along with Madison, a tall blonde with a dancer’s body to kill for. We met downstairs in one of the large meeting rooms in the hotel. We would rehearse in the theater later in the week, but for now the hotel would have to do. Todd and Madison lined one of the walls with three large mirrors so we could at least see ourselves as we learned the new combinations.

They also laid out numbers across the area of the floor closest to the mirrors so we would practice proper spacing that would transfer easily enough to the numbers on the floor of the Clean Slate stage deck. Madison began to teach Lanie and me the opening number first. At the beginning of the show, before the character of Alexis is introduced, I’d be playing an ensemble member in the group scenes and numbers. The audience would never make the connection and one more body dancing onstage always looked better. Unfortunately, the first group number in the show was easily the hardest to learn, as it was high energy and very fast paced. It was intended to impress, and it delivered.

We ran it and ran it and ran it again, until I could barely breathe.

But there was no rest for the weary. After a quick lunch, we went back to work.

The afternoon session was split in two, with Lanie working with Todd on the rest of the ensemble choreography while I worked with Madison on the blocking for my scenes. I felt like a fish out of water. When you joined a show already in progress, you’re the only one in need of rehearsal, as the rest of the cast already knows the

• 28 •

Waiting in the Wings

show. So throughout the learning process, I was literally acting with invisible people as Madison pointed out where they would be and read their lines for them.

As the first day of rehearsal came to a close, Craig let us know we would be watching the show from the wings tonight, shadowing the actors playing our roles. Essentially, this meant we’d be taking notes on dance positioning, costume changes, entrances, and exits.

Wonderful. Sienna would surely love me following her around backstage.

It didn’t turn out to be so bad, however, as Sienna pretty much kept to herself and pretended I didn’t exist. That was fine with me.

That was how I preferred it anyway. It gave me a better opportunity to take notes and see how things played out without my presence affecting the mix. Watching the show from the wings offered a different perspective. I was struck at how much Adrienne had to do offstage as well as on. She was in virtually every scene, so whenever she came off, she had just enough time to change costumes before heading back on. I was in awe of how she held it all together and still delivered such a powerhouse performance.

As the cast exited the stage after the final curtain call, Sienna walked by with Adrienne. I decided to make the effort. “Great show tonight, Sienna. I hope I didn’t get in your way too much.”

She paused when she reached me, giving me a once-over. I swear the temperature dropped ten degrees. The smile on her face was plastic and noticeably inauthentic. “I hope you took detailed notes on that little flip pad of yours. We’ve all heard rehearsals aren’t going so well, which is a shame. We were hoping you might actually be good.”

I watched her walk away, telling myself she was just saying whatever she could to piss me off and get under my skin. It was my job to not let that happen. After all, some people were just mean.

Adrienne was still standing there so I tried not to let on that the comment had affected me. I raised my eyes to her as she leaned against the wall, taking a final swallow from her bottled water. “First thing you should know about this role is that Sienna is convinced it should be hers,” Adrienne said. “Second thing you should realize is

• 29 •

Melissa Brayden

that it shouldn’t be. You were brought here for a reason and everyone here knows that. What we actually heard is that the rehearsals are going very well, and that’s what’s got her in a spin. Sienna’s not a bad person; she’s just a tad territorial.”

“I’d say that’s an understatement. But thanks,” I said. “It helps to hear that from you.”

She thought for a minute. “You know, if you need someone to run lines with, I’d be happy to help. I say them in my sleep as it is; why not put my neurosis toward something good?”

I was shocked. It was a generous offer and not in her job description at all. “That’s incredibly nice of you, but you don’t have to—”

“I know I don’t have to. I want to. It’d be fun. What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?”

“I have rehearsal,” I said.

“Right. I knew that.” She popped herself in the head. An extremely cute pop in the head, I might add. She laughed. “Well, what about tonight? I know you have to get up early, but I’m a night owl. Show hours, you know?”

I couldn’t help noticing how her whole face lit up when she laughed. “Definitely know what you mean. Umm, I don’t have to get up too early,” I lied. I didn’t care how tired I was or that every muscle and joint I had was screaming, I wasn’t passing this up. “If you really mean it, I’d love the chance to run lines with you.”

“Of course I mean it. Why don’t we meet in the hotel restaurant in say…thirty minutes?” She checked her watch. “I just want to get out of all this stage makeup and shower. Plus, I could use a meal.”

I grabbed my bag and headed to the greenroom where I found Lanie chatting animatedly with Susanne, the swing who was currently performing her ensemble track. I pulled her away and explained my plans for the evening and watched as her eyes got wide. “Dinner with Adrienne? Oh, you have to get the details on her and Ben. Please!”

“I’ll see what I can do, but no promises. See you in the morning.” I kissed her cheek and left through the stage door to the bus that would take the first group ready back to the hotel. I dropped

• 30 •

Waiting in the Wings

my bag off in the room and freshened up a little bit before catching the elevator to the lobby. Why was I so nervous? Adrienne was just another actress I would be working with. I’d met lots of famous people at CCM serving as guest artists. Hell, I’d even worked with them. This was no different. Yet, I knew it was different. Adrienne had captivated me with not only her performance in this show, but with her sincerity and professionalism off stage. Maybe I was starstruck, but it was more likely I was still crushing and needed to stop. It was clearly going to hurt my ability to do a good job and that was the most important thing in the world to me.

I arrived at the restaurant first. It was half past eleven and the place was mostly empty. I sat at a table in the far corner of the room, a spot that allowed me to keep my eyes open for Adrienne.

I ordered a red wine to relax and wait. It wasn’t long until I saw Adrienne in her plaid newsboy cap enter the hotel. She took off the cap and ran her fingers through her long, dark hair to straighten it out before turning right into the restaurant. The lighting was slightly dimmer inside so I waited for her eyes to adjust before waving in her direction. She smiled and walked over.

“Well, I see you’ve made yourself comfortable.” She indicated my glass of wine.

I shrugged sheepishly. “What can I say? It’s been quite a day. I somehow don’t think this is going to help what they have scheduled for me tomorrow, however,” I said, nodding at the glass.

“No, I’d agree, which is why I’m only going to have one sip of yours.” She reached for my glass and with lighting quick movement did just that. My drink had been hijacked.

“I can’t believe you did that. Aren’t you a big-time star? You can probably afford your own.”

“I don’t know about big-time, but I thought you looked like the type who’d share. Now, let’s order some burgers and get to work.”

I looked at the fancy tablecloth and multiple little forks at my place setting. “I’m thinking this isn’t the type of place that has cheeseburgers on the menu. Just a hunch.”

“Let’s find out.” She arched a playful eyebrow just as the waiter returned to take our order. “Excuse me. My friend and I were

• 31 •

Melissa Brayden

wondering if it would be too much trouble to have two cheeseburgers made up in the kitchen?” She batted an eyelash for extra effect.

The young man smiled in return. “I’m sure that can be easily arranged, Miss Kenyon, compliments of the house. My wife and I have tickets to your show on Sunday. We’re both fans.”

“Well, I can’t thank you enough for that. I hope you have a great time. Say hello to your wife for me and let her know we’ve had a blast here in Detroit.”

I watched the exchange, impressed with the class Adrienne exhibited. “All right, the library scene, let’s see what you got.”

We started running lines and I was surprised I knew as many as I did. Watching the show tonight had helped cement some of them in, as I was able to visualize the action as I said the words. On the second and third run-through of the scene, I noticed Adrienne was rearranging the wording in her lines and sometimes adding in portions I knew didn’t exist. When I found myself floundering in response, I gave up.

“You’re totally trying to screw me up, aren’t you?”

“Me?” With mock innocence, she reached for my glass of wine, stealing her second sip of the night. She smiled triumphantly at her accomplishment. “I would never dream of partaking in such acts.

But it is up to me to keep you on your toes, right? Plus, if you think this is bad, wait till you see what I do when I’m bored onstage.” She popped the last bit of cheeseburger into her mouth.

“I can hardly wait.” I threw a glance behind me and noticed the restaurant had grown noticeably darker and quiet. A nearby vacuum roared to life. “I think we’re shutting the place down.”

“We can always finish the last two scenes in my room and let these poor people go home for the night. I can make us some hot tea.

Good for the pipes.”

I nodded. Hot tea sounded great. On the elevator ride up, I began to feel the effects of the day’s workout. I rolled my head back and forth between my shoulder blades to relax the muscles there.

My left knee also hurt a bit as I flexed the joint back and forth.

“Oh, you’re in some pain, aren’t you?” Adrienne observed sympathetically. “I’ve been there. A heating pad does wonders, by the way. Do you have one with you?”

• 32 •

Waiting in the Wings

“No. I’m rethinking that packing decision now. I’m sure I can pick one up at the pharmacy down the street.”

“Don’t bother. You can borrow mine.”

“Okay, great.” She was offering after all.

The first thing I noticed upon entering Adrienne’s hotel room was that it was a lot bigger than mine. Like, a lot-a-lot. There was a great deal to be said for the star slot, apparently. I decided to take notes.

“I’ll get started on the tea. Make yourself at home and go ahead and start with those lines. We can just yell back and forth.” She headed into the bathroom that looked to be the size of my entire room.

I began the scene. I have to admit, I felt a little self-conscious yelling my lines across the room, but she had suggested it. When Adrienne hollered back, I couldn’t help but laugh to myself at the ridiculousness of the situation. But I continued the madness.

Eventually, she returned and looked at me quizzically.

“What’s so funny?”

“Oh, I don’t know, this whole thing, shouting back and forth, me hanging out with you in your gigantic room. Maybe I’m just exhausted.”

“Maybe so,” she answered, handing me a cup of hot tea. “Tell you what, let’s see if I can help. Turn around.” I raised my left eyebrow at her questioning. “Trust me. Prepare to be amazed.” She set her cup on the coffee table. I did as she said. Soft, strong hands landed on my shoulders and started a slow massage. The strain in my muscles and tendons began to drift away as Adrienne manipulated each precise pressure point with obvious skill. “Is this helping?” she asked quietly.

“Is it helping? You must be missing my contented sighs of encouragement about every three seconds. Of course it’s helping.

Where did you learn how to do this?”

“Well, I needed a backup in case the whole acting thing didn’t pan out. I picked up a book.”

“You learned this from a book? You know, you’re a great actress and all, but maybe you missed your true calling.”

• 33 •

Melissa Brayden

I closed my eyes and concentrated on the massage. Before long, the initial muscle aches began to drift away and I became very aware of Adrienne’s hands on my skin. I noticed them even more when they moved from my neck into my hair. She gently ran her fingers through it and lifted it away from my neck. I was suddenly grateful I’d decided to keep it long. Adrienne had done a great job of quieting my muscles, but she was now starting to awaken other parts of my body. Before she noticed what she was doing to me, I decided I better get out of there. I reached behind me and stilled her hands, holding them in mine for a moment before turning around on the couch to face her. “It’s getting late. I better get going.”

She nodded mutely, but I didn’t go. There was something about the way she was looking at me that made me want to stay right where I was. Was I crazy or was the desire I was experiencing mirrored in Adrienne’s eyes? Without my permission, my eyes dropped to her lips, which were parted. To my amazement, she leaned in slightly, and with our already close proximity, it brought her mouth within an inch of mine. My heart was racing, and as I summoned enough courage to close the small distance between us, her eyes widened and she leaned back on the couch, almost as if waking herself from a dream. “Good night, Jenna. Sleep well.”

We stared at each other for a moment longer before I got up and moved to door. I turned back and said simply, “Thank you for helping me tonight.” Adrienne nodded and smiled an unreadable smile.

I lay in bed that night unable to sleep and unable to stop my mind from heading in a million different directions. Adrienne and I had almost kissed that night, I was sure of it. And while I couldn’t get her out of my mind or the way it felt to be that close to her, her breath lightly tickling my face, I knew the situation was dicey.

Chances were good she was involved with someone else. Plus, getting this show was an amazing opportunity for me and I didn’t want to screw it up. The worst thing in the world would be for me to get involved in any kind of drama that would lead to difficult working conditions.

• 34 •

Waiting in the Wings

❖

The rest of the week brought more of the same. Rehearsals all day and watching the show at night. It was four days until the put-in rehearsal for Lanie and me, a rehearsal where replacement actors were given the chance to run the show with the actual cast and crew, as if an audience were present. I felt fairly confident in rehearsals, but the idea of my first show brought the butterflies to my stomach.

Clean Slate would play its last few performances in Detroit before heading to Chicago for a weeklong stay where I would take on the role of Alexis full-time. Between now and then it was my job to dance my ass off in rehearsals and get my voice in prime shape, especially for Alexis’s solo number where she reveals her dark side to the audience for the first time.

It was pushing one a.m. at the Davenport and I was mid-slaughter in a game of darts with Lanie, having already taken Kyle down. I’d gotten to know the company members fairly well and most of them were present, spread out at various tables throughout the bar. The only people noticeably absent were Ben and Adrienne, who I’d successfully avoided since that night in her room. Lanie handed me the darts. “So in case you haven’t noticed, Kyle and Craig are an item.”

“Yeah, the fact they leave together each night kind of tipped me off. Damn it.” I missed a double bull’s-eye.

“I was hoping Ben would come out with us tonight. Probably spending a cozy evening alone with Ms. Kenyon.” She exhaled deeply and looked very much the petulant child. “With all the nights they spend together, maybe they’ll get sick of each other and break up. Then I can be there for Ben in his time of need, when he realizes I’m the girl he longs for.”

“I’m sure it’s only a matter of time, Lanie.”

By the time Saturday night rolled around, I couldn’t take it any longer. I decided I should make an attempt at some sort of exchange with Adrienne, as we would be working together within the week. I didn’t want there to be any awkward feelings. Since Saturday was a two-show day, with a matinee in the afternoon and evening show

• 35 •

Melissa Brayden

to follow, Craig arranged for dinner to be brought in for the cast and crew. I knew after she’d eaten, Adrienne would probably spend some down time in her dressing room, resting for the performance that night. I didn’t want to bother her, but felt compelled. As I approached her door, I noticed it was open. I casually popped my head in. “Hey, you.”

She looked up from the crossword puzzle she was working on and smiled. “Hey yourself. Do you know a six-letter word for pillow lace?”

I thought for a moment. “Try bobbin.”

She glanced at the puzzle and shot her hand into the air in silent victory. “Are you a professional lace maker and I don’t know about it? How’d you know that?

“My grandmother. She was very much into arts and crafts. I picked up what I could.”

“Were you close?” she asked.

“Definitely. When I decided to pursue acting, she was my biggest champion. She came to see every show I ever did, even if she had to travel. She died after my freshman year at CCM. I miss her.”

“If it helps, I have a feeling she still sees each show,” Adrienne said.

“Yeah, I kinda feel that way too. What about your family?”

“Well, close isn’t a word I would use to describe our family,”

she said. “You’ve surely heard the horror stories of child actors and their stage parents who push them into the business and then squander away all the kid’s money? Well, that was me and those were my parents. I’m not sure either one of them could tell you what my first words were, but they could definitely quote you the amount of my first paycheck. They’re divorced now, but only because when I turned eighteen and got out of there, they had no common goal. I was the business venture that was holding them together. I haven’t heard from my father in years, and my mother, well, let’s not go down that road. She’s still around. Let’s leave it at that.”

“That sounds awful.” I’d witnessed those kinds of stage parents firsthand at auditions in Boston.

• 36 •

Waiting in the Wings

“It was awful, but I try not to dwell, you know? Honestly speaking, I love to perform, and I wouldn’t be here now if it weren’t for what I went through with them.”

I nodded. That was a mature way of looking at it. I would be bitter as hell if I were her. “Well, listen, I’ll let you get ready for the show,” I said as I headed for the door. “Are you coming out with us afterward?” She hesitated at the question as if she were mulling it over.“Yeah, I think it’s a definite possibility.”

❖

The Davenport was extra crowded due to the weekend, but Kyle managed to snag us a few tables near the dance floor. I sat with my normal group of Craig, Kyle, Georgette, and Lanie. I hadn’t seen Adrienne after the show, and I had my doubts she would show up, but that didn’t stop me from glancing at the door every five minutes.

Kyle noticed my preoccupation and followed my eyes to the door.

“A watched pot never boils,” he said. “And just who are we waiting for, may I ask?”

“We are waiting for no one in particular,” I said nonchalantly.

“Just watching for any stragglers who don’t see where we’re sitting.”

Kyle and Craig eyed me suspiciously and looked around.

“Sweetie, everyone’s here,” Craig said. “Well, almost everybody.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Are you watching that door for Ben? Oh God, not you too.”

“What? No, absolutely not. I know I’m not exactly a poster child, but I’m gay.”

”Well, that’s news,” Craig said.

“Not to me. I called that after twenty minutes,” Georgette added.

“Me too,” Lanie said, draping her arm around me.

I looked at her as my mouth fell open in disbelief. “Oh, please, Lanie.” I shook my head. “Whatever.” Adrienne walked in and casually took a seat with Ben at the table next to ours. Lanie glanced over at them, following my gaze. I saw the realization take shape on her face as she looked back at me.

• 37 •

Melissa Brayden

“Oh, you’re in so much trouble.” Her eyes widened with enjoyment at this new development.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I smiled, feigned innocence, and escaped immediately to the bar for another drink. I didn’t think the other three had picked up on what Lanie had, thank God.

At the bar, I waited patiently for the bartender’s attention, as he seemed to take everyone’s order but mine. I raised my hand to try to persuade him over my way and was pleasantly surprised when his eyebrows raised and he raced right over. Now that was progress .

“What can I get for you beautiful ladies?” Ladies? I looked over my shoulder and found Adrienne standing on the other side of me with a twenty in her hand.

“Ah, a real live celebrity,” I said. “So that explains his sudden attention. And here I thought it was my good looks.”

“How do you know it wasn’t? Have you looked in the mirror lately?”

The comment left me momentarily speechless. Was this flirting? And if it was, could we flirt some more?

“I’ll have a Tom Collins,” Adrienne told the bartender. “And for you?” she asked turning to me.

“A Coors Light would be great.”

“Coming right up,” he said.

Adrienne handed him the twenty, as I held out my five. “Not so fast.” She pushed my bill aside. “Let me buy you a drink. It’s the least I can do after you swept in and saved my crossword puzzle.”

“That’s true. I did do that.” I picked up my beer and turned to her in all seriousness. “I’d like to dedicate this drink to lace makers and their bobbins all across the world. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

“Amen to that,” she said without missing a beat.

“Hey, wait a minute there, missy. If I’m not mistaken, you’re drinking. I thought that was on your to-don’t list.” I pointed at the glass in her hand. “What gives?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t relaxed and cut loose in a while. I thought I deserved a night to do that. But not too much. I’ve got

• 38 •

Waiting in the Wings

two more shows to do before we blow this town for Chicago. Hey, isn’t that where you make your worldwide debut as the no good boyfriend-stealing hussy?”

“Why, yes it is, and I couldn’t be more nervous if I tried, so can we maybe not talk about it?” I asked feebly.

“Your wish is my command. No more talking about the show.

Come on; let’s go sit with those guys.” She took my hand and pulled me behind her back to my table.

To my surprise, Adrienne pulled up an extra chair and had a seat. The table wasn’t very big to begin with, and with the added chair it got even smaller. Try as I might to focus on the banter and joking that was taking place between Craig and Adrienne, I couldn’t quite get past the fact that her right thigh was resting against my left.

“Hold everything!” Georgette practically shouted, bringing the conversation at the table to an abrupt halt. “If I’m not mistaken, I believe I hear Madonna’s “Crazy for You” circa 1985 playing, and that means I must now dance. Come on, Jenna, do me the honor.”

She extended her hand to me and I realized there wasn’t a choice.

This girl took her eighties ballads very seriously. As much as I wanted to stay sitting next to Adrienne, I wasn’t willing to upset Georgette on such an important matter.

I placed my hand in Georgette’s and we quickly headed for the dance floor so as not to miss any more of the song. We joined the three other couples already moving to the music, and because she didn’t give me much option, I let Georgette lead the slow dance, even though I was a good three inches taller than her. Halfway into the second verse, I saw Ben and Adrienne join us, followed shortly by Kyle and Sienna. This was interesting. I wondered how this was going to play out. I certainly didn’t have to wait long to find out, as the next thing I knew, Ben tapped me on the shoulder.

“Mind if I cut in?” He inclined his head politely toward Georgette.

“Um. No, go ahead.” I handed Georgette off to Ben, in time to turn around and find myself face-to-face with Adrienne. I couldn’t resist. I know I should have, but those eyes were so captivating they rooted me right to my spot. “Shall we?” I asked.

• 39 •

Melissa Brayden

“Definitely. I was just left for another and could use a boost to my pride.”

I tried to sound light. “That makes two of us.” I took her hand in mine and wrapped my other arm around her waist. I made sure to leave a little distance between us to be polite. I noticed at that point we were exactly the same height.

Almost reading my mind, with her lips close to my ear, Adrienne said quietly, “We seem to fit.”

I involuntarily pulled her a little bit closer. “I noticed that too.” As the music played on, the gap between us gradually grew to non-existent and I couldn’t pull my gaze from hers. I was lost. I finally closed my eyes as we swayed to the slow beat of the music, reveling in how wonderful it felt to have my arms around her. As the last notes of the song played out, a feeling of dread washed over me, and I knew that the moment was over. It had been the perfect dance. I opened my eyes, returning to reality. Once the music faded, I became aware of eyes on us. Ben looked concerned, Sienna looked pissed off, and Lanie and Georgette looked triumphant. I’m not sure how Adrienne looked because she abruptly walked away.

As I headed back to the table, I caught sight of her at the bar talking to Craig.

“What the hell was that?” Georgette laughed, wide eyed. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself. Of course I knew what she was referring to, but it was something I was still unclear on, so how could I possibly explain it to anyone else? So I did what I had to. I played dumb.

“What? You left me for Ben; I had to dance with someone.”

She looked to the sky as if she had a secret. “Seemed like more than a dance to me.”

“Hells yeah, it was,” Lanie said. “Maybe she’s not so straight after all.”

“Who?” Georgette asked. “Age?”

Before we could answer, Craig and Adrienne approached the table and sat back down. I knew at some point I should probably try to talk to her, but this didn’t feel like the right environment.

“So what’d we miss?” Adrienne stirred her second drink.

• 40 •

Waiting in the Wings

“The show,” I blurted out. “We were just talking about the show.”

“The show?” she asked. “I thought that was one thing you didn’t want to talk about.”

“Oh, Lanie was talking about the show. Rehearsals for the show,” I stammered weakly. “I told her to shut up.”

“That’s right. She totally snapped at me.” Lanie was having fun with this. “Craig has been a real ball-buster with the schedule though, haven’t you, Craig? But Madison and Todd are total pros. I owe them my firstborn for getting me ready so quick.”

“Just doing my job, kid. But we all need a little relaxation now and then,” Craig said. “Speaking of which, we were thinking of hitting a gay club on our last night in town. Straight friends are invited too, of course.”

“And now that we know you’re family, Jenna, you definitely have to come,” Kyle said matter-of-factly.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Adrienne turn and look at me. She seemed somewhat caught off guard by the comment.

I nodded at Kyle, but my face felt hot. “Sounds fun. Let me wait and see how I feel after rehearsal.”

I noticed Adrienne take a last sip of her drink and grab her bag.

“It’s late and I better go. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” And without waiting for a response from anyone, she was gone.

What was that about? I decided I at least needed to try to talk to her and make sure things were okay. I said good night to everyone and headed for the door.

It was starting to rain a little. I had an umbrella in my bag, but I didn’t bother. I caught sight of Adrienne halfway down the block.

I doubled my pace and jogged up beside her.

“Hey.” I slowed her down with a hand to her arm. “That was a pretty quick exit. Everything all right?” Thunder rolled in the distance.

She paused. She looked thoughtful, turning to face me fully.

“You didn’t tell me you were gay.”

Okay, here we go. “It didn’t come up, I guess.” I took a moment to gather my thoughts. “It’s not like I meant to keep it a secret,

• 41 •

Melissa Brayden

Adrienne. I’m sorry if it upsets you. I didn’t want it to. I guess if we’re being honest, that’s maybe why I didn’t bring it up right away.

It was stupid, I know but—”

“It doesn’t upset me. I just didn’t realize. I think if I had—”

“Then what? What would you have changed?” I was starting to feel a little defensive. “Would we not have been friends? Does it make you uncomfortable?”

“No, I just would have handled a lot of things differently.”

“Differently how?”

“Like this.” She dipped her head and captured my lips in an unexpected though utterly searing kiss. As she released me, I stared back at her, stunned.

“But you and Ben are—”

“Close friends,” she said.

“Close friends,” I repeated slowly, taking in this new information. If Adrienne was a lesbian then my mind had a lot of rearranging to do. Not that I was at all against rearranging.

“Jenna, I’m gay. I thought you knew that. Hell, everyone here knows that.”

“Wow.” I ran my hand through my hair, noticing it was getting wet. The rain was beginning to pick up, but I wasn’t finished with this conversation. I took Adrienne’s hand and pulled her under the awning of a nearby store. For a moment we stared at each other.

The dim light from the nearby streetlamp illuminated her face just enough for me to find myself disarmed by the way she was looking at me. I let the fingers of my right hand brush her cheek.

She turned into my hand slightly. “Is this a good idea?”

I leaned in a little and my lips slowly pressed against hers in a soft, lingering kiss. It was a simple kiss, but I felt its results all the way to my toes. As I pulled back, she looked at me, surprised it seemed, before closing her eyes and resting her forehead against mine.

“Jenna,” she began quietly, “I like you a lot, but I’m fully committed to this show, and I’m not sure what I can offer at this point.”

“I’m not asking you for anything. I just know I like spending time with you. Can we start there? No strings, I promise.”

• 42 •

Waiting in the Wings

She seemed to consider this for a moment. “I wouldn’t mind us spending some time together. But you have to understand these people look to me as a leader both on and off stage. I have to set an example, and I have to be professional about this and remember why I’m here. That doesn’t leave a lot of room for much else. I’ve been down that path and it doesn’t often work.”

I nodded my head, fully understanding her concern. “I think we’re on the same page. Why don’t we play it by ear?”

“We could do that, I suppose. Play it by ear.” Adrienne leaned in and kissed me softly on the cheek. “Sweet dreams, Jenna.” She turned and walked back to the hotel. I watched her go and shook my head, marveling at how quickly things could change.

• 43 •

• 44 •

Waiting in the Wings

Chapter three

I was exhausted. Beyond exhausted. It was my last day of rehearsal, and I refused to give in to it. There was too much going on. I popped a multivitamin and got myself dressed. After today, I would be on my own, and I was filled with self-doubt at that prospect. Questions raced through my head. What if I wasn’t ready? What if I got onstage and forgot the two weeks of rehearsal completely? I made a mental list of the things I wanted to go over with Madison that day.

The schedule consisted of some last-minute individualized rehearsal with the dance captains and stage managers followed by the big put-in rehearsal for Lanie and me.

We’d been rehearsing in the theater for the past couple days.

Now that I knew the lines, songs, choreography, and the off-stage track to follow, I needed to practice with actual props and scenery.

Some of the sets were motorized and others pieces flew in from the open space above the stage. If an actor wasn’t on her toes, she could be seriously hurt by the set itself. There seemed to be so much to remember. I was feeling overwhelmed.

I waited for Lanie in the hotel lobby so we could walk to the theater together. I was getting used to the fact she was always late.

Sure, it was part of her charm, but it wasn’t cool to be late to work, and that was what I was about to be. Just as I was giving up on her, I spotted her sprinting from the elevator.

“I’m late, I know. Don’t say anything. Just nod and I’ll know you forgive me and will eventually lose that angry crease on your forehead.”

• 45 •

Melissa Brayden

I nodded. “Let’s get out of here before we’re out of the show we haven’t even debuted in.”

“Yes, ma’am,” she replied with a mock salute.

We increased our usual speed as we walked, hoping to make up the time. I was doing my best to focus on the task at hand and put last night out of my head, but Lanie had other ideas.

“So what exactly happened last night with Adrienne? You guys left kind of abruptly. Let’s just say lots of eyebrows were-a-raising.”

I didn’t want to get into it in case Adrienne didn’t want our conversation broadcasted, but at the same time it might be nice to talk it out with someone “Well, to start with it turns out she’s gay.”

“I’ve heard. The rest of the guys filled me in a little after you two split last night.”

Wonderful. I could only imagine what type of speculation was going around about us.

“I would think that would make you happy,” she said “but you seem kind of nonchalant about the whole thing. So?”

“So I guess you could say she made it very clear she’s not looking for a relationship, but she didn’t exactly say she was ruling it completely out either. It sounds like she doesn’t like to mix work with her personal life. Maybe it’s burned her in the past.”

“Sienna,” she said simply.

“What?”

“Sienna’s her ex. They apparently had a pretty volatile relationship while working on another show together that radiated out to the company. It was a bad situation, and when Adrienne ended it, all hell broke loose. Sienna went crazy with anger and almost lost her job over it. Craig was the SM on the show and says it was hard to be around them during that time period. They’re friends now, but it wasn’t easy for them to get there from what I hear. It’s probably scarred Adrienne. She doesn’t want to go through that again.”

“Whoa. Okay.” Adrienne hadn’t been specific, but this at least clued me in a little bit to an experience she was drawing from. I wanted to talk to her about it and explain that our situation didn’t have to mirror what she’d gone through with Sienna. To begin with, I wasn’t the hateful psychotic Sienna seemed to be.

• 46 •

Waiting in the Wings

The rehearsal with Madison and Todd seemed to fly by. I was feeling more confident by the time we finished and was excited to move on to the put-in rehearsal. The three costumes I would wear throughout the course of the show had arrived after being tailored to fit me. It was surreal to put them on along with my customized Alexis wig, which was auburn and a bit shorter than my own hair.

As I stood in the girls’ dressing room surveying myself as Alexis, I felt tears well up in my eyes. I didn’t recognize myself, and for the first time, I felt one hundred percent connected to this character.

I was ready. The nerves were there, but it was excitement I was experiencing, not fear.

The rest of the cast arrived and got into costume and hair for the rehearsal. We would run it from beginning to end with the goal of not stopping unless something went drastically wrong. Sienna would be resuming her ensemble track now that I was taking over as Alexis. She seemed extra cold today, which could have been because I was taking a role she desperately wanted or quite possibly because she had seen what happened between Adrienne and me the night before. It was hard to say. I didn’t see or talk to Adrienne before the rehearsal began, but I watched from the wings as she sang her opening ballad. I got goose bumps on my forearms as I listened to her. Her voice was the most beautiful I had ever heard and I didn’t think I would ever get used to it, no matter how many times I heard her sing.

Finally, it was my turn to take the stage with the rest of the cast for the fast-paced group number. It was energizing to finally have everyone else dancing alongside me, as opposed to just Lanie in rehearsal. It was cool to feel it all come together and to be a part of that.

My first scene with Adrienne was a little nerve-racking. I respected her so much as an actress and I didn’t want to embarrass myself or not hold my own in the scene. For the first half of the show, Alexis was Evan’s sidekick, her best friend, and confidant. It was important that we had a comfortable chemistry. However, three minutes into the scene, I was concentrating more on the logistics of the show, the blocking, the light cues, and making sure I was at the

• 47 •

Melissa Brayden

right place at the right time. It was Adrienne’s hand on my forearm coupled with her character’s genuine laughter in response to one of my funnier lines that reminded me I was supposed to feel as well as hit my mark. When I realized she was purposefully trying to pull me into the scene, all the small details faded into the background, and I made the relationship of these two women matter most.

But there was a lot to remember, and I made several key mistakes. One of the biggest was missing an important cross that got me out of the way of a set change. Without missing a beat, Adrienne took me by the hand and guided me to where I needed to be on the stage. She could have let disaster strike, delay the set change, and let me hear about it in notes later. I’d worked with a lot of actors who would have taken that route, a trial by fire mentality, but instead she’d backed me up.

During what would be intermission, I changed my costume and hairstyle to reflect the passage of time in the show. I grabbed a bottle of water and had a few minutes left before Act II was to begin. I decided to stop by Adrienne’s dressing room. I felt she’d gone out of her way to make this an easy process for me out there, and I wanted to let her know I had noticed.

The door was open so I poked my head inside. Adrienne was sitting at her dressing table as the show’s wig mistress made some final adjustments to Evan’s Act II hair. Ben was sitting on her couch laughing at something she had said. Adrienne smiled along with him.

“Knock, knock,” I said quietly, not wanting to interrupt.

“Well, well,” Ben said, “if it isn’t the next new Broadway starlet.

You’re doing awesome out there, Jen. I’m seriously impressed.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“Now that we know you’ve got the nice girl thing down, I can’t wait to see you play the bitch in Act Two.”

I laughed. He was right. My character showed her true colors in the second half of the show, giving me the chance to play the complete opposite side of the coin. It made the role of Alexis a lot of fun, getting to go from one extreme to the other.

I turned my attention to Adrienne, who hadn’t said much since I’d entered the dressing room. “I wanted to say thanks, Adrienne,

• 48 •

Waiting in the Wings

for going full force out there,” I said. “You went out of your way to make sure things went well for me. It made a big difference.”

Her eyes left her reflection in the mirror and met mine warmly.

“Nothing to it,” she said lightheartedly. “Besides, it turns out you’re not so bad at this whole performing thing after all.”

“I better go get ready.”

“See you out there.” Though I intended to dash out of the room, Adrienne’s smile in the reflection held me in place a moment longer than I meant for it to.

“Right. Leaving now.” The adrenaline already in my system was now clearly in overdrive. I had to resist the urge to skip back to the stage. Life had definite possibilities.

❖

It was a five-hour bus ride from Detroit to Chicago. Everyone seemed pretty low-key as the week before had been an exhausting one all around. We had been traveling for about an hour and I was getting restless. I looked around for Lanie and found her toward the back of the bus in the midst of a conversation with Ben. I knew better than to interrupt that coveted exchange.

I located Adrienne sitting alone toward the front of the bus. She was staring out the window watching the world go by. I wondered what she was thinking about and wished I had courage enough to ask. We hadn’t talked much after that night on the street, other than the short exchange at the theater. I wondered where we stood.

Almost as if she read my mind, she turned her head and smiled that smile that could end wars. I felt my breath catch. Adrienne inclined her head and raised her eyebrows, inviting me to move down the aisle and sit with her. I didn’t need to be invited twice.

“So is this seat taken?” I asked, arriving at the vacant seat next to hers.

“I was saving it for an up and coming young starlet, but I suppose you’ll do.”

“Good thing.” I chuckled as I slid into the seat. “I was starting to get a little too introspective back there. Staring out the window

• 49 •

Melissa Brayden

for hours on end has a way of doing that to you. What do you do to pass the time?”

“Well, I’m a list maker, so there’s always that. I also use the time to get my thoughts in order, organize my life a bit since it’s hard to do that in the middle of show week. I decompress, self-evaluate, compose e-mails to friends, relatives, and of course, my agent. Plus, I think about what’s going on in my life.”

“Wow. That’s quite a lineup.”

“Yeah, I suppose it is.”

“So which of those things were you doing just now?”

“Hmm. While that’s a little personal, if you must know, I was thinking about you in the first Alexis outfit in Act One.”

My mouth went dry. “Really?”

She nodded her head slowly.

“And what’s the verdict?”

Her mouth curled up into what appeared to be an embarrassed smile. “Let’s just say you get the full four stars.”

I laughed and nudged her shoulder with mine. “Thank you.”

She covered her face and shook her head slightly. “I cannot believe I told you that.”

“Why? I’d like to hear more.”

“I’m not usually that…blatant. You bring that out in me, I guess.”

I took her hand. “That’s not a bad thing, you know.”

“Get to know me a little more. You might change your mind.”

“Doubtful. Wanna play I Spy?”

“That depends on if you’re actually serious. I Spy, as in from fourth grade?”

“Do I look like I would joke about a thing like that?” I said. “I happen to take my road games quite seriously.”

“I can see that,” she answered, laughing. “All right, you’re on.”

Several hours and multiple games later, we arrived at the Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago only a little worse for wear. Right away my energy level changed significantly. The buzz of the big city was palpable and I could feel excitement coursing through my veins. As we made our way off the bus, I took a deep breath and

• 50 •

Waiting in the Wings

smiled. Adrienne looked over at me and grinned back broadly. “Are you ready for this?”

“Are you kidding? This is what I’ve waited my whole life for.”

“Well, you couldn’t have picked a better place to debut. I have a feeling you’re going to like it here.”

“I think I already do.”

Everyone chatted animatedly as we walked up the steps leading to the hotel. I looked around for Adrienne at that point, but had somehow lost her in the shuffle of bags and the bustling crowd. I was disappointed I didn’t get to say good night, but reminded myself calmly I’d get to see Adrienne every day in the foreseeable future.

After receiving my key from the tour manager, I headed up to the room that would be my home for the next two weeks. I hadn’t been in the room ten minutes when I heard a knock at the door.

Figuring it was Lanie, I bounded to the entryway, still excited about my new surroundings. I pulled the door open and smiled when I saw Adrienne waiting there.

“I hope I’m not bothering you. But we didn’t get a chance to say good night so I thought I’d stop by on the way to my room.”

“Well, that’s incredibly sweet of you,” I answered, taking a step toward her into the hallway.

“I also wanted to thank you for the company today. It made the time fly.”

“That’s good news. I was worried you were still upset about your tragically poor showing in Twenty Questions.”

“If you’d stuck to the rules,” she said vehemently, “I would have dominated that game and you know it. I see a rematch in our future.”

I pretended to mull over that prospect. “Deal.”

“In the meantime, young lady,” Adrienne said, as she backed up down the hallway. “Get lots of rest tonight and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I nodded, taking her in. Her hair was pulled up in a haphazard ponytail. She was wearing the pajama bottoms and a T-shirt from the bus ride and was disheveled from the day of traveling.

Somehow, she still managed to look utterly adorable. I took a breath

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Melissa Brayden

and suppressed the undying urge I had to chase her down the hall for the kiss good night I so desperately wanted. Instead, I ran my hand through my hair and returned to my less than enthralling job of unpacking my life from a suitcase.

❖

This was the day. Tonight I would take the stage for the first time in Clean Slate. The butterflies had already started. I was meeting Lanie and Georgette for breakfast before our sound check at the theater. As far as Adrienne was concerned, I had decided to turn over a new leaf as of that morning. I had to force her out of my head and focus on the bigger task at hand, my opening night.

I arrived at The Little Red Hen at ten a.m. and was surprised to see Lanie and Georgette had already snagged a table in the outdoor area in front of the quaint little cafe. For once, Lanie was early. Now I knew she must be excited.

They were sipping coffee and smiled at me as I approached.

“Well, look at the early birds,” I said. “Can I take a photo of this moment? I’m not sure I’ll ever see this again.”

I had a seat and opened the menu, my eyes zeroing in on the specialty espresso drinks. I was such a coffee whore. Normally, I relegated myself to a simple house blend, but on such a monumental day, I decided to indulge a little and go with the cinnamon roll latte.

“How are you feeling about the big night?” Georgette asked.

“Bring it on,” Lanie answered most assuredly. “I couldn’t be more ready to finally get going with this thing. Plus, Jenna’s a kickass Alexis and I’m going to love watching Sienna’s face when the audience goes crazy for her.”

“I can only dream,” I said. “But seriously, I think the anticipation of finally starting in the show has gotten bigger than actually going on for the first time. Once that initial performance is out of the way, it’ll all be downhill. Now, if we could just skip today and get to tonight, I’ll be set.”

Georgette patted my hand. “You guys have nothing to worry about. You should see some of the train wrecks I’ve seen put into this

• 52 •

Waiting in the Wings

show before they were ready. Train wrecks! You’re both seasoned pros and everyone in the company has commented on it.”

It helped to hear that. “So, Miss Elaine.” I couldn’t resist artfully changing the subject. “I noticed a rather lengthy conversation taking place between you and a certain handsome leading man yesterday on the bus. Care to spill?”

She sighed. “Not much to spill yet. He’s the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on. He’s funny, warm, and smart which, might I add, isn’t often the case with attractive guys.”

“But?”

“But my amazing ability to flirt hasn’t done much for me in this situation. He seems immune. He is straight, right?” she asked Georgette.

“As they get,” she said. “He’s not the type to hop into bed with a girl on the first date. He’s got class. Just relax and get to know the guy better. There. That’s my brilliant advice,” she proclaimed, placing her hand on the top of Lanie’s head dramatically. She turned to me next. “What about you? I saw you, my dear, chatting it up with our resident celebrity yesterday. Are you riding off into the proverbial sunset?”

“I wouldn’t say the sunset is in store, but I do like her. She seems like a good person and it certainly doesn’t hurt that she’s incredibly hot.”

“Smokin’,” Lanie added.

“Plus, she’s not interested in anything overly serious, which is probably for the best. I’m not sure it’s wise to get too caught up when you work together.”

“Easier said than done, sweetie,” Georgette said. “Keep in mind most road relationships are short-lived, passionate, and trouble.”

❖

After the sound check, I decided to relax at the theater before the show. I knew I was too keyed up to get any rest at the hotel so I staked myself out a couch in the greenroom and had a seat. I wished to God I had an orange to throw around, but instead leaned my

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Melissa Brayden

head back and closed my eyes. Most everyone had left the theater in search of dinner before our call time, so I had the room mostly to myself, with the exception of a few of the crew guys getting the stage ready.

I went through the relaxation exercises I’d learned in school and felt my body slowly begin to respond. I laid my palms face up next to me and imagined all the negative thoughts and emotions flee my body as I exhaled deeply. As I inhaled, I imagined nothing but light and positive energy entering my body and felt an enormous calming sensation start to take over. I made an effort to relax every muscle I had all the way to the roof of my mouth and chased all thoughts from my head. I must have stayed like that for forty-five minutes or so because I soon started to hear snatches of conversations as the company passed through the greenroom on their way to the dressing rooms. Everyone was nice enough to give me my space, which I appreciated.

My relaxation came to end, however, when our assistant stage manager, Chloe, came over the backstage loud speaker. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your half hour call. Thirty minutes to places, please.”

I headed to the dressing room I shared with three other girls from the show. With each theater we traveled to, the dressing room situation would constantly change. I was told there would be times where all the girls in the show would share one dressing room, while other theaters were a bit more upscale, offering us multiple rooms to divide into. Regardless of the venue, however, it was an accepted fact that the stars of the show got the best digs, and it cascaded down from there. I wasn’t too terribly far from the top, luckily, and shared with just four girls, as opposed to the nine who were sharing down the hall.

I walked over to the dressing table and mirror and felt my heart warm from the sight. It was overflowing with cards and small gifts from the cast and crew wishing me a great opening show. Lanie had left me a frame with multiple windows, each with a photo of the two of us at different points in our progress with the show. She left two of the windows blank for “the future of our amazing adventures together,” the accompanying card explained.

• 54 •

Waiting in the Wings

Realizing I didn’t have time to go through the cards everyone had left, I turned my attention to the mirror and began putting on my makeup for the show. Alexis started off with just your basics, as the audience should see her as very girl-next-door in Act I. The makeup design for the character got much heavier and bordered on over-the-top before Act II began, helping the audience see her as the villainess of the show. As I was putting the finishing touches on my eyeliner, Stewart knocked lightly on the open door and entered carrying an enormous vase of exotic looking wildflowers. They took my breath away. There were oranges, reds, and purples, all with such a unique quality that I took a moment to marvel at them, before wondering who in the world had sent them to me. “Who are these from?” I asked Stewart.

“I’m just the delivery boy,” he said, hands up in surrender. “But I do believe I spotted a card.”

“Oh, well, thanks, Stewart.”

“No problem. Have a great show tonight.”

“I’ll try.”

I opened the card.

Jenna,

Break a leg. Tonight is yours. Know that I’m behind you 100% always.

—A.

Adrienne. I smiled at her words and realized they were completely true. When we were out there on that stage together, I did feel supported by her. I realized in that moment how important that was and closed my eyes and thought of her words on the card one last time before Chloe’s voice on the loudspeaker snapped me out of it. “Ladies and gentleman, this is your fifteen minute call.

Fifteen minutes until places.”

I continued getting ready, putting my hair in pin curls and waiting patiently while my wig was applied. Next, the sound technician put my mic in place where it couldn’t be seen peeking

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Melissa Brayden

out from Alexis’s auburn hair. I stepped into my first costume, a very stylish collegiate-looking skirt and top.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your five minute call. Five minutes to places please.”

Okay, now the adrenaline was kicking in. I had been warming up my voice intermittently, but decided to run a few more scales to loosen up my vocal chords as I walked to the stage. On the way I received high fives, squeezes to my shoulder, and even a few light kisses to my cheek.

The few moments I spent in the wings prior to the show seemed incredibly chaotic. My mind was racing with all the things I was scared I’d forget to do. It seemed like the cast and crew around me were moving in fast motion, and my relaxation techniques no longer seemed to be working. There were roughly two thousand people in that audience who’d paid a lot of money to see this show, and I could hear every one of them through the curtain. The run in Chicago was sold out, scalpers were selling seats at double their face value, and I could single-handedly screw this whole thing up. I had never been one to experience panic attacks, but this was quite possibly my first.

As I was ready to about-face and walk back to the dressing room, I caught sight of Adrienne laughing with Craig at the stage manager’s table. At that moment, she turned. The lighting in the wings was dim, but I could make out her features fairly easily.

When her eyes landed on mine, she smiled slightly and offered me one reassuring nod. That was all I needed, as the world once again slowed to a normal pace. I held my gaze with Adrienne and felt my mind cease its racing. I nodded back to her, a silent thank-you, and turned my attention fully to the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, places please. Places for Act One.”

Adrienne walked onstage and took her opening position for the top of the show. Moments later, Craig called the first cue in his book, the orchestra began the opening number, and the curtain rose.

Everything from that point forward seemed like a blur. My first scene and number in the show with Adrienne was probably the most gratifying I’ve ever experienced. Hearing the audience laughing and reacting to the lines was such a rush. You didn’t get that in rehearsal.

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Waiting in the Wings

It made me want to give them more, but I reminded myself to stick to the direction I’d been given and not get carried away.

For the rest of the show, I allowed myself to get lost. I threw myself full force into each emotion Alexis would feel, even if I didn’t always agree with her actions. It seemed to work, as the audience gasped at all the right shocking moments and cheered when Evan triumphed over Alexis in the end.

Before I knew it, the show was over and it was time for the cast to take their bows during curtain call. The ensemble bowed in groups of six, with featured actors coming out in pairs. The only singular bows went to the actress playing Evan’s doctor, me, Ben, and of course, Adrienne, who had the final bow of the night. Having witnessed the curtain call many times, I knew that a performance was deemed successful if the audience stood for Adrienne when she took the stage.

I waited in the wings as the ensemble and feature players took their turns bowing. As the actress who played Evan’s doctor entered, the audience erupted into cheering. I made sure not to allow too much time to pass between her bow and mine, as instructed by Craig, and began my high energy run to the downstage portion of the set. I was caught off guard by the number of people beginning to stand as I approached. I took my bow and smiled as the ovation cascaded down to the front row. It was a great moment, but one I knew I couldn’t dwell on and quickly jumped to the side for Ben’s entrance. After his bow, the orchestra struck up the melody to Evan’s comeback number in the show just in time for Adrienne to appear.

The cheering in the Cadillac Theater turned to rock star status as Adrienne bowed before the audience. It was as if they couldn’t get enough of her. I applauded along with them. As the company joined together and we took our final bow of the evening, I knew I would never forget this day.

The curtain went down and my eyes were moist with tears.

They were tears of excitement, tears of exhaustion, and tears of relief. I returned to the dressing room and began the transformation back into myself. The girls were excited for me but quickly fell back into their usual routine. They’d done this show many times and this

• 57 •

Melissa Brayden

was just another in the series for them. They did remark on the crazy audience reaction to the show, however, and hoped for more of that from Chicago.

The only thing that could make this experience more complete would be sharing it with Adrienne. It felt like we were in it together on that stage. I’d looked around for her after curtain call, but she’d disappeared to her dressing room fairly quickly. I looked at the flowers she’d sent and thought how much they reminded me of her.

Beautiful, unique, and elegant all at the same time.

Kyle came by our dressing room to let us know the name of the restaurant where everyone was meeting. I realized I was starving. I hadn’t eaten dinner and had only an apple for lunch. I told the rest of the group to go on ahead, as I needed a moment to decompress. I sat at my dressing table and opened one card after another from the company. I heard the door behind me open and glanced in the mirror. Adrienne was leaning against the doorjamb, looking thoughtful. Her long hair fell around her face in slightly curled tendrils after being pinned back from the wig she’d worn for the show. I loved how it looked when she’d just taken it down.

I studied her in the mirror. “I hope that face isn’t a reflection of my performance tonight.”

She laughed, but only briefly. “No, of course not. You were wonderful tonight. I’m in awe. You blew me away and it was only your first performance.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I was beyond nervous, but hearing the applause, the laughter, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.”

“I hope you don’t, Jenna. I would never want to see you lose your love of performing, your innocence about this business. It’s rare, and it’s contagious, and I have to say, wonderful. So many of these actors clock in and out each day and forget why they started in the first place. Remember this feeling tonight and pull it out again whenever you need it.”

I turned and stood, facing her fully. “I will remember it. Thank you.”

We studied each other for a moment before she took her forefinger and ran it gently across my bottom lip. She lifted her

• 58 •

Waiting in the Wings

gaze to my eyes and tilted her head, slowly leaning in and capturing my mouth with hers. I’d thought about kissing Adrienne again a hundred times since the night on the street, and I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. She kissed me softly at first, but I couldn’t help myself and deepened the kiss. I felt her hands slowly move into my hair, and I suppressed a gasp as her tongue found its way into my mouth and began to explore. My hands were on her waist, and I pulled her tighter into me as I felt every part of my body begin to respond to her.

Somewhere in the back of my mind it registered that there were footsteps in the hallway, footsteps that were rapidly approaching my dressing room. Adrienne must have heard them too because we pulled away from each other at exactly the same moment and looked to the open door. Stewart knocked twice before poking his head into the room.

“Aha. There you are.”

“What’s up, Stew?” I said, doing my best to seem casual and control my breathing. No making out here.

“There’s still quite a few people waiting at the stage door. We were wondering whether you were still planning to sign for them or if we should tell them you’ve already gone.”

I looked to Adrienne for an answer. They were her fans, after all. They were waiting for her.

“They’re still out there? Wow. Um, no, tell them we’ll be right out, Stewart, thanks.”

Stewart nodded once and headed back down the hall. I turned back to Adrienne and sighed. It had been quite a day.

She smiled at me sympathetically and pulled me into an embrace, kissing my neck once in the process. I loved the smell of her shampoo. I just wanted to inhale her. Instead, I reluctantly let her go. “Okay, you, there are some very dedicated fans waiting outside who might turn violent at any moment. Let’s get you out there.”

She gathered the bag she’d left at the door. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Are you coming to my dinner afterward?” I asked. Once the words were out, I wanted to take them back. I didn’t want her to feel obligated. “Don’t worry about it if you’re too tired, it’s not—”

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Melissa Brayden

She silenced me with a kiss before answering. “Shut up with that. Of course I’m coming.” She flashed me one last dazzling smile and headed off down the hall. Could today get any better?

When I stepped out the stage door, I was surprised to see at least thirty people waiting. Chicago was enthusiastic. Adrienne was going down the line signing playbills and taking photos. I decided to wait a few yards away until she was finished, but I didn’t make it much further than a few steps before a Sharpie was thrust under my nose.

“Jenna, will you sign my T-shirt?” a hopeful teenage girl asked.

I was dumbfounded by the fact she knew my name.

“Sure I will,” I said and wrote my name across the Clean Slate baby doll tee from the souvenir stand.

“We loved the show tonight. You were awesome!”

“Aww, thank you. I’m happy you had a good time,” I said.

I continued signing as more people approached me. I kept track of Adrienne out of the corner of my eye. I noticed how she took a moment to talk with each person and seemed so appreciative of each compliment. Some of the fans even asked her to sign memorabilia from her Highland High days , which I knew she was hoping to break free of. Nonetheless, she obliged and even stopped to talk about her time on the show. She caught me watching her and shot me a quick wink before turning back to a young man with a camera.

I could learn a lot from her, I realized, and decided to make an effort to pay attention in the future. As if I needed an excuse.

Ten minutes later when the final playbill was signed, Adrienne waved good-bye to everyone and joined me.

“So now who’s the superstar?” Adrienne said as she approached.

“That was the craziest feeling, to have people want my signature on something.” I shook my head. “I’m nobody.”

“No, you’re definitely somebody.” She wrapped an arm around my waist as we walked. “And you better get used to it. This is just the beginning.”

“I can’t imagine this being my everyday life, but I’ll take it.”

It was nearing midnight and I was beyond hungry. We walked together, following the directions Kyle had given me to the restaurant.

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Waiting in the Wings

It was a few blocks away, giving us a chance to enjoy a few minutes alone before joining the others for dinner. As we walked in silence, I took in the night air and the newness of what was going on between us. I held her hand loosely, but as we approached the restaurant, she made a point of letting go.

“I think it might be a good idea to keep things between us. Is that okay?”

“That’s okay with me. Whatever you need.”

She blinked and smiled. “You’re kind of great, you know that?”

“I didn’t, but a fifteen-year-old girl back there said I was, so it must be true.”

She laughed and nudged my shoulder with hers playfully.

“Shall we?”

“We shall.”

We walked into the restaurant and found our group. In the middle of the dining room were two long tables decorated with sombreros and confetti. Pitchers of margaritas lined the tables and the company applauded when they saw us approach. Adrienne made a big presentational gesture toward me as I followed her into the room.

“And here’s our second guest of honor,” Ben called out. “Ladies and gentleman, joining our cast tonight, the lovely Jenna McGovern.

Congratulations on a great show, kid! We’ve decided to keep you.”

I laughed and gave him a big bear hug, before being ushered to my pre-assigned seat in the middle of the group next to Lanie. I kissed her cheek as I sat and noticed Adrienne sit across the table and a few seats down.

Lanie and I hadn’t had a chance to talk after the show, but I could tell she was in great spirits. She picked up her glass and handed me mine. Holding hers high in the air, she offered a private toast. “To a million more shows like that one, and to my new friend.”

“And to mine.” I clinked my glass to hers.

After I was able to get a few bites of food down, I felt energy start to return to my body. I made a mental note to always eat at least a little bit before a show.

I scanned the table and was happy to see everyone was having a good time, laughing, and telling jokes. The margaritas certainly

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Melissa Brayden

helped. Adrienne was sipping a Diet Coke and in the midst of a playful argument with Craig and Sienna, laughing quite a bit. It was childish and unwarranted, but seeing Adrienne laugh with Sienna that way brought on a twinge of jealousy. I didn’t like that it had.

But it had. I vowed then and there not to be that person. But then again, I’d also vowed to put Adrienne out of my mind and then spent the earlier part of the evening making out with her. Okay, so my track record could have been better.

Dinner was over, it neared two a.m., and I decided it was time to call it a night. I stood and thanked everyone for the celebration and after a few hugs, Lanie and I started for the door. I hesitated, unsure whether to wait for Adrienne or not. What was the protocol here?

She seemed comfortable where she was, so I waved casually to at least say good-bye. She nodded silently. She smiled and I returned it. We had all the time in the world to get to know each other better, I reminded myself.

❖

Wednesday morning rolled around and I had a hard time getting out of bed. The excitement from the day before had definitely had an effect on my body. Luckily, I didn’t have to be anywhere until my call time that night before the show. I had hoped to explore some of Chicago, maybe hit the Museum of Natural History or Navy Pier.

I finished blow-drying my hair, deciding to let it hang loose today, and pulled out the set of brochures I’d picked up in the hotel lobby. I sat at the desk and started to look through them when I heard a faint knock on the door. As I pulled it open, I was intrigued by the sight in front of me, an outstretched arm without an owner offering up a piping hot coffee-to-go. I laughed, accepting the coffee, and peered around the doorframe to find Adrienne smiling back at me, looking very proud of herself.

“Good morning, sleepyhead. Can I come in?”

“Of course you can, and thank you.” I gestured to the cup.

There was no better way to start the day than to have a gorgeous woman bring you coffee.

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Waiting in the Wings

“I scored muffins too,” she said, kissing me quickly on her way into the room. “But you have to eat fast; we got places to be.”

“We do?” I looked after her, raising an eyebrow.

“That we do. I thought we could head down to the pier and take a harbor cruise. I made reservations, but I can cancel if you’re not up for it. I thought we could see some of the city.”

I moved into her a little. “No, that sounds perfect. And you kinda look that way.” She did too. In denim shorts and a black tank top, she looked relaxed and sexy as hell. I slipped my arms around her waist and kissed just below her ear.

“Or we could just stay here,” she said weakly.

“That would be fine too.”

Adrienne pulled my lips from her neck and captured my mouth with hers. The kiss that started slow was picking up steam quickly, and I suddenly felt like I couldn’t get enough of her. My hands moved from her waist up the sides of her body and, in a bold move, brushed the outsides of her breasts. Adrienne gasped and pulled her mouth away from mine.

“Damn. How is it you’re able to do so much to me?” She kissed me again.

“This could be dangerous,” I breathed.

“I think this goes way beyond onstage chemistry.”

“You think?” I managed between kisses. Adrienne pushed me onto the bed and I was more than happy to oblige. As the weight of her body settled on top of mine, I thought my head might explode.

Her thigh settled between my legs and I heard myself moan into her lips. It was as if that sound awakened her and she slowly pulled away and looked down at me and sighed.

“As much as I don’t want to, Jenna, I think we should probably stop. I say this now because in another minute I won’t be able to.”

I nodded reluctantly and placed a small kiss on her chin.

“It’s not that I don’t want to ravish you right here and now, but we haven’t even gone on a first date yet. And although you may not realize it based on my recent behavior”—she traced the outline of my jaw with her finger—“I’m an old-fashioned kind of girl.”

“You are, huh?”

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Melissa Brayden

“Yes, I am. And if I’m going to woo you with my money and celebrity, we better get a move on. Our yacht awaits.”

“You rented an entire yacht?”

“Well, no, but two very fancy plastic seats on one.”

“Good enough for me,” I laughed.

❖

The pier was bustling and crowded with all types of people.

No doubt the weather was a big draw. The skies were sunny and the temperature an even seventy degrees. Days weren’t made much nicer than this, I thought to myself, looking out across the water.

We strolled down the long pier, casually perusing the windows of the various boutiques along the way. Adrienne was only recognized a handful of times and obliged the admirers with an autograph or photo. I made sure to keep my hands to myself now that we were in public. I understood the situation Adrienne was in as a well-known celebrity with a career to look out for, and didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize that for her. I could behave when called upon.

“Oh look, we have to get one of these!” Adrienne said, pointing to the airbrush tattoo stand and dragging me toward it. “Ever since I was sixteen I’ve wanted a tattoo. They’re just a pain in the ass to cover up for wardrobe.”

“You can always have one discreetly placed, you know.”

“I know and I’ve thought about it. I just worry I’d regret it later. They’re just so, well, permanent. There’s no going back from something like that, you know? I wish I had the courage. Do you have any tattoos?” Before I could answer, she cut me off. “Wait, don’t tell me. There are some things I’d like to discover for myself.”

My eyes widened and she grinned back at me mercilessly, running her fingers up and down my arm. “Come on; let’s see what they’ve got.”

We turned to the displays of temporary tattoos and began the selection process. Adrienne quickly zeroed in on the Superman logo. “If I wasn’t an actress, I’d want to be a superhero,” she said very seriously. “Do you think they’re paid well?”

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Waiting in the Wings

“If they’re good, sure. But you can’t be flying into walls all the time. You’d have to work at it.”

She nodded. “Good point. I’ll put that on my to-do list. In the meantime, I’m gonna get this baby.” She pointed out the Superman logo to the airbrush artist and I sat back and watched as Adrienne had what would be a weeklong tattoo applied to the front of her right hip.

I had to admit, it looked incredibly sexy when it was finished. “I hope this thing comes with the powers. Your turn. What’s it going to be?”

I proudly presented the small shamrock I had selected.

“Speaking of powers, don’t underestimate those of the Irish.”

“Touché.”

I tried not to laugh as the design was airbrushed to the front of my left hip, but it seriously tickled. Adrienne studied my new art.

“That looks hot. You should consider getting a real one.”

“Oh, you never know. Maybe one day.”

We arrived at the gangway in just enough time to board the Pride of Chicago before the yacht set out for the two-hour sightseeing cruise. We found a quaint table for two at the back of the deck and politely turned down the complimentary champagne in favor of sparkling white grape juice. I lifted my glass and regarded Adrienne, who looked back at me expectantly, a smile touching her lips. “To a beautiful day and even more beautiful company. I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.”

She held my gaze. “I’ll second that.”

Our glasses gently touched and I sipped the sweet grape juice, gazing out at the water. Our surroundings—the blue sky, the lapping water—were all incredibly relaxing. I felt comfortable with Adrienne, but was at the same time excited to be with her. On a date.

I had no idea where this was all going, but I began to realize I might be more interested than I had thought. That worried me a little and I made a silent promise to myself to not get carried away.

“So tell me more about yourself, Jenna.” Adrienne pulled me abruptly from my thoughts. “I know you’re a recent Cincinnati grad, but where are you from originally?”

“Boston. I spent most of my growing up years there with my family.”

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Melissa Brayden

“Brothers or sisters?”

“Nope. I was the spoiled only child. I’m lucky in that I’m close with both of my parents who, in a rare feat these days, are still married. They were the ones who first introduced me to theater when I was five and Starlight Express came through town. Dad bought tickets and we sat in the fourth row.”

“And then?”

“I caught the bug then and there. I was sold. I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It made them nervous when I told them I wanted to give acting a shot, but they were also very supportive. It was nice to know I had a soft place to fall when things didn’t go my way in an audition, and they were always there to celebrate with me when they did. They’re good people, my role models even.”

“You’re lucky. That’s how it should be.” But there was rigidity to her posture and a distant look in her eye that made me think I’d hit a nerve. I remembered our earlier conversation about Adrienne’s difficult relationship with her parents and internally winced at my misstep.

“I’m sorry it wasn’t the same for you. Do you mind if I ask how you got started?”

She shrugged, but the hurt in her eyes said it all. “My mother took me on my first audition for a cereal commercial at five years old. A guy at the grocery store gave her his card and told her I had a face that could make her some money. She saw dollar signs and jumped.” Adrienne shook her head as if still mystified at the notion.

“I landed the job and life was never the same. Every day after school, I was shepherded to a different casting call. If I landed the part, there was rarely any excitement. I’d done my job. If I didn’t, there was always the laundry list of things that were wrong with me: not pretty enough, not funny enough, not talented enough. The silent treatment was big in my household too. If I wasn’t working, it was like I didn’t exist. The message was clear.” She lifted one shoulder and let it drop. “It wasn’t the warmest way to grow up, feeling like a disappointment.”

I covered her hand with mine. It looked like she was fighting tears, but I couldn’t be sure. “It may not have always seemed like it, but I’m sure your parents loved you, Adrienne.”

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Waiting in the Wings

She looked me in the eye. “Well, that makes one of us.”

She seemed to shake off the weight of the conversation then and brightened noticeably. “Things are getting a little too serious. You know what I’d much rather hear about? The vicious rumor that you’re a reality TV junkie. Please say it isn’t so.”

“But that would be denying one of the greatest guilty pleasures ever invented and I simply cannot, will not, do that.”

She studied me and her eyes crinkled in amusement. “You’re cute when you’re opinionated.”

“I have a lot of opinions.”

Adrienne laughed and finished her grape juice with one toss back of her head. She was glamour personified and didn’t seem to know it. This was going to be a great afternoon.

❖

I heard my cue from the wings but realized I was still several moments away from completing my costume change. My second show was not going as well as my first. In my third scene, I’d loudly smacked my live mic while gesturing. I later tripped on a well-marked set piece because I was apparently clumsy all of a sudden, and now I was missing my quick change. Despite the remaining buttons that were clearly in an open line down the back of my dress, I ran onstage, late for my line by at least ten seconds. Luckily, Ben had been on his toes enough to ad lib a little until I made my entrance.

As I turned to face Adrienne, I noticed the glint of amusement in her eyes as it was clear she’d noticed the unbuttoned dress. I did everything I could to keep the audience from seeing the back of my costume and luckily escaped from the scene undetected, but it had been unnerving.

I had to face facts. I hadn’t been focused. My mind was still on the afternoon and it hadn’t officially shown up to work. I was still theoretically back on that harbor cruise staring into Adrienne’s captivating green eyes. Because of that, I allowed myself to drop the ball, and it couldn’t happen again. I was furious at myself for not concentrating on my job. This was what I was afraid would happen

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Melissa Brayden

and the reason I told myself, before arriving on the tour, to keep my life about work. Everything else just got in the way.

At the show’s conclusion, I stormed back to my dressing room and began the ritual of changing back into Jenna, soon-to-be-unemployed actress. It was only ten minutes before Craig tapped on the door and made his way over to my dressing table. The look I gave him must have given me away.

“Oh, come on. It wasn’t that bad. Yeah, you had a couple of track issues with entrances and exits, but your actual performance was above and beyond.”

“Don’t bullshit me, Craig. I was a train wreck. You know it and I know it.” I was near tears and didn’t care if he saw. “Now please give me my notes so I can go kill myself.” I threw my head dramatically onto the dressing table.

“Take it easy. You have a few things to learn still. Is that really news to you? Did you think you were going to be an instant pro?”

“Yes,” I answered meekly, my head still on the table.

“Let’s see if I can help with a few things.”

I sat up and listened to the fifteen minutes of notes Craig had for me regarding improvements I could make both on and offstage. I made sure to write down everything he gave me and planned to stay up studying the notes until there was no question I had them down.

As I passed through the greenroom on the way out of the theater, I saw Adrienne in the midst of conversation with Lanie and Ben.

When she saw me approach, she excused herself and headed my way.

As she saw my face, her expression changed to one of sympathy.

“Hey there.”

“Hi.”

“You look a little bummed.”

“You could say that.”

“If it makes you feel better, my first week in the show was ten times worse. At one point, I forgot the words to the finale and hummed my way through the second verse.”

“Thank you for saying that.” I was trying to be polite but wanted to get out of there. I didn’t feel much like talking. I was pissed off at myself and probably just needed to be alone.

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Waiting in the Wings

“Tell you what. Come to my room in a little bit and we can curl up and watch a movie, forget about tonight.”

“No, I can’t tonight. Another time.” I stepped backward. “I’ll see you later.”

“Jenna, wait a sec—”

“Look, lay off, all right? I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t know how I can make that more clear to you.” I realized I’d said that a lot harsher than I meant to. Adrienne looked surprised at my outburst, but I didn’t hang around for her response, heading out into the cool night air. I signed a few playbills at the stage door, doing my best to be cheerful to the gracious fans of the show who had waited to meet the cast. I began my walk back to the hotel, alone with my thoughts. I could be moody. It was a side of myself I wasn’t overly proud of, but there were times in life you just needed space, and feeling like a loser was one of those times. I hadn’t gotten two blocks before the guilt of how I’d reacted set in. I shouldn’t have taken out my frustration on Adrienne and I knew it. I was blaming her for being my distraction, but it wasn’t her fault. I’d wanted to spend time with her. I still did. I let my head drop as the full realization of what an ass I’d been set in. I’d apologize tomorrow.

Hopefully, she had a soft spot for grovelers.

When I got back to my room, I made a beeline for the shower, shedding my clothes as I went. I turned on the water as hot as I could stand it. As I stood under that stream, I replayed the events of the day in my head. They went from amazing to disastrous in one fell swoop. It was clear to me that managing the excitement Adrienne elicited in me and the job I had to do in the show was not going to be as easy as I had planned. I needed to be more responsible mentally and prepare myself properly for work, Adrienne or not.

I put on shorts and a tank and sat on the bed, pouring through the notes I was given. I went through the show one scene at a time.

I’d always been a bit of a dork when it came to homework. In essence, I always did it. After going through the notes once, I went through them again. Then I made myself a detailed outline of my track in the show and a checklist to work through before going on each night.

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Melissa Brayden

I rubbed the back of my neck where a nagging pain had taken up residence. I glanced at the clock. One thirty-eight a.m. I knew I should do my best to catch some z’s but I couldn’t stop thinking of how I’d left things with Adrienne earlier. It was uncool how I had acted. I threw myself back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

Was it possible she was still up? Even if she were, was she still speaking to me? I threw an orange into the air and mulled it over.

I decided to risk it. As I walked down the hall to Adrienne’s room, I started to feel like maybe this was a bad idea. She might be more understanding if I didn’t drag her away from well-needed sleep so I could feel a little less guilt-ridden before morning. But I had to face it. That wasn’t the entire reason for my trip. I also wanted to see her, plain and simple.

I stood in front of her door a moment before finally knocking softly. I heard movement from inside and took a deep breath when I heard the door begin to open. And then there she was. Her hair was pulled up and she wore shorts and a Yankees T-shirt. She looked completely cute. She studied me for a moment, leaning against the door as if she wasn’t sure what to say. Before she could say anything, I held up my hands in surrender. “If I had a white flag, I would wave it.”

“You don’t need a white flag,” she answered softly.

“Still, I’m sorry I spoke to you the way I did at the theater.

I shouldn’t have. I just wanted to say that before I went to sleep.

I’m also sorry for waking you, if I did. I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow. I’m going now. Um, good night…yeah.” Not sure what to do with myself, and realizing I was clearly the biggest dork on the planet, I turned to go. Her voice stopped me.

“I’m a night owl. You didn’t wake me.” She grabbed the front of my shirt and gently pulled me inside. “Come in, let’s talk.”

I walked into her room, once again noticing the perks it seemed to have over mine. “You have a coffeemaker.” I pointed to the pot on the vanity as she dragged me past. “I totally have to go to the lobby for coffee.”

“Top billing has its benefits.”

“That it does.”

• 70 •

Waiting in the Wings

Adrienne sat on the bed and tugged on my arm for me to sit beside her. I couldn’t completely read her features as the room was only illuminated by a small desk lamp. But from what I could tell, she looked serious. An uncomfortable feeling crept into the pit of my stomach.

She took a breath before speaking. “Jenna, I need you to know you can talk to me. We’re friends. So what’s going on?”

I took a deep breath, not exactly sure how to begin. “My head wasn’t in the game tonight. I had a horrible show because I let myself get preoccupied. I reacted the way I did in the greenroom because I guess I partially blamed you for being that distraction. It’s twisted and stupid and I’m sorry. It wasn’t your fault.” I felt oddly shy all of a sudden.

Her answer was to lean in and slowly brush her lips against mine. She pulled back an inch or so to look into my eyes. “Thank you. And if it helps, I get it. It’s the main reason we should keep things between us light. We like each other. Let’s explore that, but we don’t have to get caught up.” I nodded my agreement, knowing it was the best course of action.

Adrienne’s tone lightened considerably. “Wanna watch a little of my movie with me?” I followed her gaze to the TV where she had a DVD player hooked up. “I’m watching Speed. Not for the faint of heart.”

“Speed? As in Keanu-Reeves-on-a-bus- Speed?”

“Yep. Does that surprise you?”

“Actually, it does. You don’t strike me as an action type of girl.”

“That only goes to show you have a lot left to learn about me.

I’ll keep you on your toes, woman.”

“So I’m finding out.”

We curled up on the bed and settled into the movie. Adrienne threw an arm around my waist and nestled her head on my shoulder.

Already I was feeling better and enjoyed holding her, being close.

I tried my damndest to concentrate on Keanu Reeves and his out of control bus, but it became increasingly more difficult fifteen minutes later when Adrienne moved her hand from my waist to rest on my bare thigh, just below the hemline of my shorts. I wasn’t sure if she was aware of the effect she had on me or not. I decided

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to play it cool and focus on the television rather than the feel of her warm hand on my skin. But as her thumb started to trace light circles across my thigh, that got considerably harder to do. In response, I let my hand move into her hair and play loosely against the back of her neck. She inhaled slightly at the contact. Neither of us spoke, and I pretended to focus on the film. Adrienne moved her hand from my thigh to my stomach, pushing up my shirt slightly and running her nails back and forth along the plains of my abdomen. I closed my eyes briefly and stilled myself from too big a reaction. I wasn’t sure what was happening between us, or what her intentions were for the night so I was hesitant to take too many liberties. But I also realized she wasn’t leaving me many options. In about two minutes, I wasn’t sure I’d be in control of my actions. I still hadn’t taken my eyes from the TV screen. I moved my hands from Adrienne’s hair to the back of her T-shirt, making contact with the warm skin at the small of her back. I pulled her closer against me and ran my fingertips along the inside waistband of her shorts. At the audible gasp, I couldn’t resist anymore and looked down at her. She raised her head and looked back at me, her eyes dark and heavy. We stared at each other in silence for a moment. Adrienne turned off the movie with the remote control and we moved to each other. Waiting was forgotten. Adrienne’s hands went to my face and cupped it as her lips met mine. She moved her body on top of me and the weight of her elicited a moan from the back of my throat. As our legs intertwined, it occurred to me I might self-combust in response to the sensations it caused. I pushed my tongue into her mouth and was greeted with a muted cry. I moved my hands up her back, fully beneath her T-shirt, and I was pleased to discover she was wearing no bra. I tentatively traced the outsides of her breasts.

Her long eyelashes fluttered open and she pushed herself up on her forearms. “Oh God, Jenna.”

I looked up at her. “Are you okay?”

She grinned and kissed me softly. “It’s just…a lot.”

“Is that good?”

She nipped at my chin. “Yeah, I’d say it’s good.” Her voice slipped back into a whisper. “But there is this little matter of

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Waiting in the Wings

clothing.” I loved her whisper. She sat up, straddling my hips, and pulled me up with her. We were face-to-face. She slowly pulled the tank top over my head and sat back, letting her eyes travel down my breasts, seeing me for the first time. For a moment she didn’t say or do anything, which left me feeling more than a little vulnerable.

Finally, she looked up reverently.

“You have the most amazing body. You’re so beautiful.” She proceeded to remove the rest of my clothing piece by piece. Slowly, methodically. It was excruciating and it was wonderful and it was exhilarating all at the same time. Though I wanted to even things out, my need to touch her was stronger. I buried both hands in her hair and pulled her mouth back to mine, the kiss hungry and no longer slow. I pushed her gently back onto the bed and covered her body, deepening the kiss. The damn T-shirt was still in my way, but I made quick work of it. My hands moved immediately to her full breasts, kneading one slowly, then the other. Adrienne’s breath caught as my thumb began to circle her nipple. I felt her hips begin to move automatically against my thigh and I took that as a good signal. I captured that nipple in my mouth, my tongue moving across it in circles.

“You’re driving me crazy, Jen.” I felt her hands on my hips, pulling me down harder against her.

I couldn’t wait any longer and moved down the bed. I pushed myself onto my left forearm and with my right reached down the front of Adrienne’s shorts. She lifted her hips to receive me. The slick warmth I found was so welcoming and so soft that I needed better access. I pulled the shorts down the small curve of her hips and settled between her legs. Adrienne immediately pulled my lips to hers, plunging her tongue into my mouth as I began to move on top of her. She easily matched my rhythm until finally she pulled her mouth away, her breathing ragged.

“Please,” was all she could manage, and I could feel she was close.

Even though I felt ready to explode myself, I focused on what I wanted more. I placed my hand between us and let my thumb brush circles around her clit as I inserted two fingers into her depths.

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Melissa Brayden

Adrienne threw her head back in response, a small moan escaping her lips. The feeling of her enveloping me was unreal. I matched the rhythm she had already established and picked up speed. When I felt her on the brink, I lifted my head and watched as her body arched and sheer pleasure washed over her. At first she cried out, her arms pulling my body hard against her as she rode out the final waves of orgasm silently, her lips slightly parted. In this moment, she was the most radiant creature I’d ever seen. I was in awe of her. As the last tremor left her body, I simply stared. She looked up at me, shaking her head and pulling me up to her.

“I couldn’t describe that if I tried.”

“Was it all right? Was I—”

“Were you not here just now?” She laughed nervously. “I’m usually a little more in control. You kind of caught me off guard.”

I was still processing the amazing thing Adrienne had said to me when I felt a warm sensation on my breast. I gasped as Adrienne’s mouth covered my nipple, her tongue lightly teasing.

“Wow. Speaking of effect,” I gasped.

She rolled me over and continued her exploration, moving on to my other breast and using her tongue to trail a path up to my neck.

I threw my head back as she traced the heated column with sensuous kisses. She had no way of knowing this, but my neck was one of the most sensitive spots on my whole body. She found my mouth and kissed me, pulling my bottom lip into her mouth and sucking ever so softly. My God, this woman knew what she was doing. The intense throbbing between my legs only grew stronger and I wanted her to touch me more than anything in this world. As if she could read my thoughts, she gently pushed my legs apart as her fingers began to wander. I turned my head on the pillow and moaned.

“You feel amazing, Jenna. Hold on for me.”

“I’m not sure I can.”

“Yes, you can.”

Her fingers continued to tease. Giving me just enough and then pulling back. My hips sought her out and there was some sort of sound escaping from my mouth, I think. Adrienne moved down my body. As she did, she laced her fingers through mine and held on.

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Waiting in the Wings

When her tongue brushed across my clitoris, I pushed my free hand into her hair, silently asking for more. The intensity of the sensations she was eliciting in me were new and shocking at the same time.

I felt her everywhere, down to my fingertips. As she increased pressure with her tongue, I felt familiar stirrings as my muscles began to contract. Right on cue, Adrienne pushed her fingers inside me, shattering any remaining restraint I had. She moved with me insistently, and it was only a moment before I rocketed completely over the edge. Ecstasy filled my veins, causing my body to spasm uncontrollably as I clung to her. The remaining shockwaves of pleasure cascaded through my body, and I woke slowly from the sweet oblivion Adrienne had sent me into. I became aware of my surroundings once again and of Adrienne resting her warm cheek on my stomach, her arms around me in a protective embrace. I felt safe and incredibly happy.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a long time now,” she said. “But that was above and beyond I’d say.”

I nodded in silent agreement, still a little shaky on words at the moment. Adrienne moved up the bed and settled in next to me, moving the hair gently off my forehead. I ran a hand absently down her body, stopping at the small temporary tattoo. “I’m thinking that tonight we discovered a super power or two you already possess.”

She opened her eyes, her smile filled with amusement. Adrienne pulled me to her so I was partially lying across her. I nestled my head into her shoulder, feeling tired, happy, and connected to her.

At some point, I must have drifted off. I can’t say for sure when that happened because I was holding on to those lingering moments of silence.

• 75 •

• 76 •

Waiting in the Wings

Chapter FOur

It must have been the sound of running water from the shower that woke me from the deep sleep. At first I thought I had dreamt the night before with Adrienne, but a quick glance around the much larger hotel room reminded me that all was very real. I smiled into my pillow and sighed with content. It felt good. I felt good. I just hoped she felt good. We hadn’t talked about the night we’d spent together. It hadn’t been my goal to sleep with Adrienne when I came to her room last night, but I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t occurred to me somewhere in the depths of my subconscious.

I didn’t get a ton of time to ponder that particular detail before the bathroom door opened. Adrienne emerged in a fluffy white towel looking as alluring as she always did. She paused when she saw I was awake and smiled shyly. “Hi.”

“Good morning,” I answered, sitting up.

She walked to the bed, sat next to me, and leaned in, lightly greeting my lips with hers. “How is it you look so goddamn good when you wake up in the morning? It’s criminal.”

“I do?”

“You do.” She finished the kiss we’d started.

“So last night,” I said.

“Was unexpected,” she concluded matter-of-factly.

Unexpected. Hmm. While there was some truth in that statement, “unexpected” wasn’t the first word that popped into my mind when I thought about the night we’d shared. I would have

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Melissa Brayden

gone with “amazing” or even “earth-shattering,” but that was just me.

“Yes, it was certainly unexpected.”

“Are you okay with everything? First I say we should keep it light, and then the very same night I practically attack you.” She walked toward the window. “It’s strange. It’s like I don’t know if I’m coming or going when I’m with you, Jenna. You’ve got me all turned around, and it’s a little unnerving.”

I followed behind her, pulling the sheet with me. “We could stop. Is that what you’d prefer?”

She turned back to face me. Biting her lip, she shook her head solemnly. “No.”

“Then I would definitely say I’m okay with last night.”

Adrienne’s face softened at my reply and she took my hand in hers.

“But for the record,” I said, gesturing to her attire, “you’re going to have to stop parading around in towels all the time. I don’t think I can take it.”

“What do you mean all the time?”

“If you’ll think back, the first day we met you were wearing a towel. It was all I could do not to drool all over you. Probably wouldn’t have been a great first impression.”

“Oh.” She chuckled. “You mean the day you invaded my dressing room.”

“Yes, that would be the day.”

“Well, if I’d known then what I know now, I might have dropped that towel.”

The idea stopped me short. Adrienne smiled triumphantly at what I could only imagine was a shocked expression on my face.

“Well, aren’t we proud of ourselves?” I said, pulling her to me and kissing her, what I’d been dying to do since she entered the room.

“We are. We are quite proud of ourselves,” she answered, deepening the kiss before gently pulling away. “I hate to cut this short, but I have a media thing at eleven and that means I have to hurry.”

Damn. “I suppose that means I have to let you go now.”

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She nodded ruefully. “Unfortunately, it does. But I plan to see you later. I hear there’s a kick-ass show in town with a new actress.

I also hear she’s hot. I thought I might check it out.”

“Oh, that sounds intriguing. Maybe I’ll see you there.”

“If you’re lucky.”

As Adrienne headed to the bathroom to continue getting ready, I couldn’t help watching her go. As if sensing the attention, she dropped the towel on her way. “Fuck,” I murmured to myself, staring after her in defeat. I heard soft laughter emanate from the bathroom.

Once Adrienne departed for her interview, I took my time showering and tidying up the room before deciding to head back to my own less than impressive accommodations to catch up on e-mail. I pulled open the door and was startled to find myself face-to-face with Sienna, her hand mid-knock. We stared at each other in confusion for a moment before Sienna finally recovered enough to speak.

“Jenna,” she said acknowledging me flatly. “I was looking for Adrienne. Is she…” She was looking past me into the room, and it occurred to me there were very few explanations that would make sense here.

“Um, no, she’s not in. I think she had a TV interview with Channel Four this morning.”

“Oh,” she said, still confused. “Then what are you doing in her hotel room?” Before I could answer, I saw the realization cross her face and the confusion was quickly replaced with anger. “Did you stay here last night?”

What could I possibly say? Adrienne had asked that we keep things low-key, but she hadn’t asked me to go as far as lying about it. Not to mention, I was a horrible liar, and had been ever since the first grade when I cut off most of my hair and told my mother I had no idea how it happened. It was a no go. Before I could rationalize any further, the words were out. “Kind of.” Nice, Jenna.

“Kind of?” she repeated derisively, and I could see the situation darkening.

“It’s none of your business, Sienna. You should probably talk to Adrienne.”

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Melissa Brayden

“Well, you’ll have to excuse me then. I wouldn’t want to interrupt your walk of shame.” She gave me the full force of her arctic stare, and before I could get another word in, Sienna turned and stalked down the hallway. Ouch.

I arrived at the theater that night a little ahead of the half hour call time, hoping to catch a few moments with Adrienne. I had to admit, I had a problem on my hands when it came to her. I was completely captivated by her physically, plus I liked her a lot. I looked forward to the time we spent together and realized fairly quickly the alarm bells going off in my head might be hard to ignore for much longer.

I was also aware that for Adrienne, I was a temporary distraction and probably nothing more. That’s what we’d agreed upon, after all. But the feelings I was beginning to experience for her worried me. Was I really going to be capable of keeping things light as far as Adrienne was concerned? That kind of lingering question mark sucked. I signed in and said a few hellos before heading down the hall to her dressing room. As I approached, I noticed the door wasn’t wide open as she usually kept it. It wasn’t exactly closed either, and as I approached I could hear voices. Specifically, Adrienne’s and Sienna’s voices. My first instinct was to about-face and respect their privacy, but there was a little part of me that couldn’t resist catching a few snatches of what was being said. I conveniently stopped in the hallway to study something interesting on my phone, doing my damndest to look busy. Ah, it has buttons and a touch screen.

Fascinating.

“You don’t have a clue what you’re doing and you know it,” I heard Sienna say.

“This is not something that’s up for discussion. It’s my life, Sienna, and I choose not to share the details of it with you.” Adrienne sounded calm, which was good.

“What happened to staying professional, keeping relationships and the drama they bring away from the tour? Those were your words, am I right?” Sienna was practically shouting now.

“First of all, that’s not what this is, and if you took the time to speak with Jenna, you’d see that you’re way off base about her.”

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“If there’s anything I can say about this girl, it’s that she’s drama. We’re arguing right now because of her. You can’t deny that.”

“I’m sorry if my spending time with her hurts you, Sienna. But it’s not a big deal. You have nothing to be jealous of.”

My heart slammed to a halt. So there I had it. Time to squelch those feelings and immediately. I heard movement inside the dressing room and made a hasty retreat so as not to be noticed. I felt bad for eavesdropping. It seriously wasn’t my style. However, I had to admit it was a conversation I probably needed to hear. It did mean Sienna was going to be none too happy with me. So what else was new?

I didn’t see Adrienne before the show but felt relieved when she caught my eye and smiled in the wings prior to the opening number. This was becoming our pre-show ritual, and I liked it. I also reminded myself that she was aware of my exchange with Sienna and she was still smiling at me. All might still be well with the world.

The show went by in a whirlwind of high-energy song and dance. As a cast, we were on our game and the crowd ate it up. I put the notes Craig had given me to good use that night and felt much more confident about my performance. As the curtain closed, Lanie wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed. “I think we’re gonna make it after all, kiddo”

I beamed. “Laverne and Shirley!”

“Mary Tyler Moore,” she corrected me.

“Oh. Can I still be Laverne?”

“Cool.”

I realized Lanie was feeling much of what I was in regards to finding her footing within the show and the cast. She leaned in and spoke quietly in my ear. “FYI, the word on the street is you have more than one reason to be giddy. I expect full details later.”

My heart sank. “Who else knows about last night?”

“More like who doesn’t.”

Well, so much for keeping things quiet. I promised to fill Lanie in on everything later and with a quick kiss to her cheek, I headed down the hall to get out of costume and makeup. As I passed

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Melissa Brayden

Adrienne’s dressing room, I impulsively stuck my head inside to see how she was. She was sitting on the small couch in the corner of the room staring off into space. I leaned against the doorjamb, intrigued by her pensive expression. “Penny for your thoughts?” I said.

She turned at the sound of my voice and smiled slightly, sinking further into the couch. She looked tired. But that never seemed to dampen her mood. “You already own most of my thoughts lately, so I’m thinking payment won’t be necessary.”

My heart skipped a little at that information and I came further into the room and sat on the couch. We simply looked at each other for a moment. Given that the show was physically and emotionally exhausting for me, I could only imagine what it was like for Adrienne, who played a much more demanding role. Not to mention the fact that she’d spent the afternoon doing press. She was surely beyond exhausted. I took her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Come on. Let’s get you out of here. I know what you need.”

“And what is that?” she asked, arching her eyebrow seductively.

I couldn’t help but laugh as I sat her down in front of her dressing table. “Behave yourself. It’s not what you might think. But first we both have to change out of these costumes, and I have a stop to make. Meet me in my room in an hour?”

“You’re on. But I have to warn you, I can barely move.”

“Luckily, moving won’t be called for,” I called out, slowly pulling her door closed as I left.

It was exactly one hour later when I heard a knock on the door of my hotel room. I glanced around the room one last time before opening the door. Adrienne was dressed in the same designer jeans, forest green shell, and high-heeled boots she was wearing when she’d left for work that morning. Her feet had to be killing her, yet she still had a smile on her face.

“Hey there,” she said sweetly.

I decided I liked the sound of her voice. A lot. “Hi yourself.” I took her hand and pulled her gently into the room, setting her dance bag next to the door. The entryway was dimly lit, but I could make out her features just enough. She looked at me curiously, no doubt trying to assess what I was up to.

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Waiting in the Wings

“Ms. Kenyon, I want you to relax tonight. Can you do that?

Wipe every single negative thought from your mind and just float.”

“Float?”

“Exactly. My favorite remedy for a long day.” I opened the bathroom door and watched as Adrienne entered and looked around.

The bathroom light had been turned off and small purple, lilac-scented candles had been strategically placed around the darkened room. The garden tub was filled to the brim with hot water and bubbles.

“Oh my God, I could live in here forever.” She walked in further, turning in a circle.

“Take some time and relax,” I said on my way out the door.

“Wait! You’re not staying? There’s plenty of room in that tub, you know.”

“Entirely tempting, but if I did that, I think we both know tonight would take a very definite turn. I’ll be out here when you’re done. Come find me.” I left her alone, knowing she needed a little respite from the world. I found my iPod, set it to play some mellow instrumental jazz from the dock, and took a little time to relax myself.

I stretched out on the bed and stared at the ceiling, letting the smooth sounds of the saxophone work its magic. I’m not sure how much time passed before I heard the click of the bathroom door. I propped myself up in time to see Adrienne emerge from around the corner, looking all warm and snuggly in the hotel robe I’d laid out for her.

She stopped and leaned against the wall surveying me. “That was absolute heaven. You were right. I needed that. Thank you.”

“I told you. And for the record, I’m often right. It’s a gift.”

“Is that right?”

“Indeed it is. See? You’re getting the hang of it already.”

Adrienne laughed and climbed on the bed, cuddling next to me.

She was warm from the tub and smelled beautifully of lilac soap.

She wrapped her arms around my waist and leaned in for a slow yet simple kiss. I took a moment to breathe her in. “Are you hungry?”

She thought for a moment. “Not overly. But I could go for a snack. We could order room service.”

“How would you feel about ice cream?” I kissed her nose.

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Melissa Brayden

“Ice cream sounds amazing right about now. I wonder if they have any. Do you have a menu around here?”

“I have better than that.” I crossed the room to the petite refrigerator and extracted the pint-sized carton I’d picked up from the convenience store on the corner. “Will this work?”

Her jaw dropped. “It’s cookies and cream. I love cookies and cream. How did you know?”

I smiled triumphantly. “I Googled you.”

“You Googled me?”

“Well, not tonight, but a couple of weeks ago. I was curious to know more about you and, well, too shy to ask. I read an interview you did in which you listed a few likes and dislikes. Let’s just say I took notes.”

“Wow. A girl who does her homework. Impressive.”

“Thank you.”

“Now could you and the ice cream make your way back over here? I’d rather not be apart from either of you any longer.”

I climbed back onto the bed and we spent the next half hour devouring the ice cream and relaxing to the music. I was keenly aware that Adrienne hadn’t brought up Sienna or the fact that most of the free world was now in the loop regarding our night together, despite her very simple request that we remain discreet. I decided it was best to get it out in the open. “So as you probably know, I ran into Sienna this morning.”

“Yeah, I heard. I’m sorry if that was awkward.”

“Nothing I can’t handle. I wanted to apologize though, for blowing our cover.”

“No, it’s not that.” She scooted her body closer to mine on the bed, putting her hand on my hip. “I’m not an overly secretive person. It’s just that when you’re on the road like we are, every detail of your life is inevitably shared with everyone else. Today is a perfect example. I guess I wanted to keep this to myself for a little while. Does that make any sense at all?”

I nodded. “It makes perfect sense. But for the record, I don’t care what anyone else thinks about us. I care about what I think about us, and what you think about us.”

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Waiting in the Wings

She paused a moment before speaking. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being this amazing breath of fresh air. For taking care of me tonight when I didn’t even know I needed to be taken care of.

But you knew.”

Adrienne had a way of looking at me. Just looking at me, and she was doing it right now. It was disarming but at the same time incredibly sexy. I noticed goose bumps on my arms and she must have too. “Are you cold?”

I shook my head. “I’m good. But it might be a tad bit warmer if you were closer.”

“That’s interesting. You mean like this close?” She climbed over me and settled her body on top of mine.

“Yeah, that’s pretty close, I’d say.”

We stared at each other, barely breathing. Her mouth slowly descended on mine and my nerve endings began to tingle. Her lips were soft and full and achingly wonderful. The kiss was hungry.

I was getting lost in it, feeling my body begin to take over, but knowing what to do when the voice of reason interrupted. I pulled my mouth from hers begrudgingly. “Nope. No more of that. You’re supposed to be relaxing.”

“This is anything but stressful.” She kissed my neck and up to my ear. “Now put your hands on me before I go crazy.”

I didn’t need any more reassurance than that. I resumed the kiss and let my hands wander underneath the robe and over her breasts. I rested my hand over her heart, gratified to find it beating rapidly. I felt her hips begin to slowly rock against mine and the stirring between my legs began to skyrocket. Adrienne took control, removing her robe in one quick motion before assisting me with the last of my clothes. She settled back on top, a position she seemed intent on this evening and began kissing down my body. My hands went into her hair, gently stroking as her lips, tongue, and teeth explored my breasts and stomach. Finally, she moved back up the bed, finding my mouth once again.

Adrienne gently pushed my legs apart, settling her hips between them. She pushed up onto her forearms and looked down at me,

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Melissa Brayden

brushing a wayward strand of hair from my eyes. My body was on fire and ready, but I was too in awe of how beautiful she looked above me to press the point. She began to move against me, holding my gaze with an unmatched intensity. As she picked up the pace, her lips parted and a small whimper escaped from her mouth. God, she was intoxicating. I matched the rhythm of her hips, pulling her closer to me as she buried her face against my neck. When I felt she was close, I reached a hand between us to cup her breast tightly. That was all she needed as her body tensed and she called out my name. I felt the orgasm tear through me as well, reaching all the way through my body and taking hold. As it radiated through every inch of me, I threw my head back and closed my eyes, clinging to Adrienne as tightly as I could. As the last of it subsided, she collapsed against me, kissing my chin, exhausted.

I marveled at what I’d just experienced…again. Up until this point in my life, I would have classified myself as a person who has had good sex. I knew what good sex was. But this was other worldly good. It wasn’t just the physical magnitude of it either. It was this intense feeling of connection to Adrienne. I was experiencing so many feelings all at once it was a bit overwhelming. But I knew one thing. This was good. It felt really, really good.

I met her eyes, brushing my fingers through her hair, our bodies still intertwined. She shook her head, her face mirroring the wonder I was feeling. “What is this thing between us? I feel like…” She paused, searching for the right words. “I feel like I can’t get enough of you. It’s crazy. There’s this electricity that just…”

I shook my head. “It’s not crazy. It’s real, and that’s the problem.” I gently moved her off me and sat up on the side of the bed. I hadn’t wanted to discuss what I was feeling with Adrienne, but this evening made me realize I wanted things between us, no matter what they were, to be nothing short of honest.

She sat up behind me and rested her chin on my shoulder.

Neither of us said anything. “It’s not an affair, is it?” she asked, breaking the silence.

I shook my head solemnly, finally turning to meet her questioning gaze. “Not for me. I’m sorry, but I’m feeling things I wouldn’t term

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Waiting in the Wings

completely casual, and that’s exactly what we said we wouldn’t do.

This is not just about sex for me.” She didn’t answer. Shit. The silence lingered, and I now felt stupid and embarrassed. The mood in the room had definitely shifted. I reached for my clothes, strewn about the floor in various locations, and began the process of dressing. Adrienne watched me in silence, pulling on her robe from the bed. The look on her face was simply blank. I had no idea what she was thinking and it was disarming. I headed to the bathroom to collect my thoughts.

“Let’s try, Jenna.”

I stopped and turned around. Adrienne was still facing the window where I couldn’t see her face. “What?”

She got up and walked a portion of the distance toward me. She shrugged her right shoulder and offered a hopeful smile. “You make me laugh, and you make me nervous and excited and thoughtful and a bunch of other things. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have feelings for you beyond sex. It’s not what we planned, but it’s what’s happened.

If you’re up for it, I say let’s give it a shot, for real this time. No guarantees, but there never are.”

I thought back to everything she’d said in the preceding days, specifically the conversation with Sienna that made me feel about two feet tall. “You told Sienna in your dressing room that she had nothing to be jealous of. I’m sorry I eavesdropped, but I heard your voices from the hall and couldn’t resist. You wrote me off as a road fling to her this afternoon, just hours ago. It was clear you didn’t—”

“I wasn’t about to tell Sienna how I feel about another woman, especially one she’s already on a warpath against. I have to show a little discretion when dealing with an ex.”

I leaned against the wall, letting the information sink in. “So you like me? As in like-like me?” I asked, exaggerating the words.

Adrienne rolled her eyes. “Yes, you little brat, I like you.” She closed the remaining distance between us and leaned her forehead against mine. “Is this completely crazy of us?”

“It’s a little crazy. What about our jobs?”

“We can’t let them suffer or compromise the integrity of the cast. If things don’t work out with us, we handle it professionally.

Agreed?”

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Melissa Brayden

“Agreed.” I grasped the opening of her robe and pulled her into me. “Now what?”

“Now we sleep. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been so exhausted.”

I was still unsure of protocol but I knew what I wanted to ask.

“Will you be staying?”

“Only if you want me to.”

“Settled,” I answered, pulling her playfully by the arm back to bed. “And no more talking from you. I’m serious. I need my rest.”

Adrienne chuckled as she snuggled against me and we settled in.

❖

The rest of our time in Chicago was a blast. Our new favorite nightspot was the Gotham City Bowling Alley where superheroes adorned the walls and comic books were sold in the pro shop.

We were in the midst of our third game of the night and Adrienne was doing her damndest to take down the competition, aka, the rest of us. She’d won the first two games, but Ben and Kyle were closing the gap steadily. My own embarrassing showing had put me in dead last on the leader board and I’d therefore shifted my role to “extra supportive cheerleader” for the real contenders. Adrienne was up next and we all knew she needed a strike to maintain her position on top. She offered Ben a do-or-die stare and threw her first ball. A four-ten split.

“Ouch,” Kyle said with mock pity. “That’s gotta hurt.”

Adrienne didn’t acknowledge the rib but instead focused on the pins. It was cute to watch her brow furrow in concentration when deciding how to best pick up the split. Finally, she made her approach. Her form was flawless as she released the ball. I held my breath as it careened easily to the four pin, knocked it down, and veered sharply to the ten, missing it by an inch.

“Almost had it,” Ben said supportively. He offered her a consolation fist bump that she reluctantly returned as she sat next to me. She coolly surveyed the action as each of the guys took their final turns. I was becoming more and more aware of the fact that Adrienne took winning way more seriously than I realized.

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Ben choked, falling to third but Kyle had an amazing tenth frame, throwing three strikes in a row. “Nicely done,” I said. We all cheered and high-fived him as he celebrated his way back down the approach. Well, almost all of us.

“Lucky bastard,” Adrienne mumbled.

“Oh well. You can’t win ‘em all, Age.” I elbowed her arm good-naturedly.

She stared at me coolly, unblinking. “Well, that’s just stupid.”

And I knew she meant it.

I wisely decided to change the subject. “Ready to head back?”

“Yeah, but I think I’d rather stay on my own tonight. In fact, I’m going to head out now. See you tomorrow.”

“Okay.” But she hadn’t waited for my reply. It seemed even Adrienne could be moody, and losing gracefully was definitely not her strong suit. It may sound odd, but I liked discovering a flaw or two about Adrienne. It made her a genuine person and someone I understood. No one was perfect and it was nice to get to see the real her, flaws and all.

❖

The sun streamed in through the window of the bus as we made our way through hour four of our six-hour bus ride from Chicago to Columbus. The cast and crew were scattered about the less than glamorous tour bus, engaged in a variety of activities to pass the time. I lifted my head from where it rested on Adrienne’s shoulder and smiled. It seemed she had finally nodded off. We’d spent the first part of the trip again playing Twenty Questions and swapping embarrassing childhood stories. However, I didn’t feel all that tired myself. I left Adrienne with the travel blanket we’d been sharing and made my way up to Lanie’s seat.

“Hey you,” she said happily.

I plopped down next to her. “Hey yourself. What’s new?”

“Other than Satan’s bus ride, you mean? Well, Kyle and Craig aren’t speaking because Kyle saw Craig checking out the counter guy at the lunch place we stopped at and called him a man-whore.

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Craig took offense and is as furious as Kyle is. It’s quite dramatic and I think they might totally break up for a few hours. What’s up with you?”

I was consistently amazed at the amount of information Lanie could somehow get out of her mouth in a very short time span. “Not as much, it would seem.”

“Really? You two look pretty cozy back there.”

“Yeah. I don’t want to jinx it, but can I just say it feels good?”

“Aww, you’re all cute when you light up like that, like a little lantern. Everyone pretty much agrees you look hot together. You should do car wash commercials or something.” I rolled my eyes at her. “But in seriousness, there’s something different about you since you’ve been seeing Adrienne. A lightness to the way you carry yourself. It sounds cliché, but it’s almost as if you’re glowing.”

“I think I know what you mean. I feel different. Does that make any sense at all?”

She nodded and I knew she understood. I casually bumped her shoulder in a show of affection. “I have to admit though, it’s a strange environment to start a relationship in. We’ve known each other for a few weeks, but it feels like the equivalent of six months in the real world. Everything is intensified here—the amount of time you spend together, the scrutiny of others, and then there’s the fact that we work together.” I searched for the right words. “It’s a whirlwind of so many variables. But I don’t think I’d want it any other way. I’ve never met anyone like her, Lanie. She’s amazing.”

“Jen, it sounds like this might be serious. Are you?”

I took in her words, knowing in my heart it might be true.

What I was feeling for Adrienne was nothing I could compare to anything else I’d experienced, and it seemed to grow day-by-day.

I’d never been in love before, but my feelings for Adrienne might be heading in that direction. “Huh. That’s interesting.” I nodded and stared at the seat back in front of me, running my fingers across the upholstery as I considered this new idea.

Lanie placed her hand over mine. “Whoa. I don’t want to freak you out. You just have that look about you.”

“No, it’s fine. It helps to talk to you. It really does. Thank you.”

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“Any time, kiddo,” she said before putting her headphones back in her ears.

❖

There was a buzzing. A very distinct buzzing that wouldn’t seem to quit. I shook my head trying to get it to stop, but nada; it persevered. I rolled over and stared at the red numbers glaring back at me and slapped the alarm clock so the hideous noise would cease.

Eleven a.m. Time to get up. Damn. Before I could give in, an arm snaked its way around my waist. I smiled. The arm continued up my stomach, finding its way to my right breast. I inhaled sharply at the sensation. I felt Adrienne’s warm breath reach the back of my neck before she kissed it. “What city are we in?” she asked sleepily. I absolutely loved her morning voice.

I turned over to face her. “I believe this is Louisville. Well, at least for three more days it is.”

“Right, Louisville,” she answered lazily, studying my lips.

“Louisville looks pretty amazing today.”

I traced the outline of her jaw. “It does. It’s an alluring city.”

“That it is.” She rolled me on top of her and I gasped as her leg pushed its way between my thighs. “Good morning, baby.” All I could do was nod mutely in response. We spent the next half hour how we spent many of our lazy mornings on the road, ravishing one another.

Spent and satiated from our lovemaking, I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. Adrienne propped herself up on her elbow and looked at me contemplatively.

“Move to New York.”

“What?”

“When your contract with the show is up, I mean. You should move to New York.”

“Are you going to be in New York?”

“Yes. Well, that’s my home base anyway. I’m not saying we should move in together yet, but I think it would be really good, you know? We should be in the same city if we want to try and do this

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right.” She looked nervous and it was utterly adorable. “You don’t have to answer right now. You can think it over.”

Adrienne saw a possible future for us and that meant everything to me. I was filled with several emotions all at once, happiness, relief, but the desire to kiss her perfectly full lips won out. She withdrew and held my gaze, the smile on her face reaching to the corners of her eyes and crinkling the skin there.

“Is that a yes?”

“I can’t imagine anything better than us in New York.”

“That sounds like a yes to me!” Adrienne cupped my face in her hands and I celebrated our decision with a deep, languid exploration of her mouth, which set off more than just the alarm clock. So much for getting up, I chuckled to myself.

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Chapter Five

Things just seemed off. We were midway through Act II, and I was struggling. The stage lights seemed extra bright and the dull throbbing at my temples seemed to increase in intensity moment by moment. As I executed a quick change in the stage right wings, I wondered if I had enough time to run back to my dressing room for an Excedrin before my next entrance. Probably not a good idea to risk it. Adrienne was in the home stretch of her eleven o’clock number and I was due back onstage as soon as she finished for the final scene of the show. I could hold on. The strap on my shoe had a habit of digging into my ankle, and as I leaned down to adjust it, I heard the gasps. I snapped to attention and followed the stares of those around me to the stage. Adrienne was down on the floor, a wild look on her face, as she held tightly to her knee. I abruptly stood. Every muscle in my body went rigid, and I grabbed hold of Kyle’s arm next to me. “What happened?” I managed, my mouth immediately dry.

“As she spun and landed, her leg gave way from beneath her.

She went down hard.”

My mind went white with terror. My first instinct was go to Adrienne and see how badly she was hurt and do something, anything to help. As I began to move forward, I felt strong arms hold me back.

“Let’s let Craig make the call. She might be fine. Give her a minute,” Kyle whispered, though concern was clearly written across

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his face. I blinked hard a few times as each second crawled by. I looked to Craig at the stage manager’s table and could see he was also trying to assess the situation and decide whether he needed to stop the show. Meanwhile, the band played on. I wasn’t sure the audience even knew anything was amiss. Craig was speaking in quiet tones into his headset, but with the music in full swing, I couldn’t decipher what instructions he was giving the crew. My attention darted back to the stage and Adrienne. She had pulled herself into a standing position and began to sing with the band, who had vamped in her vocal absence. I studied her closely. It looked to me like she had all her weight on her left foot and held her right positioned to where only her toes touched the floor. I could tell she was hurt but was also reassured by the fact that she seemed determined to finish the show. Maybe her injury was minor, just a small sprain. As she finished the last notes of the song, Craig nodded to me to make my entrance, as scheduled, for the last scene.

When I got close enough to Adrienne to look into her eyes, any remaining hope I had that she was okay was dashed. The expression on her face, though guarded, told me clearly there was something very wrong. She was in pain and was doing an amazing job of hiding that fact from the two thousand people watching us. I wanted to pick her up and get her out of there, but found myself in a difficult situation where I knew I had to remain level-headed and professional.

The scene began, and it wasn’t long before it became apparent to me that Adrienne had abandoned all of the planned movement in the scene. Things were looking bleak. For some stupid reason, I thought adding lots of extra movement for my character would compensate and help cover the situation. I wound up crossing from one side of the stage to the other, probably looking ridiculous and much the over-actress. So much for quick thinking under pressure.

But somehow we made it through the entire scene. Only Adrienne’s final number in the show remained. I was hesitant to leave her alone out there, but it would make no sense for Alexis, the defeated villain, to stay onstage for the triumphant ending of the show. Reluctantly, I exited and watched anxiously from the wings.

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I stood there, counting the moments until the end of the show when we could figure out what was wrong and take care of Adrienne.

As I watched and waited, I couldn’t help but notice how amazing she still sounded, despite the pain she had to be in. She was clearly that good of a performer.

As the stage lights faded to black and the audience erupted into thunderous applause, Kyle and I raced onto the darkened stage and found Adrienne. We placed one of her arms around each of our necks and carried her safely into the wings. With the aid of several other cast members, we were able to clear a spot on the floor and gently set her down. I immediately knelt and noticed the fresh tears.

Gone was the poise and control she’d exhibited onstage, and in front of me was a vulnerable girl in a hell of a lot of pain. The tears flowed freely down her face now, and she was choking back sobs.

She reached for me, squeezing my shoulder tightly. “I don’t know what happened. I landed the spin and felt this crazy intense pain around my knee, and then I went down.” She looked completely devastated, and I felt so helpless.

“Shh,” I said, brushing the tears from her cheek. “You’re going to be okay. We’re going to take care of you.” Georgette’s voice from behind me caught my attention, reminding me I had to be back onstage in mere moments for curtain call. Damn. I kissed her forehead. “Age, I’ll be right back.”

I made my way to the stage for my final bow, greeting the audience with as much of a smile as I could manage under the circumstances. It seemed understood by everyone that Adrienne would not be able to appear at curtain call, so as the band crescendoed into Evan’s entrance music, we joined hands and accepted what would have been Adrienne’s thunderous applause. This was surely confirmation for the audience that something had happened to the star of the show. As a cast, however, we plastered smiles on our faces and presented a united front.

The curtain at last came down and the backstage work lights came on. Everyone moved about with stricken looks on their faces.

Some did their best to stay out of the way while others jumped right in to offer assistance. I made a beeline back to Adrienne and found

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Sienna already there, sitting behind her, and stroking her hair. I did my damndest not to roll my eyes, or give in to my jealous side and punch her in the face. Instead, I tried to redirect my focus where it was most needed. I sat next to Adrienne, took her hand, and looked immediately to Craig, our leader, to step in and take control. As if reading my thoughts, he met my gaze. “It looks pretty swollen already. It could be serious. I’m going to call an ambulance. I think it’s best if—”

But he didn’t get to finish. Adrienne interrupted and spoke slowly and with purpose. “Absolutely not.” Though tears still marred her face, it was clear she intended to stay in control of this situation. “If you call an ambulance to the theater now, with audience members still in the lobby, and fans at the stage door, you might as well ask for a Channel Nine escort. I’d rather do this as low-key as possible. I think I can make it to the van if you’ll help me.”

Craig nodded. With a bit of coordination and a discreet exit through a side door, we were on our way to the emergency room.

The headache that had faded to the background once Adrienne was injured showed up again with a vengeance as I sat in the hospital waiting room, wondering what was taking so long. They had taken her back for X-rays over an hour ago, but I had yet to hear anything from anyone. Craig was outside making calls, probably to the producers, trying to set up plan B, C, and D, depending on the doctor’s assessment. I studied the room and the people around me. Most were drawn and tired, as if they’d been there half their lives already. Some looked anxious, waiting for news of their loved ones, while others looked simply sad, already aware of a gloomy prognosis. I noticed I was catching quite a few stares and realized that although I had changed into jeans and a sweatshirt before leaving the theater, I still had my full show makeup on. My resemblance to a streetwalker had to be uncanny. After all, it was past one a.m.

I excused myself to the ladies’ room and stared at myself in the mirror. I also looked tired, anxious, and worried. If this injury was as bad as it looked, Adrienne couldn’t continue with the show. With a long recovery period, there would be no point for her to travel

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with us. Her contract would be cancelled and she would leave the tour immediately, unable to resume performances. I wasn’t ready for that. We were still new and needed this time to develop our relationship. I wanted every minute of that expected time together.

I splashed cold water on my face, scrubbing the makeup away and watching myself return to normal once again. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and made my way back down the hall.

A nurse rounded the corner and looked at me quizzically. “Is your name Jenna?”

I nodded.

“Ms. Kenyon is asking for you. She’s in room 212 down the hall to the right. Dr. Kahn will be in to speak with her shortly.” I thanked her and made my way there, wasting no time.

I entered the room slowly, as hospitals always made me a little nervous. Adrienne was alone, lying in the bed with her knee propped up on two pillows. Her eyes were closed, and her dark hair was fanned out across the pillow. She looked a little pale but also angelic. I approached her and brushed my hand across her forehead.

Her eyes opened and found mine, holding them for a moment, a small smile reaching her lips.

“Hey you. How’s the patient?” I asked quietly.

“Much better now. They have some nice drugs at this place. We should come back here.”

I raised my eyebrow and nodded at her, amused. “I’m feeling a little loopy, I’m afraid. But my knee feels a million times better.”

Her eyes closed again but not before she took my hand. “I’m glad you’re here,” she whispered.

“Rest until the doctor comes. I’m not going anywhere.” And she did. I watched her sleep and stroked the back of her hand with my thumb. I was more than a little terrified of what was to come.

Dr. Khan had a lot of energy for two in the morning, and upon entering the room, he completely took it over. “Well, well, well now.

What do we have here? Are you an actress as well?” he practically shouted, once he spotted me across the room. I nodded and smiled at him politely to keep from adding to the noise in the room. Adrienne was now wide-awake, however, and looked eager for information.

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She did her best to push herself into a sitting position without disturbing her knee and I repositioned her pillow, making it easier.

“Well, we are thrilled to have you all,” Dr. Khan continued. “I guess not thrilled because these aren’t the best of conditions now, are they? But happy to be of service is more like it.”

I started to feel like this guy might be better suited for children’s birthday parties, but I went with it.

Adrienne squeezed my hand and I knew she was nervous.

“What did the test show?” she asked.

“About that, I have good news and bad news.” He positioned the MRI reading on his clipboard and turned it around to face us. I swallowed hard, squinting at the image. I didn’t want any bad news.

I was hoping for a sprain at most.

“The good news is the damage isn’t permanent. As a dancer, I know that’s important. But the bad news is there is a noteworthy injury to your right knee.”

“What kind of injury?” she asked calmly.

“You have a rather substantial tear to your anterior cruciate ligament.” He gestured to the solid black band on the image.

Fuck. Adrienne had torn her ACL. This was a common dance injury that had sidelined several promising performers I’d known at school. I knew from experience the recovery time could be considerable.

“So I’m out,” she said quietly, fixing her gaze on the wall.

“You will require treatment and recovery time, yes, but don’t you worry, young lady. I can recommend you to the best. Those docs—”

“Will I require surgery?” she interrupted. She still wasn’t looking at him.

“Well, surgery on the ligament is not one hundred percent ne

ces

sary, but it is highly recommended for those who live an active lifestyle, such as yourself. With ligament reconstruction and rehabilitation, you could easily attain full function again. Good as new.”

“And the recovery period?” I asked.

“It’s hard to say. Everyone heals differently, but four to six months is average. The main goal is to achieve full range of motion,

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and that will require physical therapy and a post surgical knee brace.”

I looked back at Adrienne, and the image about broke my heart in two. A tear made its way down her cheek and she just looked…

helpless. I sat next to her on the bed.

“Hey,” I whispered. “You’re not down for the count. We’re gonna take care of you and get you right back where you want to be.

You have a lot of offers out there waiting for you. You know that.”

“It doesn’t matter. It’s over,” she said. “Working on this show has been the most gratifying experience of my career, and I didn’t even know I was giving my final performance.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. She was right. This was a horrible way to go out, and my heart ached for her. None of the encouraging words I could offer were going to help her in this moment. Instead, I wrapped my arms around her to let her know I was there for her. It was all I could do.

Adrienne thanked Dr. Kahn and accepted the information packet he supplied her with, listing all of her do’s and don’ts as well as the name of a great orthopedic surgeon in New York. She was going back to New York. One knee brace, two crutches, and a few extra painkillers later, we quietly exited the emergency room.

It came as quite a shock when a flashbulb went off in our faces as Craig and I helped Adrienne to the van.

“How did they know?” I eyed the lone cameraman who continued to snap away.

“Message boards, I’m guessing,” Craig said.

And he was right too. As Adrienne dozed on the ride back to the hotel, I decided to see what everyone was saying online. Using my phone to pull up Broadwayscene.com, I was shocked to see so many threads dedicated to what had happened at the performance.

While several of the posters reported exaggerated versions of the events, having heard from a “friend” who was there, others were more concerned for Adrienne’s well-being. It was nice to know the fans cared. I would make a point to show her all the get-well wishes posted online later. It was still a little mind-blowing how quickly information got out there, whether it was true or not. I sat

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back in my seat and stared out at the stars, wondering what was to come.

❖

It was six forty-five in the evening and almost time for me to leave for the theater. I knew full well Lanie was waiting downstairs to walk with me, but I didn’t feel like leaving. Adrienne’s flight home was in a little over two hours. She would be in the air before the start of Act II. Stewart would take her to the airport and help her to her flight, while her mother would pick her up in New York and stay with her until she was feeling more mobile.

“Hey,” she said quietly from the chair by the window. “Almost time for you to head out, isn’t it?” I turned to meet her gaze. She smiled sweetly and I felt tears spring into my eyes. “Oh no, don’t start. I finally got my waterworks under control.” Truth be told, we’d spent a quiet but wonderful afternoon together interspersed with moments of emotion, when we remembered this was our last day together for a while. But it was too late. Adrienne’s eyes now sported fresh teardrops. She pushed herself into a standing position and held her arms out to me. I moved into them without hesitation and we stood like that, holding on to each other for the longest time.

“You better call me,” she said.

“Of course I will. I’ll be your own personal stalker. Now don’t go having too much fun in the big city either. I don’t want to see crazy tabloid photos of you and that knee brace on top of a bar somewhere.”

We laughed at that image. I pulled back from her and took her hands, fighting the stupid lump in my throat in order to get out what I needed to say. “These past two months, Adrienne, have meant a lot to me. Now that you’re leaving, I know there’s a possibility you’ll move on with your life, and if that happens I just want you to know that—”

“Shh. There’s no need for that. I’m not an easy one to get rid of, you know. We made a plan for New York when your five months are

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up and I’ll visit as soon as I can. Now please go to your show before I lose it all over again.”

I pulled her into an embrace, careful not to push against her injured leg. Adrienne placed her arms around my neck and kissed me thoroughly and deeply. I made every attempt to memorize those lips. “Until next time,” I whispered into her ear then turned and walked out of the room.

Silent tears streamed down my face on the ten minute walk to the theater. Lanie held my hand the whole way, but said nothing.

I knew I would have to pull it together for the show, but in the meantime, I let myself feel what was still so raw. I missed her already. As I saw the stage door take shape in the distance, I began to wipe the tears from my face and took several deep, cleansing breaths. The show must go on.

• 101 •

• 102 •

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Chapter six

Adrienne’s understudy, Tara Wilkerson, had been tempo-rarily playing the role of Evan for the past month as we rolled through Miami, Kansas City, and New Orleans. She was definitely no Adrienne, but she did a decent enough job, I guess.

The official replacement had yet to be named by production. If you believed the message boards, an announcement was forthcoming. It seemed like those boards knew things before we did.

I found tour life very different with Adrienne gone. A little lonely, but at the same time I went out with the gang more and spent my time with a variety of people. There was no reason to rush back to my room anymore, and so I didn’t.

It was Tuesday afternoon in Houston and hot outside for October.

I took another swig of my iced coffee and waited as the last few stragglers took their seats for the weekly company meeting before sound check. Most of us were dressed in shorts and T-shirts, some still wore their sunglasses to mask the effects of the night before.

Craig began to speak. “Before I get into site specific information and scheduling, I do have an announcement to make. While we’re in Houston, we should expect a visit from our esteemed director, probably within the next day or so. It’s quite possible he’ll slip into the house and catch a show, so be sure you’re giving it your all this week, not that you don’t always. In other news, I think we can all agree Tara has done an amazing job covering the role of Evan so far, but starting on Thursday of next week, there will be a new

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addition to the company. Kayla Holland will take over the role of Evan permanently. We’re thrilled to have Kayla join us and hope you will welcome her into our group.”

I looked around the room. Everyone kind of nodded to one another, a few curious glances shooting here and there. This wasn’t a name I was familiar with, which was interesting as I thought they would cast another recognizable name to draw in the crowds. Not that we needed stunt casting. The show continued to sell out on its reputation alone.

After a completely uneventful sound check, I made my way to the bookstore across the street and nabbed a table in their café.

Treating myself to a blueberry muffin, I settled in and took out my phone. Adrienne answered on the second ring.

“Well, this is unexpected. I didn’t think I’d get to hear your sexy voice until tonight.”

I smiled inwardly. Hearing Adrienne on the other end of the phone sent a jolt of excitement through my body. I sat up a little straighter. “Let’s just say I miss you and thought I’d steal a few moments. Plus I have covert news to report. Your replacement has been named.”

“Ooh, who is it? Dish.”

“Kayla Holland. Ever heard of her?”

“Yes, I have. She’s the standby Evan for the New York Company. She should be good. Probably really good. That was a great move for them to give it to her.”

“It doesn’t matter. She won’t be as good as you.”

Adrienne chuckled into the phone. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but you might be a tad bit biased.”

“No way. I call ‘em as I see ‘em.”

“Well, do me a favor and be supportive when she gets there.

Remember what it was like your first week.”

“Right, so I should greet her in a towel then?”

“Oh, you’re bad. And for the record, no, you better not.” She laughed.

“Got it. See? I’m all for taking your advice. You’re very wise and especially cute, if I remember correctly. But it has been a while.”

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“Too long.” She paused for a moment. “It says here on my glamorous refrigerator schedule that you are in Houston today. How is it?”

“Houston is hot. That’s about all I know of it so far. Very, very hot.”

“Like take-your-clothes-off-it’s-so-hot hot?

I felt the color reach my face and exhaled slowly. “Listen, you, I’m in a public place. You cannot say things like that to me right now.”

“All right, all right, I’ll behave. I’m just bored and you’re my favorite distraction.”

“How was your PT this morning?”

“Frustrating as hell, but I’m trying to be patient, like you said.

I hate being cooped up here. I should be working, being productive.

This sucks.” She sighed heavily.

It was her daily rant. But I completely sympathized. I would have had as terrible a time of it if I were sidelined the way Adrienne was. It was my job to listen, and I could do that. I popped another bite of muffin into my mouth.

“Have they confirmed the date of your surgery?”

“Mmm hmm. Next Wednesday.”

“I can’t believe I’m not going to be there.”

“Please don’t worry about it. It’s an outpatient procedure and very inconsequential. I’ll be happy once it’s done and I can get on with my life.”

“I know, babe. I’m counting the days until I get to see you again.”

“Three and a half months and you’re a free woman. I’m already thinking of all the things I want to do with you when I see you.”

I closed my eyes. “Public place, remember?”

She laughed. “Well, I meant ice skating and fancy restaurants, but if you want to go there right now, we can.”

“Sorry, guess I’m extra sensitive. I just miss you.”

“I miss you too. I better let you go.” Despite her joking, I could tell she was a little down in the dumps today.

“Okay. I’ll talk to you tonight.

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“Definitely,” she said and hung up.

❖

On Wednesday afternoon, as I toweled off after a short run in the hotel’s fitness center, I looked up to find Craig entering the gym.

“There you are,” he said somewhat exasperated. “I’ve called your phone about five times now.”

I stilled my arm and stared at him, nervous. Today was the day of Adrienne’s surgery and though it would be a quick and routine procedure, I was still a little uneasy about the whole thing. I’d gone for a run to take my mind off it. “Damn it.” I looked at my phone on the bench. “I guess I’m not getting a signal in here. Is it Adrienne?”

“No, no, nothing like that. I’m sure she’s fine,” he answered. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“Then what’s up? Is there something else wrong?”

“Probably not, but I need for you to arrive at the theater a little early tonight for a meeting with Dermot and Brenda.”

“A company meeting?” I asked.

“No, they’d like to meet with you individually.”

The wheels in my head began to turn. Why was I being singled out? It was no secret that the last girl who’d held the role of Alexis was let go by this very same director after he caught the show on the road.

“Craig, level with me. We’re friends. What’s the meeting about?”

He met my gaze sympathetically. “I’d tell you if I could, kid, but I wasn’t given the details. I’m sure he just wants to go over some notes. Don’t worry yourself.”

I nodded, trying to take his words to heart. He was probably right. It was best not to freak myself out unnecessarily. It was entirely possible he liked what he saw of me in the show and just wanted to tweak a choice or two I’d made.

All the same, it took forever for six thirty to roll around. I entered the Hobby Center stage door and made my way to the small office that stage management had been working from. I’d be lying if I said my palms weren’t sweating. I felt like I’d been called to the principal’s office and I didn’t know what the offense was.

• 106 •

Waiting in the Wings

The door to the office was standing open as I approached and Dermot and Brenda were bent over an open folder on the desk. I knocked lightly to announce my presence and smiled politely when they glanced up in response. “Jenna,” Brenda said, “it’s so nice to see you again. Please come in and take a seat.”

I did as instructed and made my way to the small, two-person couch across the desk. I swallowed. I swallowed again. It was apparently a new nervous habit of mine. Brenda took the seat next to me and Dermot remained in his chair behind the metal framed desk.

He squinted at me slightly. “So you’re probably wondering why you’re here.”

I nodded, but did my damndest to keep a relaxed smile on my face. I’m not sure how effective that attempt was.

“I don’t know if you were aware of this or not, but Brenda and I caught the show last night. I make it a point to check in with the tour every few months or so to make sure the show’s in good shape and offer direction where I think necessary. I must admit I was a little surprised by what I saw from you and thought we could talk about that.”

“Okay,” I managed. “Let me take out my notes and something to write with. I want to be sure I get everything.” As I reached down and opened my bag, he put out his hand, gesturing for me to stop my progress.

“I don’t think that will be necessary. If I could finish?”

I straightened. “Please.” I felt a horrible sense of foreboding. If he didn’t want me to take down the notes he had for me, it was most likely because I wouldn’t be given the opportunity to improve. I was beginning to see the writing on the wall and it wasn’t good. I blinked hard and forced myself to focus.

“What I brought you in here to say is I liked your work last night.” I ran that sentence through my head a second time to be sure I had heard him correctly. “You have a strong sense of the character and made some unique choices that only enhanced Alexis’s motivations. I was very pleased with what I saw.”

Shazam. The smile on my face was no longer forced but one hundred percent genuine. Unequivocal relief poured through my

• 107 •

Melissa Brayden

body from my head to my toes, and I couldn’t resist a controlled exhale, despite the presence of these two theater powerhouses.

“Thank you. I was worried I was about to lose my job for a moment there.”

Brenda laughed and placed her hand on my knee. “Quite the opposite, dear. Dermot and I would like to talk to you about an opportunity and see if you might be receptive.” My eyes widened as I looked from Brenda and back to Dermot questioningly. I inched forward in my seat as Dermot began to speak.

“The show has sold out in virtually every venue we’ve placed it in. In fact, the New York production doesn’t have a single available ticket for six months. It seems we have magic in a bottle with this show. The producers have opted to strike while the iron is hot and open a sit-down production of Clean Slate in Los Angeles. We’ve been given the green light to start officially casting in two weeks, but I’d like very much for you to consider taking on the role of Alexis in the LA cast.”

I was completely unprepared for this series of events. There was a lot to consider about an offer like this, and a million different thoughts raced each other around my mind. Not to mention the fact that I was reeling from the emotional extremes of almost having no job at all to being, in a sense, offered a promotion.

Brenda took this opportunity to jump in. “It would be an ideal move for you, Jenna. There would be lots of press associated with the casting and the opening of the show. Not to mention the fact that LA is a high-profile city and you’d be positioning yourself ideally for more opportunities as an actress.”

“If I accepted, when would I leave the tour?” I asked.

“You’d stay on for three months and then move into rehearsals in California with the new company. There’ll be some minor changes made to the show and we’ll want you to be there for the entire process, of course.”

I thought this through. I had three and a half months left on my contract as it stood and was then scheduled to move to New York.

This was a major career opportunity, but it would definitely throw a wrench into my earlier plans. I thought about Adrienne and how

• 108 •

Waiting in the Wings

much I was looking forward to giving things between us a fair shot in the real world. Maybe this would only delay that opportunity a bit. Adrienne was an actress; she’d understand the importance of this kind of opportunity. A few extra months would be hard, but hopefully we’d get through it. “So if I accept, I would sign for another six months?”

“No. Because this is a sit-down production, similar to the New York show, we would need you to commit to a full year. The contract is fairly standard, but I can send it over to your representation if you’d like, give them a chance to look it over for you.”

A year. My hopes plummeted. I couldn’t live in LA for a year with Adrienne in New York and still have a chance at things working out between us, something I was hoping for. But at the same time, how in the world could I justify passing up this chance? I couldn’t.

I’d spent my entire life working toward a goal, and to walk away from this opportunity was in direct opposition to everything I’d done thus far in my life, not to mention, it would be insane.

I nodded my head to Brenda. “Yes, please send the contract to Andrew Latham at the Journey Agency, but I think I need some time to think this over. Would that be all right?”

Brenda and Dermot exchanged a glance but nodded their agreement. Dermot came around the desk and took my hands in his.

“I think this is something you’re going to want to be a part of, Jenna.

Have a great show tonight and let me know what you decide.”

I thanked them both and walked, slightly stunned, to my dressing room. I sat at the table and stared at my reflection in the mirror, a slow smile showing at the corners of my mouth. I nodded slowly to the girl looking back at me as that smile grew. Regardless of whether I took the job or not, this was good news. I was doing a decent job and someone had noticed. I gave myself a moment to revel in the excitement before switching into game mode. I still had a show to do and that was my priority. I would sort out the rest later.

Three and a half hours later, I was walking quickly back to the hotel, anxious to check on Adrienne and hear how she was doing.

The procedure on her knee was outpatient and she should be back home by now.

• 109 •

Melissa Brayden

I swiped my key card in the door and didn’t hesitate to start dialing. Adrienne’s phone rang and rang and rang before finally rolling over to voice mail. I tried again and was surprised when a male voice picked up.

“Hi, is this Jenna? It’s Colin.” Ah, the friend of Adrienne’s who’d taken her to and from the surgery. Sounded like a good guy.

“Colin, hi. Sorry it’s so late. I was calling to check on her. Is she around?”

“She’s asleep and I didn’t think I should wake her. She took a Vicodin for pain and it completely knocked her out. The good news is she’s still doing well.”

“That is good news. Would you mind if I called back and left her a voice mail?

“No, I think she would love that.”

“Thanks, Colin.”

“No problem.”

After hanging up, I looked around the empty room. I was disappointed. I wanted to talk to Adrienne and have her tell me herself she was okay. The long-distance thing sucked and it hit home how difficult things would be if I took this job. I blinked back the stupid tears and walked the length of the room as I dialed. I listened to her voice on the outgoing message and smiled. Part of me wanted to call back and listen again.

“Hi, sweetheart, I just talked to Colin and he told me you’re sleeping. I didn’t want to wake you but had to let you know I’m thinking about you. I’ll call tomorrow. If you wake up, call me. I don’t care what time it is.”

I hung up but continued pacing. I was exhausted, but at the same time knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep. I checked myself in the mirror before impulsively grabbing my bag and heading to Heat, the Latin themed bar where everyone had gathered. I could use a drink.

I found my friends right away and took comfort in the loud music and dim lighting. Lanie hopped over a stool so I could sit between her and Georgette. Ben and Sienna sat across the table. As I passed, I nodded to Kyle, who sat at the bar with Diana and Craig.

“So how’s our girl doing?” Lanie asked.

• 110 •

Waiting in the Wings

“I’m not sure. I didn’t get to talk to her, which is upsetting.”

“She sounded fine when I talked to her,” Sienna said evenly, meeting my gaze.

“You talked to Adrienne? When?”

“About half an hour ago, after the show. She sounded good.

She’s been watching movies on the couch. She said the pain is manageable.” She gazed at me dispassionately, like a teacher would at a not so very bright student.

I stared back at Sienna, surprised at this new information. How was it possible that Sienna had spoken to Adrienne so close to when I had called and was told she was fast asleep?

“Maybe she didn’t want to talk to you. I don’t know.” Her smug smile completely annoyed me.

Before I did bodily harm to her and put my job at risk, I excused myself from the table for fear of what I would say or do next.

Lunging across the table for Sienna was probably not in my best interest. I walked purposefully to the bar and ordered a dry martini. I nursed it alone until Diana and Kyle motioned for me to move down a few chairs and steal Craig’s spot. The pair were in high spirits and playing a trivia game on the screen above the bar. It was mindless fun and just what I needed to distract me from the events of the evening. Around two a.m. and four martinis later, I looked around the bar. Two thoughts occurred to me: A) the three of us were the only ones left from the company, and B) the bubbles in my scotch and soda looked so perky and pretty and small. It was probably time to turn in. We walked back to the hotel together singing My Fair Lady songs led by Kyle, who’d done that tour prior to this one.

I waved a sloppy good night to my friends and found my way back to my room. I stumbled inside, pulling off one article of clothing at a time as I walked to the bed. On the way there, I felt my hip vibrate and pulled out my phone. It was Adrienne. Well, damn, all of a sudden she wanted to talk to me. “Hi,” I said, a little louder than I meant to.

“Jenna?

“That’s me.”

“Sorry, you sounded different.”

• 111 •

Melissa Brayden

“I feel different.” I meant it too. I hadn’t been this drunk in forever. “How are you?”

“Your words are slurred. Are you drunk?” She sounded concerned.

“Don’t you worry about me, okay? I’m supposed to worry about you. But you won’t let me do that. You let Sienna worry about you. That’s not fair.”

“She told me you had some stuff going on, so I went to bed. But I just got your message and wanted to call.”

“I’m sorry. I think I’ve had too much to drink.”

“Yeah, I think you have too.” I could hear the irritation now apparent in her voice. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Okay. That’s good.” I put my head to the pillow and fell asleep with the phone to my ear and the lights on. Not my most shining moment.

❖

“And that would make gin.” I laid my cards on the table triumphantly. “Sorry, kid. You lose again. How does that keep happening?” I asked, feigning complete mystification. I snatched up the two five-dollar bills Stewart and I had thrown into the center of the table to wager.

“You’re a shark, that’s how. You prey on unsuspecting interns who never seem to learn their lesson about you.” He shook his head and turned his baseball cap around front ways again. “Until tomorrow, McGovern. You’ll be singing a different song; just wait.”

I laughed and watched him storm away. It had become a bit of a pre-show ritual for Stewart and me to engage in a little friendly wager over a game of gin rummy. He didn’t win a whole lot though.

It was time to get ready for the show, and for the first time in the past two weeks, I was excited to go on. I had extra energy and felt like dancing. We were now in Austin, having completed the tour stops in Houston and San Antonio. I’d been in Texas for the past three weeks and I was, at last, starting to get used to the unusually warm weather, even as the leaves were changing.

• 112 •

Waiting in the Wings

I glanced at my cell phone to see if I’d missed any calls, or more specifically, Adrienne’s calls. The truth was I was nervous.

I had decided to delay talking to Adrienne about the offer I’d received until the details of it were all in place. However, there was no reason to wait any longer. Latham had reviewed the contract that production sent over and it looked good. There was nothing standing between me and a very wise career move, aside from my personal life. It was an issue I was struggling with. Was I willing to sacrifice this relationship for my career? I’d gone back and forth in my head so many times. My life was about my work, my dream of working successfully in this business. On the other hand, Adrienne and I hadn’t been afforded the opportunity to try our relationship in the real world, to find out if we fit as well together there as in our incubated tour life. I wanted to give us that time to find out.

And then there was the bigger issue that tugged at the recesses of my mind when I was feeling less than confident. Did Adrienne feel for me what I felt for her? There were times when I didn’t know.

What if I turned down the job and moved to New York only to have her decide I wasn’t what she wanted? I’d be unemployed and brokenhearted. I leaned back on the couch and sighed. I had a real dilemma.

In even better news, Adrienne’s recovery was going well. It had been several weeks since her surgery, and it sounded like she was up and around, even though she still needed the knee brace. After another couple months of therapy, she should be her old self again. I looked forward to calling her later that night. The thought of it made me smile.

❖

As I moved through the final verse of “Watch Me,” I felt on. I was in a groove and was really sinking my teeth into the character tonight. The stage lights blocked most of the audience from my view, but the first couple rows were somewhat visible. The facial expressions I saw there only encouraged me. They were into it.

Hating me, but still into it.

• 113 •

Melissa Brayden

I walked into the greenroom after the show, having changed back into my jeans and zip-up Clean Slate hoodie. It seemed like most everyone had signed out and left the theater before me tonight.

I was dragging my feet a little, enjoying myself. I walked to the stage door, massaging my aching shoulder muscle and was surprised when the door opened and Ben and I practically collided.

“Whoa.” He steadied me with his hands under my elbows. “Sorry about that. I left my jacket. It’s getting a little chilly out there, finally.”

“No problem,” I said, still laughing about the near miss.

“You’re gonna sign tonight, right? Some of the folks out there are asking for you specifically. I told them you’d just be a minute.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

I pushed the door open and smiled at the group of forty or so who quickly extended playbills, posters, and T-shirts for my signature. Many had collected signatures from the entire cast, so it was difficult to find a place left to sign.

“You were my favorite in the show,” a teenage boy said as I signed his T-shirt.

I smiled widely. “That’s great to hear. I was a little mean though, wasn’t I?”

“Definitely. That was so cool.”

I laughed and nodded at his mother, who thanked me. I moved down the line and took the next playbill extended to me.

“You were my favorite too, I think.”

“Thank you.” I smiled down at the playbill as I signed.

“Any chance you’re free later?”

The pen in my hand stilled. I knew that voice, but there was no way…

I raised my eyes to the playbill’s owner, and though she was wearing a knit cap in which the bill shadowed part of her face, there was no mistaking the sparkling eyes looking back at me. Adrienne smiled slowly and cocked her head to the side as if to say “surprise.”

For a moment, we just stared, grinning at each other from ear to ear.

The fans looking on must have figured out who the mystery woman was as I heard her name whispered a little further down the line and heads began to turn in her direction for a better look.

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Waiting in the Wings

Despite the onlookers, I pulled her into my arms for a hug, burying my face in her hair, taking a moment to breathe her in.

“Is this okay?” she whispered into my ear.

“I can’t believe you’re here right now. It’s wonderful.”

“Go ahead and finish up. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Don’t you dare,” I whispered back.

I reluctantly let Adrienne go and continued greeting the fans, taking a moment with each one, a practice I’d learned from her.

When I’d said good night to the last individual and taken a final photo, I found Adrienne, took her by the hand, and led her back inside the theater. The empty hallway leading to the greenroom was now dark. I could hear the cleaning crew working down the hall, but I didn’t care.

“What are we doing?” she asked, seemingly amused.

“I think this is what’s called stealing a moment.” I pressed her securely to the wall with my body and wrapped my arms around her neck. “So…hi.” I couldn’t seem to wipe the grin off my face. I was still in shock and happy to take it all in.

“Hi yourself,” she answered quietly, moving a stray strand of hair off my forehead. “Have you missed me?”

“You have no idea.”

“Come here, you.” She caressed my cheek with her palm, pulling my lips to hers.

I couldn’t think of a better invitation. Her mouth was warm and inviting, forcing me to delve deeper, my tongue meeting hers as both of us sank further into each other. The kissing escalated into a full-blown make out session. I sucked her bottom lip into my mouth, a move I’d learned was a favorite of hers. Her hands were around my waist, pulling me closer to her still. It wasn’t long before she reversed our positions, pushing me against the wall. I laughed inwardly, recognizing the reversal of power, a give and take dance that was quite familiar to us. Adrienne kissed my neck, moving up to my ear and taking my lobe into her mouth. I moved my hands under her shirt and onto the warmth of her back, needing to get closer and closer to her. I pulled her body firmly against mine, our breasts pushed together, the kiss unbroken. Our breathing

• 115 •

Melissa Brayden

turned erratic and her hands, moving up and down my sides, were driving me crazy.

If the hallway lights hadn’t flipped on above us, I don’t think we would have stopped anytime soon. Unfortunately, they did and peering at us from down the hall was a cleaning woman who looked to be at least seventy-five years old.

“Can I help you, young ladies?” she asked, somewhat confused and maybe a little frightened.

Adrienne took a step back, giving me room to straighten.

“Just on our way out,” I answered, giving her my sweetest smile, hoping maybe she recognized me from the cast and realized we weren’t there to murder her and hide the evidence. “Sorry to bother you.”

The woman stared back at us, clearly suspicious about our intentions.

“Good night. See you tomorrow,” I called back to her as Adrienne pulled me to the door, giggling.

As we spilled back onto the street, she turned to me. “Why do I feel like a teenager who just got busted in the locker room at school?”

I looked at her, mock surprise on my face. “Did you hook up with girls in the locker room at school?”

“I totally did.”

I shook my head in wonder. “You were so far ahead of me, it’s ridiculous.”

“You’re catching up, I’d say.” She tossed her head in the direction of the stage door, indicating what I’d gotten us into.

I laced my fingers through hers as we strolled through the streets of downtown Austin. The night air felt warm and comfortable and the stars gleamed brightly above. Though it was clear her knee was in much better shape, we still had to maintain a much slower pace. I looked at her hopefully. “How long can you stay?”

“I have to fly back to New York tomorrow afternoon.”

“Really? That long?” My disappointment was clear.

“I know. This was kind of last minute though. I was offered six episodes of Time Chasers and have to be on set for a fitting by

• 116 •

Waiting in the Wings

late tomorrow. I knew if I wanted to sneak in a visit, this would be my only shot. I thought what better place to be in late autumn than Austin, Texas. See, I know a girl there.”

“A very lucky girl who is thrilled by this little surprise, I might add.”

“I hoped you’d like it.” She smiled, tugging my arm a little.

“Congratulations, by the way. Time Chasers, that’s a hot show right now. I was just reading about it.”

“I know. I kind of lucked out.” We stopped at the crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. “I’m a little nervous about it though.

I haven’t done TV for a while, and since this could lead to other projects, I don’t want to screw it up.”

“They wouldn’t have called if they didn’t want you specifically.

Just show up and do what you do, Age. You can’t go wrong with that.” The light changed and we walked to the end of the block.

“Where to now?”

“Let’s head back to the hotel. I need to say hello to a few people to be polite, and then I’m all yours.”

“Sounds good. But I’m only sharing you to honor your sense of etiquette. Let’s be clear.”

“You’re such a giver.”

“I know.”

❖

The hot water was just what the doctor ordered. I had given the show my all that night, and was happy I had, knowing now that Adrienne had been in the audience. I sighed as tension from the day left my body.

Adrienne went to Ben’s room down the hall to pick up the luggage he’d allowed her to store there earlier today, and to catch up with some of her friends. I’d gone ahead and gotten in the shower, so we’d have more time together when she returned. She’d been gone at least ten minutes and I already missed her. I realized once again how happy it made me knowing she was in the same city as I was.

• 117 •

Melissa Brayden

I toweled off and put on one of my more alluring sleep outfits.

It wasn’t exactly lingerie, that was more Adrienne’s thing, but the lace-adorned boy shorts and tight fitting tank top I wore accentuated my body in the right places.

Still no Adrienne. I took a seat in the comfy looking hotel chair and thumbed through the hotel provided booklet outlining Austin’s local attractions. I made note of some of the things I’d like to check out on my downtime but was interrupted by the sound of a card key in the door. I looked up as Adrienne entered, dragging two large bags behind her. I immediately jumped to my feet to help. “Why didn’t Ben help you with these? You shouldn’t be dragging these things around with that knee.”

“Not true,” she said. “My OT guy would applaud my efforts and say this is exactly what I should be doing. Oh…you look hot.”

She stopped and took me in.

“I remember you liking this outfit.” I took a step closer.” To my surprise, she sidestepped, and moved into the room, passing me by. Ouch.

“Can we talk for a minute, Jenna?”

“We can always talk. You know that.” I followed her into the room and sat on the end of the bed, next to her.

“Uh-uh.” She shook her head. “I need you over there. This is important and I don’t trust myself when you look like that.”

I nodded and moved back to the chair. “What’s up?”

She took a breath. “I know about your offer.”

I blinked hard. “You do?”

She nodded and raised her eyes to meet mine. “I waited for you to tell me on your own, but it was starting to seem like you were never going to. Have you accepted?”

“What? Of course not.” I sighed, hating she’d found out before I could explain. This cast was impossible to keep things from, apparently. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, to be completely honest.”

“It’s an incredible opportunity, Jenna.”

“I know that. Trust me, I know that but…”

“But?”

• 118 •

Waiting in the Wings

“What about us? Our plans? New York?”

“It’s a complicated situation, and I want you to do what’s right for you.”

I inwardly cringed. It wasn’t exactly what I was hoping to hear.

Did she not want me to come to New York anymore? “That was a very politically correct answer you just gave.”

Adrienne studied the ceiling, seeming to take her time formulating her thoughts. “I don’t want to be the thing that stands between you and your shot. What if we don’t work out, or worse.

What if we do and you end up resenting me?”

“That would never happen.”

“You don’t know that.”

I raised my hand, bringing the conversation to halt. “Hear me out. What if we did the long-distance thing? I know fifteen months is a lot longer than three, but we could make it work. I know we could. I’d come to New York any chance I got, and LA’s nice in the spring.”

My words hung in the air and Adrienne seemed at a loss. “A quick weekend here or there? That’s all it would be, Jenna. I don’t know.”

I brushed away a stray tear. I’d been so stressed out lately and this conversation was asking too much of me. I looked pleadingly at Adrienne. “You don’t have to decide tonight. Can we table this for now and just…be together? Forget the rest of the world?”

Adrienne nodded, a resigned smile on her lips. She crossed the room, and as she reached the chair, I gently pulled her onto my lap, her knees on either side of my hips. In that moment, I needed to be with her more than ever before. I pulled back and went to work unbuttoning her shirt slowly, deliberately, and let it fall from her shoulders. She gasped when my lips and tongue found the column of her neck and kissed my way up to her chin. I pushed her bra up over her breasts. Her nipples were hard, already anticipating my touch. I took one into my mouth as Adrienne threw her head back, her breathing already shallow. My tongue circled the bud, my teeth teasing as I grazed its ridge. I moved on to her other breast, offering it the same attention.

• 119 •

Melissa Brayden

“It feels like forever since you touched me this way,” she breathed.

“That’s because it has been,” I murmured.

Her hips began to rock against my own and I was instantly wet. She reached under my tank top, laid her palms flat against my rib cage, and moved them upward, cupping my breasts, squeezing and caressing as she moved. The sensations already shooting to my groin doubled. While it would have been nice to take it slow, my need overtook my ideal and I was a woman on a mission. I pushed a hand between us and unbuttoned her jeans, reaching into them until I found her warm center. I moved my fingers through her slick folds, encouraged as she whimpered at the intimate contact. Adrienne grabbed steadfastly to my wrist and guided me, pushing me deeper.

She began moving rhythmically across my hand, the whole process applying pressure to my already swollen clit and making me think I might beat her to the finish line. I tilted my head back, closing my eyes, struggling to hold on.

“Jenna, baby, look at me.”

And I did. Those green eyes, now hooded with wrenching desire, were my undoing as they slammed into mine. I felt myself tumble over the edge as the orgasm racked my body, shooting through me like a speeding train. The movement of her hips only prolonged the intense pleasure that had now cascaded outward to each extremity. Adrienne joined me as the muscles around my fingers contracted, clenching me tightly. She cried out and rode my hand until the last pulsations left her spent and satiated. She collapsed forward onto my body, tucking her face into my neck and kissing it. I pulled my hand from her jeans and wrapped my arms around her, holding tight.

❖

Morning came too soon. It was only fitting that the day Adrienne left was overcast and drizzly with a newfound chill in the Texas air.

Unfortunately, I had press obligations for the show first thing and Adrienne had a lunchtime flight to catch, so she would hang back at

• 120 •

Waiting in the Wings

the hotel until then. She was fresh from the shower when it was time for me to head out. I absolutely hated the thought of being without her again.

I placed my hands on her shoulders and met her gaze in the mirror while she brushed her hair. “Are you sure you don’t need help getting to the airport?”

“Nope. I got it.”

“I’m sure Stewart wouldn’t mind. You could save money on cab fare and I wouldn’t have to worry about you hurting your knee.

It’s a win-win.”

“Tell you what.” She turned and placed her arms around my waist. “I promise not to do further damage to my knee if you promise to relax a little.”

“Tall order.” I kissed her forehead. Adrienne and I had made love twice the night before and our time together reminded me how strong my feelings really were for her. We hadn’t continued our conversation about LA, and I knew this was the last time I would see her before having to give the producers my answer. I’d stayed awake most of the night thinking about it, but I’d finally made my decision.

This job was too big for me to risk and I had to stay focused. I didn’t want to give Adrienne up, but she had to meet me halfway. If she wasn’t willing to, she clearly didn’t feel for me what I felt for her.

The separation would be a difficult test of our relationship, but I knew we’d come through.

I kissed her thoroughly while we said good-bye and made every attempt to memorize the sight of her.

Her eyes were shining with emotion. “I hate saying good-bye to you.”

“That makes two of us.”

She took my hand and walked me to the door. It was now or never. I took a deep breath. “I have to take the job, Adrienne.” She paused at my words, her back to me. I hated that I couldn’t see her face. “It’s too big an opportunity to turn down and I’ve worked too hard. Please say something.”

Years seemed to go by as I stood there. She turned around finally, her expression excruciatingly polite. “Congratulations.”

• 121 •

Melissa Brayden

I shook my head, wanting to put my hand on her arm but thinking better of it. “Please don’t do that. This isn’t the end. I want us to be together. Say you want that too. We can still do New York down the line. This is just a slight detour. We can still have it all.”

Her brow furrowed and she held up one finger. “You mean you can still have it all. I don’t want to be your long-distance girlfriend, Jenna, who amounts to nothing more than a stolen weekend here or there.”

“That’s not all it would be.”

“That’s exactly what it would be.” Her voice was calm, but her eyes were ice cold. “You’ve made your choice. There’s nothing left to say.”

“That’s not true.”

She held the door open for me. I couldn’t believe this was happening.

“This is not what I choose. Don’t do this. Adrienne, I think I’m falling—”

She raised her hand. “Don’t say it. We had a good time, Jenna.

Let’s leave it there. I wish you all the success in the world.”

Nothing she could have said would have hurt worse than that. I wasn’t stupid. You don’t matter that much to me was easy enough to translate from the words she’d just spoken. I felt like the walls were closing in and my limbs suddenly had weights attached to them.

There was a knock on the door and we both jumped. “Jenna, are you coming? We’re gonna be late.” It was Ben. I glanced at my watch.

“Guess you better go. I know how important your career is to you.”

My voice wasn’t working so instead I nodded, my mind blank at the realization that nothing was what I thought it was. I took one last look at Adrienne and walked through the door.

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Chapter seven

Four Years Later

“The nominees for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture are…” The screen above the stage came alive as clips from the mentioned films played under the presenter’s voice, showcasing each actress for a brief moment. “Eleanor Kramer for Getting Away with Murder, Stephanie Hill for Chimneys, Chastidy Kellar for Wide Range, Jenna McGovern for Tenth Avenue, and Carolyn Rojas for City of War.”

I clapped wholeheartedly after each nominee’s name was read and smiled widely. I did my best to focus my attention on the stage, despite the fact there was a giant camera mere inches from my face, recording and broadcasting each minor facial expression I made. I knew I had very little chance of winning this award and prepared myself to look incredibly gracious as the name of another nominee was read as the winner. To be honest, I was flabbergasted to even be in the room. Tenth Avenue was only my third film, but definitely the grittiest part I’d yet played. Who knew such a small-budgeted independent movie would garner so much mainstream attention?

Not that I was complaining. Suddenly people knew who I was and I was asked to do national interviews on the talk shows I grew up watching. Now, to be nominated for a Golden Globe, quite literally out of nowhere, was surprising to say the least. The whole scenario still felt unreal, but I was doing my best to enjoy the ride. My mom,

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who was my date for the evening, squeezed my hand. I looked over at her and winked, happy she was there to share this moment.

“And the winner is…Carolyn Rojas for City of War.”

I nodded knowingly and extended my applauding hands in the direction of the stage as Carolyn ascended the stairs to accept her Golden Globe. I sighed with relief now that the pressure was off and the giant camera had moved on. My mother turned to me, offering me a reassuring smile. “Next time, sweetie.” I kissed her cheek in appreciation of her continued support.

The after party at the Beverly Hilton was in full swing when I arrived. I surveyed the room for familiar faces, namely the cast and producers from Tenth Avenue. A tray full of champagne flutes flew by and I snagged one, downing it quickly.

“You should have won, you know,” a husky voice purred in my ear.

I turned around and met the owner’s eyes, and glared playfully.

Paige was the cinematographer on Tenth Avenue and someone I’d spent a few stolen evenings with. “You say that to all the girls, don’t you?”

“Just the hot ones,” Paige said, her hand now on the small of my back. “Hey, where’s your mom?” She scanned the immediate area.” I want to meet her.”

“Sorry. She changes into a pumpkin at midnight so I took her back to the hotel, which is also why I’m late.”

“No worries. Want to dance?”

“You don’t have to ask me twice.”

Paige and I hit the dance floor and didn’t look back. I wanted to have fun tonight, shake off all the stress of the week leading up to the awards and cut loose a little bit. I felt the pulse of the music all the way down to my toes and didn’t let the heels I was wearing get in the way.

For song after song, we lost ourselves on the dance floor. I grabbed Paige around the waist and pulled her to me, our hips moving and swaying together, the powerful bass intoxicating. The music slowed and Paige pulled me tightly against her body, our curves melding together as we moved to the music. She was turning me on. As if reading my mind, she looked up at me. “I want to be alone with you.”

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I searched the room and saw what I needed. Taking her hand, I led her down the long service corridor set aside for the hotel staff.

Not too far down the hallway was a storage closet, fortunately unlocked. I pulled her inside. Hot lips were on mine instantly and I wasted no time lifting her dress and finding what I needed. It was over in a matter of minutes. I helped straighten her clothes and kissed her sweetly on the temple. “Thank you. I needed that.”

She studied me for a moment, still holding me tight. “Come home with me tonight?”

I sighed inwardly and shook my head, feeling guilty and annoyed at the same time. I removed her hands from around my waist and moved out of her grasp. “We’ve had this conversation before. I like you, Paige. You’re my friend, but I don’t do sleepovers and I don’t do relationships.”

She forced a smile. “Hey, it’s okay. Sometimes I forget who I’m dealing with is all. Don’t sweat it. I like our arrangement.”

I nodded, still feeling a little uneven with her. “You know, I better get out of here. I have to drive to San Diego early tomorrow.

Can I drop you somewhere?”

“Nah. I’m going to stay here and dance some more. Call me soon?”

I kissed her hand and backed away. “Definitely.”

On the drive home, I decided to put the top down on my BMW

M3 convertible, my one and only financial indulgence, and let the cool California air rip through my hair. I blared the music and just drove, passing my apartment purposefully. I used the time to collect my thoughts. I drove up the coastline, reflecting on the evening, and realized I was proud of myself. My career was in a good place and offers were starting to float my way. Film wasn’t where I set out to be when I initially entered the business, but I needed something different after my LA contract ended with Clean Slate. The time I’d spent working on the show and the emotional turmoil that came with it had left me feeling empty, drained. I needed something new, a project that was a bit off the map for me and Latham found the perfect solution, a small part in a film shooting in Paris. I’d never considered myself that great of an actress. Musical theater had

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always been my forte and I relied heavily on my singing and, even more importantly, my dancing skills to get me places. I’d felt a little naked on that first shoot without them, but I tried to watch and learn as much as possible, soaking up knowledge about the film industry from anyone who would give me the time of day. The film turned out not to be so bad, and surprisingly, I wasn’t either.

I’d stayed in Paris for a couple months after we wrapped the film. Call it therapy. I used that time to reconstruct my life and myself back to manageable. I spent a lot of time in museums and immersed myself in art, music, and the exploration of what makes a good martini. I came back to the states stronger, my armor in place, and ready to focus on my career and very little else. There were a few women along the way, but I couldn’t tell you their names.

I found it was better that way, no strings. I’d learned a valuable lesson, once upon a time, and that was to hold on to my heart.

I drove down the beach, found an uninhabited stretch, and parked my car facing the ocean. I pulled the jeans and sweater from my backseat and put them on, discarding my Oscar de la Renta original into an unglamorous pile in the passenger’s seat. Music still played from my stereo speakers as I climbed onto the hood of my car and reclined against the windshield. It was cold out and I liked it. I took in the stars, the sound of the waves, the universe.

For the first time in a very, very long while, the smile on my face was real. I nodded my head, a silent reassurance to myself. I was doing all right.

❖

Coffee was my closest ally. Always had been. It saw me through the rough spots, and without its help, I didn’t think I’d survive. Unfortunately, today the coffee in my cup had gone cold, but I didn’t want to be rude and stop the work in progress to request a refresher. Instead, I pushed through and took a long swig of what remained of the barely lukewarm liquid.

I watched the giant screen as a towering image of myself moved backward in fast motion for the picture to be reset.

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“All right, let’s take the line again,” a voice in the booth said.

“Jenna, all set?”

I offered a thumbs up to the booth’s window and waited for the beep in my headset. On cue, I repeated the line I’d said a myriad of times already. “You look like you could use a hand.” I did my best to match my own lips on the screen so the dialogue, which wasn’t recorded clearly on the original shoot, could be replaced.

This particular TV movie had wrapped a month before and was scheduled to air on HBO in the spring.

Looping dialogue was a bit of a tedious process, but luckily, I was in a fairly good mood. In an hour, I was meeting Lanie for lunch on the Mission Beach Boardwalk. I was in San Diego for a few days to finish up the postproduction work on the HBO project and was thrilled to be in the same city as Lanie. I hadn’t seen her in three months and was anxious to catch up. Plus, I genuinely missed her. She’d proven herself to be a true friend, especially those last couple months on tour, and we’d kept in close touch after I left. She nursed me through some difficult times and I owed her a great deal.

Following a few more line readings, I was out of there and on my way to the beach. I put my sunglasses on and dropped the top on my convertible. It was a sunny, though brisk, day in January.

I zipped up my light jacket and pulled out of the studio, feeling high on life. My cell phone buzzed in the cup holder and I debated whether to acknowledge it. Deciding it could be important, I glanced at the caller ID before connecting.

“Hiya, Latham. What’s new?”

“You looked gorgeous last night, that’s what. So you didn’t win. You still grabbed a lot of attention. My phone’s gotten quite a workout today because of you.”

“Really? That’s always good. Any theater? It’s been a while.”

“Tell you what.” I could sense he was moving me to speakerphone as he spoke, most likely so he could pace the length of his office as he talked to me. That meant he was about to negotiate, so I prepared myself accordingly. “You take this absolutely amazing film offer that’s fallen onto my desk this morning, quite capable of

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changing your career forever, and I’ll find you a project on the Great White Way as soon as it wraps.”

That didn’t sound too bad at all. “What’s the film?

“A Seymour Jensen script the studios have been fighting over.

Universal landed it and has signed Frank Lawrence to direct. Ready for the fucking amazing part? Frank Lawrence wants you. He loved you in Tenth Avenue and his teenage daughter is a fan of yours from your Clean Slate days. The studio has already sent an offer and I gotta say, kid, it’s a nice one.”

My head was swimming. This was a lot of information to take in. “Wait, you mean he definitely wants me? No screen test, no audition?

“That’s what I’m saying. The offer’s been made.”

“Can I read the script?”

“I’ve already sent a messenger over to your hotel. It should be there when you get back. You’re gonna love it. It’s right up your alley, funny, ensembley, and smart.”

“Great. I’ll read it tonight and call you.”

“Jenna, there is one thing I should mention, and don’t make this a deal breaker.”

My eyes narrowed. “What is it? Are they shooting in a Third World country? I’m a city girl, Latham, but I’m tougher than I look.”

“Adrienne Kenyon has already signed on to do the film.”

I took a moment and answered him calmly. “Probably not a good idea.”

“Jenna, wait. Read the script and remember, this is business.

Don’t let some ancient history you have with this girl screw up a great opportunity for you. This is big studio work.”

“Latham, I haven’t seen her in years. I just don’t think it would be the most comfortable working environment.”

“Fair enough. If you read the script and still feel that way, then I won’t say another word about it. We’ll tell Universal no and find you stage work in New York, just like you want. Deal?”

He was asking the impossible, but I knew there was only one way to get out of this with him, and that was to shut him up. “Fine.

I’ll read it, but I can probably tell you now—”

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“Read it,” he said. “That’s all I’m asking for. I’ll call you tomorrow morning for your answer.”

I put the phone down and gripped the steering wheel hard.

Adrienne. It hadn’t been the easiest thing to move on from her four years ago, but I’d done it. At the time, I didn’t take into account the fact that her face would be splashed everywhere I went, especially when her career really took off following her injury—television, magazines, and in the past couple of years, several big box office movies. It wasn’t long following our breakup before Adrienne was officially out in the media. I’d stared at photos of her and various women on the red carpet at premieres or on their way to high profile parties and it was difficult. I didn’t think poorly of Adrienne, and wished her well, but it was hard to think about those days, so I didn’t let myself. I’d been so naïve back then.

When I arrived for lunch, Lanie was seated at a window table overlooking the bay. She seemed lost in thought and didn’t notice me sneak up behind her and place a kiss on her cheek. She turned around, lighting up as she saw me.

“Oh my God, kiddo, look at you. It’s been too long.” She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me into a warm embrace.

“I’m pissed you lost last night,” she said into my ear. “Who should I call?”

“Don’t be.” I found my way to the chair across the table. “I’m not. You look amazing, by the way.” She did too. Her hair was highlighted and longer than I’d ever seen it, plus she sported an awesome looking tan. She seemed relaxed, happy.

“Thank you. So do you. Hollywood must put something in the water.”

“I can’t believe I’m finally in your city. It’s gorgeous here.”

She looked out the window, taking it in. “This is home. I just wish I could stay longer. I have a workshop for an off-Broadway thing in two weeks. Back to NYC, baby.”

“I’m jealous. I miss theater. I haven’t danced in forever.”

“Shut up. You’re making the big bucks in Hollywood. Don’t tell me you’d give up that paycheck to go back to creaky old theaters and poorly lit dressing rooms.”

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“Oh, the money’s nice, don’t get me wrong.” I laughed and took a sip of my iced tea.

“Any new projects lined up?”

“Umm, no, not exactly.” I decided to tell Lanie about the offer Latham had called with but waited until we’d had a chance to catch up a bit more.

She cut into her grilled tilapia and studied me. “Something’s up. I can always tell with you, you know. Spill.”

“Latham called with a part in a movie Frank Lawrence is directing. It sounds amazing but…” I met her eyes. “Adrienne’s doing the film.” I folded my arms on the table and leaned forward.

“Ah.” She put her fork down. “That’s a tricky one. Working with an ex. Have you decided what you want to do?”

“Yeah. It’s easy. I’m not doing it. It’s just that…” I exhaled slowly. “I’m all rattled now. Why does that still happen?”

“Because you were hurt when she ended things. I was there, remember?” She took a moment, and it looked like she was trying to find the best way to say what came next. “I think you should consider doing the film. Hear me out before you say anything. Would it be so terrible to do this great movie, and maybe even have the opportunity to have a conversation with Adrienne? Maybe it’s just me, but there seems to be a part of you that never got over her. Closure might be, I don’t know, helpful.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and it was slightly infuriating. “That couldn’t be further from the truth, Lanie. I was over her years ago. What we had was short-lived and it ended badly.

End of story. It’s not like she was the great love of my life.” I’d told myself this over and over again through the years on an as needed basis. “Can we, maybe, change the subject?” I was getting frustrated and felt no need to go back down this well traveled path. “Let’s talk about you, little miss. How’s Benjamin?”

“Funny you should ask. He sends his love.” And that’s when I saw it. Lanie wiggled her ring finger and the great big rock that adorned it sparkled back at me. I reached across the table and captured her hand, bringing it closer to study the diamond on her finger.

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“Lanie, oh my God. Congratulations! When did this happen?”

“Last week. He flew in from New York on a break from his show and asked my dad’s permission. Two days later, he surprised me on the beach and proposed. He proposed, Jenna. I still can’t believe I’m going to be a married woman, and to Ben, no doubt.”

“Have you picked a date yet?”

“April twentieth. There or square.”

I nearly choked on my spritzer. “As in, two and a half months from now April?”

She grinned and nodded.

“How in the world do you plan to pull a wedding together in that amount on time?”

“Trust me. I have my ways. Plus, my mom will help since the wedding has to happen in New York because of Ben’s crazy show schedule. Serendipitously, my parents have membership at a great club in the Hamptons.” She sighed as only someone in love can. “He is by far the sweetest, most kind-hearted man I’ve ever met in my life. I don’t know how I got so lucky.”

“I think he’s just as lucky. It seems like you two were destined for each other.”

She smiled widely back at me, her face then softening to concern. “Do the film, Jenna.”

I rolled my eyes at her and took another look at that ring.

❖

Shit. I closed the thick, bound packet and tossed it to the edge of the bed, running my fingers through my hair. The script was great. No, the script was beyond great. It was funny, heartwarming, politically incorrect, and full of riveting dialogue. It was tentatively titled Phase Two and followed a group of late twenty-somethings as they made the transition from their wild, carefree, single days to settling down and starting families. It was an updated, smarter version of St. Elmo’s Fire. The character I was offered was named Sara, a well-to-do glamour girl who struggles with how to make it in the real world once her parents cut her off from her trust fund for

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choosing a guy they don’t approve of socially. Each of the six main characters strive to overcome issues of their own as the group of friends fight, make up, sleep with each other, and eventually drift apart to their own adult lives at the end of the movie. Adrienne’s character, Delaney, would be one of Sara’s friends in the film who feels lost and alone when her husband emotionally abandons her after the birth of their first child. We would have quite a few scenes together; most with the group, but a few on our own.

I walked to the window of my hotel room and pressed my forehead to the glass. I thought back to the advice I’d received from my director on Tenth Avenue.

“Jenna, there are four factors to consider when deciding on a project: director, script, actors, and money. If you can get two of the four in the same project, it’s probably worth your time.”

This was a man I had developed a great deal of respect for and who had never steered me wrong. It occurred to me that this particular project had all four of those elements, with just one small drawback. It would be stupid of me not to do it. The phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I knew it was Latham, right on schedule.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and answered.

“Good morning, good morning!” he bellowed. I smiled but pulled the phone back a little to give my ear a reprieve. “So did you read it? Are you in love?”

“I read it and it’s pretty much as you described. I love everything about it.”

“And?”

“Make the deal.”

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Chapter eight

New York City was just what the doctor ordered. There was something about it that got my blood going. I wrapped my scarf around my neck and zipped my coat up, taking a deep breath.

Night was falling and the sweet aroma of the street vendors’ nuts permeated the air. Theatergoers were out en masse and the streets were buzzing with activity. I opted against seeing a show that night, as I wanted to get a good night’s sleep before my call time the next morning. Instead, I enjoyed my walk, sipping Junior’s hot chocolate on the way, and wondering what the next day would bring.

❖

“And this would be your trailer.” Dylan pushed open the door to allow me to enter. “Go ahead and get comfortable and we’ll see you in makeup in about half an hour?”

“Sounds good. Thanks. It’s nice to meet you, Dylan.” He headed back to set, leaving me alone to look around my new home away from home for the next two months. It was cozy. I liked it.

Against the far wall was a small maroon love seat that sat next to the mini-fridge. On the opposite side of the trailer was a door housing a full-length mirror, leading into the small bathroom. In the center of the trailer, there was a kitchenette complete with a microwave and working sink. Not bad. It was practical, private, and comfortable. I plopped onto the love seat and took out my script for a last-minute

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study session before my first scene. It was only a few minutes later when I heard a knock outside before the door tentatively opened.

“Hello?”

“Come on in,” I called to the mystery visitor.

Michelle Estes entered with a warm, welcoming smile on her face. I was excited when I saw her name listed among those signed on to do the film. I’d seen other movies she’d starred in and knew she was a hell of a talented actress, not to mention exotically beautiful. She had flowing jet-black hair and striking hazel eyes that complimented her naturally tan skin. “Hiya.” She leaned against the doorjamb. “Getting settled in?”

“You could say that, yeah. I’m Jenna.” I extended my hand to her. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Michelle. I wanted to see if you were headed to makeup for scene four. I was on my way there when I passed your trailer.

Thought we could walk together.”

I reached behind me and grabbed my script. “Yep, all set.”

We took our time walking the fifty yards to the trailer devoted exclusively to hair and makeup.

Michelle would be playing Taylor, the wild child in the script. She seemed quite the opposite, however. “Can I let you in on a little secret?” she asked as we neared our destination. “I’m a little intimidated by this director. Have you ever worked with him before?”

I shook my head, wondering what she’d heard. “All I know is he’s Hollywood’s It-guy right now. His last four films have made the studios a lot of money. Here’s to hoping his streak continues.” I crossed my fingers.

“Let’s just keep him happy.”

That didn’t sound encouraging. “Well, thanks for the heads up.” Michelle opened the door to the trailer and we made our way inside. The room consisted of a wall of lighted mirrors and a row of six cushioned swivel chairs facing them. The counters were covered with all sorts of accoutrements for beautification—hairdryers, makeup wheels, brushes, and straighteners. If we were going to a fashion war, we had a good chance of victory. There was music

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playing in the room and the very recognizable and welcome aroma of fresh brewed coffee. I smiled and inhaled my favorite morning vice. The trailer was bustling, everyone surely excited for the first day of shooting. I was quickly ushered in and introduced to Richard, who would be doing my makeup, and Tammy, who would be doing my hair. We were interrupted, however, when Michelle called my name from further down the row of chairs. “Jenna, come here a sec and meet Adrienne.” I felt the smile on my lips fade as I looked across the room.

And here it was, the moment I had managed to avoid for quite a few years. I took a deep breath and decided there was no time like the present. Adrienne was in the process of having her hair done so I joined Michelle standing behind her chair. I met her eyes in the mirror. We literally hadn’t seen each other since the morning I left her in my hotel room in Austin, right before her flight to New York.

It was surreal to be in the same room with her again, whether for good or bad. I wondered if it felt as odd to her.

Adrienne shifted her focus to Michelle. “We’ve met actually, a long time ago.” Her gaze settled on me once again and she smiled widely, warmly even. “How are you, Jenna?”

“I’m doing all right. How are you?” I asked, trying my best to be every bit as friendly. Her eyes were still so very green.

“I’m well, thanks. I’m excited to get to work. This should be a fun character for you.”

“Definitely.”

Silence.

Michelle looked from one of us to the other, clearly picking up on something.

I decided to save us all. “Well, I better get back to Tammy. See you guys in a few.”

Done. No big deal. So there was a slightly awkward moment. It was still a very friendly atmosphere. The energy in the trailer helped.

Everyone was laughing and dancing around to the music and getting to know one another. I heard Adrienne laugh wholeheartedly a few chairs down and it struck me for a moment. That was the laugh that

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used to swallow me whole and light me up inside. Hearing it again, in the same room with me, was a little jarring. I smiled at myself in the mirror and shook it off.

My day of shooting consisted of two scenes that would take a majority of the daylight hours to film. The first was an interior restaurant scene involving four of the main characters: me, Michelle, Adrienne, and Zack, who seemed nice enough. The next was a scene where my character, Sara, is demoralized and put in her place during a job interview gone wrong.

I made my way to set and found the chair with my name on it, my home base during the shoot. I oriented myself with the set and met a few of the crew members as I glanced over my lines one last time.

Frank Lawrence, our director, was already moving quickly about the set, issuing orders to various crew chiefs. He was good-looking in a beatnik sort of way. He had very curly black hair and chiseled features, not to mention an English accent I couldn’t help but find completely intriguing. His personality was intense, but warm at the same time. Charisma poured from the guy. I felt creative just being around him, and I had to admit, it was exciting.

Frank spoke with the four of us about the mood of the first scene—fun and upbeat—and then sat back and let us work.

Following a brief rehearsal, it was apparent we all gelled with our characters quite well right away, which wasn’t always the case. I’d heard that Frank handpicked each of us and, in my opinion, he’d done a good job. I guess there was a reason he was sought after.

We gave the scene a couple more run-throughs and then got ready to shoot. I’ll admit, the first take could have been better, and on the second, I felt even more stiff. After our third take, Frank yelled, “Cut,” and came over to our table. “I like what I’m seeing, guys. We’re nearly there. You’re pacing is on. I want to see a little more eye contact, especially between the two of you.” He gestured between Adrienne and me and we both nodded our understanding at the direction. I hadn’t even realized it, but he was right. Even on lines that were directed at Adrienne’s character, I was focusing on Michelle or Zack. It felt more comfortable.

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“Sorry, Frank,” Adrienne said, “I think we got it now, right?”

She looked to me.

“Right.” I smiled, sure to make full eye contact with Adrienne as I spoke.

As Frank walked back to his spot in front of the monitors, Adrienne inclined her head and lowered her voice. “Still not enough to hold your attention, huh?”

Shocked at the audacity of the comment, which seemed to be a reference to our history, I looked up to meet her gaze. She seemed cavalier and amused by the remark. “Oh, relax. I’m completely kidding.”

But I was pretty sure she wasn’t. I didn’t have time to respond, however, because Frank called, “Action,” and the scene was underway again. This time I nailed it, as did everyone else.

“Cut and print!” Frank said. “Excellent work, everyone. Jenna, very passionate. I love your gusto.” I nodded my head at him and got the hell out of there. I was still struck by Adrienne’s comment.

Was she trying to be funny or was that a passive-aggressive dig? It was unlike the Adrienne I was used to, and I decided to brush it off, not give it too much weight.

The rest of the day, away from Adrienne, went swimmingly.

My second scene required only a few takes and I finished the day earlier than expected. So far, so good. Well, mostly.

❖

As I woke the next morning, I braced myself knowing the last scene of the day was a long one-on-one scene with Adrienne that would show up toward the end of the film. The scene was an emotional one, with several important confessions and revelations that take place between our characters, ending with them embracing in tears. On paper, it was a good scene and I wanted to do it right.

I waited in my trailer for them to call me to set when the scene was properly lit and ready to shoot. In the meantime, I made some calls and got a chance to chat with Lanie, getting the lowdown on her guerilla wedding plans that seemed to be well under way.

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“Hey, I want to ask you something,” she said tentatively, “but if your schedule is crazy and it doesn’t work out, I don’t want you to stress over it. Okay?”

“You can ask me anything, Lane. What do you need? I got it.”

“I want you to be my maid of honor.”

I smiled and felt my eyes well with a tear or two. God, I was such a sentimental schmuck sometimes. I looked upward and paced the trailer trying to keep my gushing under control.

I laughed through the emotion and that seemed to help. “Of course I will. I would love to stand next to you when you marry that hunk of a man. Nothing would make me happier.”

“Yay!” she yelled into the phone and a little more muffled,

“Babe, she said yes.”

I laughed at Ben’s shout of approval in the background. “Are you sure it doesn’t mess with your shooting schedule? I don’t want to get you in trouble, kiddo.”

“I’ll make it work. Listen, there’s no way I’m missing my best friend’s wedding.”

“Perfect. Now we need to go shopping and find you a dress.”

“Really? I’m a terrible shopper. You’re going to have to ply me with lattes along the way like carrots on a string.”

“We’ve met, remember? I think I can handle that.”

“As much as I love you and adore the gossip you’re good for, they’re knocking on my door, which probably means they’re ready for me.”

“Okay. We’ll talk soon. Love you.”

“Hug Benjamin for me. Bye.”

I arrived on set and received a quick hair and makeup touchup.

Adrienne was already there having shot a few singles already. We didn’t acknowledge each other until forced to meet with Frank about the scene. Even then, we only nodded. I listened intently to what he wanted out of the scene, all the while fascinated by his English accent like a wide-eyed twelve-year-old.

“Think we’re all on the same page, ladies?” he asked, walking backward toward the monitor.

“Definitely. Ready?” I asked, turning to Adrienne.

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Waiting in the Wings

“Yep. Let’s do this.”

Once the lighting was tweaked a bit, we were underway. The scene required the two of us to run into each other unexpectedly in the park. Staging wise, I was signaled to begin walking first, though the primary shot for this take would be of Adrienne walking toward me. We shot it easily enough, along with the matching version for me. The next shot was the crux of the scene itself and we’d shoot Adrienne’s close-up first. Rather than breaking the scene into sections, Frank preferred to shoot the entire scene in one long take.

We went through it once, but Adrienne seemed stilted, tense. The emotion wasn’t as raw as I knew Frank was going for. I waited patiently, staying out of it, as he pulled her aside for a discussion.

Take two wasn’t much different.

“And cut!” Frank scurried over to us, speaking vehemently, his voice only growing louder as he continued. “Adrienne, you’re not there, darling. You’re not playing the scene. I need you to look at this woman in front of you and see the history there. Sara was your best friend and you feel betrayed and hurt. A small part of you misses her, but there’s a lot of anger left. This scene is about sorting through all of those emotions, and we have to see each play itself out.”

I crossed my arms, uncomfortable at the double meaning of his words, even if it was unbeknownst to him. Adrienne looked haunted, and I could tell none of the irony was lost on her either. We held eye contact for a moment, and I realized I felt sorry for her. She looked fragile, vulnerable. But I reminded myself she was simply getting into character, something she was paid to do. I felt my cool mask of indifference move back into place. I studied the trees, the crew, the clouds, anything but Adrienne as I waited for the shot to be reset.

Adrienne leaned in. “Can you maybe not give it so much?”

I was confused by her request. “You don’t want me to act?”

“You’re changing the mood of the scene and we seem off-balance as a result.”

I struggled to remain polite. “Frank asked for you to give more, not for me to give less.”

Her eyes flared. “When did you become so difficult to work with?”

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“I’m not intentionally being difficult, Adrienne. If there’s something I can do to help the scene, I’ll do it. When did you become such a control freak?” My anger was rising now. “And please do me a favor and don’t presume you know me because you don’t.”

“Oh, I beg to differ. I think I understand how you operate perfectly.” Our voices were now loud enough to attract the attention of pretty much everyone on set.

“On how I operate? What exactly does that mean? Enlighten me.”

“You’ve always been out for number one, Jenna. You’re just being a little more up front about it these days.”

“Tell you what, why don’t you worry a little less about me and a little more about the scene you’re not able to hit.” Okay, so it was a low blow professionally speaking, and if she’d had any confidence about the scene to begin with, I’d probably just dashed it. But damn it, she was pushing my buttons.

Adrienne turned to Frank, who was now approaching, and held up her hands. Her voice was calm but icy. “I will not work like this.

I will pull myself from this film before I’m talked to on set this way, Frank.” And with that, she was out of there. I turned and watched her storm from the set back to her trailer, looking angry, venomous, and drop-dead gorgeous.

I looked to Frank apologetically. He looked ready to spit nails.

“I have a multi-million dollar production to shoot here. What the fuck was that?” He took his entire stack of papers and threw them into the air as he stormed away. Okay, so maybe Michelle was right about the temper.

Dylan stood and consulted his clipboard. “All right people, let’s take a short break. Extras, please don’t go far. We’ll be moving on to scene thirty-nine. Someone get Luke and Michelle into makeup.

We’ll revisit this shot later today or tomorrow.”

I felt guilty. That whole thing could have been handled better, but I allowed a personal hang-up of my own to enter into the situation. I walked back to my trailer and tried to figure out a way to fix it. The idea of stopping at Adrienne’s trailer, which I had to pass on the way to mine, did enter into my head, but I discarded it

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quickly. Not only did I have no clue what I would say, but I doubted she would give me the opportunity, judging from how angry she looked. Once her temper was unleashed, it usually took a while for her to rein it back in. One thing I did understand, however, was that I’d behaved unprofessionally, and if she had pushed my buttons, I had also pushed hers. It was bad business.

I hadn’t been in my trailer twenty minutes when a production assistant stopped in and informed me I was needed in the production office. Splendid. I was about to face more music.

I made the short walk to the production trailer and knocked once before entering. Roberta Long, the associate producer, poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Adrienne, who sat on the couch.

Adrienne looked up at me warily and then back at Roberta. To say I felt a bit daunted was an understatement. “Come on in, Jenna. This won’t take long.”

I took a seat on the other end of the couch and waited expectantly for the reaming I was so sure was coming. Roberta took a seat across from us and leaned back in her chair. “Bottom line, ladies: what happened today on set can never happen again. You cost us time and money and that’s in no way acceptable. Apparently, there’s some history between the two of you and though I’m not clear on the details, I suggest you work it out. Take the rest of the day, but be back here tomorrow, on time, and ready to work together. Are we clear?”

“We’re clear,” Adrienne said. “Roberta, I’m so sorry. It’s not like me and I’m embarrassed for having behaved the way I did.” She turned to me. “I owe you an apology as well. I’m sorry for blowing up.”

I nodded. “Me too. I could have helped the situation, but I made it worse. It won’t happen again, Roberta.”

“Good. I plan to hold you both to that.” She pulled on her suit jacket and walked with us down the steps of the trailer to the street.

“Can I suggest the two of you have a conversation? You have tonight off. Go get a drink and find a common ground. Better safe than sorry.” She squeezed my shoulder and headed off in the direction of the set, leaving Adrienne and me alone.

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Melissa Brayden

“You know, maybe we should talk,” she said. “What do you think?”

While the idea of sitting and discussing a part of my past I’d rather not revisit sounded about as much fun as a root canal, I realized the professional implications of more trouble on set and decided it was probably for the best. “Yeah, okay. A drink later?”

“There’s a jazz bar uptown where a friend of mine is playing. I promised him I’d stop in sometime this week. It’s pretty low-key, a good place to talk.”

“All right, eight o’clock?”

“That’ll work.” She pulled a card from her purse and scribbled the name and address of the club on the back. “I’ll see you tonight.”

She handed me the card and walked away, looking about as thrilled as I felt.

Michelle approached about that time. “Oh my God, I heard there was a knock-down drag-out between you two.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

“Well, the crew totally is. You guys used to be a…thing?”

“That was a long time ago.”

“I’ve got to get to set, but you have to fill me in later.”

“Sure. See ya, Michelle.”

The studio-provided car drove me back to the hotel where I was staying with the other out of town cast members. It was my home away from, well, other hotels, sadly enough. There was the sublet I had in LA, but that lease was ending soon. I was beginning to feel like a gypsy. I didn’t currently have a real home.

I watched the streets fly by outside the car window, still so happy to be in the city. Maybe this was where I belonged. I would definitely look into the possibility of staying in New York once we wrapped the film.

When I arrived back at my room, I was greeted by a rather large arrangement of red and yellow roses sitting on the bedside table. I studied the flowers, knowing for certain they had not been there when I left the room that morning and congratulated myself on my detective skills. I opened the card and smiled. Paige.

“I miss our nights. Call me when you’re in town.”

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Waiting in the Wings

I shook my head and smiled. It was probably best I not call her. I didn’t like getting too tangled up, and anything further with Paige could potentially get complicated. I liked her, genuinely, and didn’t want her to think there was more between us than there was.

I realized I was jaded, but I preferred it that way. Life was simpler when matters of the heart were not involved.

It was seven fifteen and I so did not want to go to this meeting/

drinks thing. I threw my orange into the air once and sighed as it returned to my waiting hands. I pushed myself up on the bed so I was propped up on my elbows, and stared at the blank wall. I contemplated cancelling, but I didn’t have Adrienne’s number.

Damn it. I dressed quickly, knowing if I was going to go, I didn’t want to be late. Some things never change.

I selected my faded designer jeans and scoop neck black sweater. I surveyed myself in the mirror, worrying I would be too casual for the club she’d selected and pissed off that I seemed to care. I added my low heel boots to the ensemble and felt somewhat better. Geez, what was wrong with me?

The cab ride over to the jazz bar was quick enough. The place itself, however, was something else. It was located in the basement of an office building, only a small unassuming sign marking the entrance. The bar was a dimly lit room full of intimate tables, surrounding a small stage. I didn’t see Adrienne right off, so I took a seat at the bar and ordered a glass of red.

The combo band onstage consisted of a piano, bass, drums, and tenor saxophone. The ballad they played was smooth and haunting. I turned around in my chair and watched them play, getting lost in each blistering note. After a while, I felt the presence of someone nearby and turned to find Adrienne standing over my shoulder, also listening to the song. I studied her face. She seemed captivated by the music, so I returned my attention to the stage.

As the song concluded, we clapped along with the fifty or so other patrons.

She looked down at me. “Have you been here long?” I could tell she was doing her best to seem cheerful.

“No, just the one song.”

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Melissa Brayden

“Why don’t we grab a table? Candace, can you send over a bottle of merlot and an extra glass, please?”

“Sure thing,” the bartender answered.

We settled into the booth as the band struck up again, this time playing an up-tempo tune, smooth and mollifying. We listened for a moment and I decided to take the initiative. “So obviously, today wasn’t ideal.”

“It wasn’t,” she said. “I have to be honest; I take full responsibility for what happened on set. I behaved badly and I’m sorry.”

“It was a joint effort and I also want to apologize. I should have been more accommodating to what you needed in the scene, and maybe a little nicer with my words.”

She nodded in silent appreciation and traced the rim of her glass with her forefinger. “I guess if we’re being completely forthright, I was a little on edge. Something about the dialogue in that scene and the awkwardness between us, I don’t know, it got to me.”

“I know. But it doesn’t have to be awkward, you know. We could just agree it won’t be. I’m the first one to admit the idea of us working together was a little daunting, but honestly, Adrienne, we’ve always gotten along in the past, our work ethics are similar, and the fact that there was something between us at one point is outside that box.”

She held up her glass. “Cheers to that.” I reached across the table to meet her glass with mine and offered an encouraging smile.

“To making this the best film ever.”

“Agreed.”

I took a deep swallow from my glass and regarded Adrienne across the table, not quite sure how to proceed with our conversation.

“So…how have you been?”

She laughed at the broad nature of the question, drinking her wine as she thought over the answer. “Life’s been a bit busy lately.

I’m not sure if I’m coming or going it seems, but hopefully, I can remedy that after this shoot. I’d like to find a way to ground myself a bit more, stay close to home.”

“And home is still here in New York?”

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“Definitely. I’m a New Yorker for life, I think. What about you? California still?”

“I guess so, for no reason other than that’s where I’ve been working. I’m not sure where home is quite yet. Stay tuned.”

“You’ve accomplished a lot out there, Jenna. It’s impressive.

You should be proud of yourself. I guess you made the right move after all.” She said it with the utmost of sincerity, but it still struck a sensitive chord.

“I don’t look at it in those terms, Adrienne. Nothing’s black or white. I did what I thought was best for everyone with what I knew at the time.”

“I know that.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

She considered the question. “Would you be upset if I said no?”

“Not at all. In fact, I think I’d completely understand.”

“Thank you.”

We listened to the music for a few minutes, neither of us speaking. The wine began to slowly work its magic and made everything seem a tad easier. I took in the band’s bluesy rendition of “My Funny Valentine,” watching Adrienne pour herself another glass. I followed, killing the bottle. She took a sip and cradled her glass, studying me. “You haven’t changed much, other than the tan, of course.”

“West coast necessity,” I said. “Jealous?”

“Nope, but it does look nice on you. Blondes look better with tans, I think. Me? I stick with the pale brunette thing.”

I couldn’t help laughing. “Well, you seem to do just fine with it.”

“I get by.”

The band took a break and the saxophonist made his way to our table. Adrienne straightened, stood, and embraced him, instantly

“on.” She introduced me to Oscar, who immediately slid into the booth next to me and put his arm around my shoulders. “You guys are amazing,” I said. “I could listen to you all night.”

“Please do, little lady,” he said. “Let’s see if we can get your beautiful friend here to sing a number with us, like the good old days.”

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Melissa Brayden

I looked to Adrienne questioningly.

“I used to do vocals for Oscar and the guys years ago. Those were great times.” She reached across and squeezed his hand. “You never know. Maybe after another glass or two.” She indicated her wine glass, shaking it side to side.

“Candace,” Oscar called, “another bottle for these ladies. On me!” We laughed. “Jenna, are you a fan of jazz music?”

I nodded wholeheartedly. “I am. Growing up, my parents played a lot of Louis Armstrong, but Clifford Brown is by far my favorite.”

“A Brownie fan, I like it. You’ll have to check out our upcoming album this summer. Your friend here is featured on one of the tracks.”

Oscar nodded his head at Adrienne who I regarded in surprise.

She waved him off. “It’s not a big deal. I stopped by the studio to listen to their session and the next thing I knew, he had me laying down a few vocals.”

“As if I would have let that opportunity go by,” Oscar said.

How did I not know about her moonlighting as a jazz singer?

Because I didn’t want to, I reminded myself. I watched her across the table and though I still felt a bit off kilter, it also felt strangely good to be with her tonight. Cathartic in a way I wouldn’t have predicted. I drank my wine and reflected on this new turn of events as Oscar whisked Adrienne off to the stage.

“Ladies and gentleman, we have an extra special treat for you tonight. Making her way to the stage for this next tune is a girl you all love. Star of stage and screen, please put ‘em together for the lovely Adrienne Kenyon.”

The place went nuts as Adrienne approached the microphone.

She was wearing a navy blue dress that accentuated her figure in all the right ways. It was dignified and sexy at the same time. The band played the opening notes of “Someone to Watch Over Me,”

and Adrienne began to sing. I was immediately transfixed by her vocals. I hadn’t heard her sing since Clean Slate, and even then the music had been nothing like this. The arrangement was slow and unique and perfect for her voice. She was simply intoxicating as she sang, swaying slightly to the music. She had a subtle way of

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working the crowd enough to pull them in without overdoing it. I watched the faces of her audience and smiled when I saw how she had them eating out of the palm of her hand. When the song came to a close, the crowd erupted in applause, accompanied by a few boisterous whistles. Adrienne shook a few hands on her way back to the booth. I shook my head, again reminded of what an amazing performer she was.

“That was nicely done.”

“Thank you. I felt a little rusty. Come on.” She inclined her head. “Let’s call it a night. I’m exhausted.”

We grabbed our belongings and settled the tab. As we climbed the steps together, Adrienne spoke. “So is there a chance we’re going to get through this thing?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”

She reached out and gave my hand a squeeze. “See you tomorrow.”

“Good night, Adrienne.” She turned to go. I watched her walk down the street, her hands in the pockets of her overcoat. I felt not only relieved that the meeting had gone well, but it was genuinely good to talk to her again. Would wonders never cease?

• 147 •

• 148 •

Waiting in the Wings

Chapter nine

Anyone know what time it is?” I asked the group of sound guys buzzing around us.

“Or what year?” Adrienne countered quietly. “Because I feel like we’ve been here for several.”

It was the fourth week of shooting and the three of us girls were sitting around a table on a soundstage shooting a lunch scene. Even though it was well into the evening, the lighting guys were capable of amazing things and made it seem as if sunlight was streaming through the faux café windows. We’d been working since six a.m.

and, needless to say, we were way past tired. It seemed like there were a few sound details that were holding us up and once again, we were left to wait.

Michelle sat staring at herself in a spoon she held mere inches from her face. In actuality, she didn’t have to be on set. She’d wrapped for the night on the last take we’d done, leaving just Adrienne and me to finish shooting the end of the scene. “How about you two get this thing right on the first take so we can get out of here? Mama needs a cocktail.”

I laughed and nodded in wholehearted agreement. I’d found my stride on the film, enjoying the ensemble work and feeling like part of a group. Maybe that was my theater background coming out.

The six of us, featured as friends in the movie, formed a rather tight bond off-camera as well. We spent late nights at the hotel bar and even Adrienne, who stayed at her own apartment during the shoot,

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joined us each night. We were still feeling each other out, but the atmosphere between us had been relaxed.

“As much as I second that sentiment, I can’t go to the bar tonight, guys,” I said. “I’m seeing my best friend tomorrow for dress shopping. I’ll need copious amounts of sleep for that, I think.”

“That’s right,” Adrienne chimed in. “The big day is fast approaching. I love that they’re getting married in the Hamptons.

They must have some money in that family.”

I nodded. “They do. Should be fun though. I’ve never been there.”

“So no Jenna tonight.” Michelle pouted. “Who am I going to shoot olives at across the table?”

“Shoot ‘em at Adrienne. She can’t catch them, but she’ll try and that’s somewhat amusing.”

“I will. I’ll definitely try my very best.”

“Aww, Adrienne, you’re hereby named my partner in crime tonight,” Michelle said. “And that, my dears, is my exit line. Fingers crossed I see you guys in a few.” She patted Adrienne’s shoulder and exited the café interior.

I sighed and leaned back in my chair. “Stuck with me again it seems.”

“I have the worst luck.”

“Want to have a staring contest?”

She laughed at the randomness. “No, not really.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know. Because I’m no longer ten years old? I’d forgotten how much you loved games.”

I rested my chin in my hand. “I already know I’m whimsical. I don’t need you to point it out.”

“Well, as long as you’re aware.”

“Come on. It could be fun. You’ll probably lose, but fun will be had.”

“Flatterer.”

I knew appealing to her competitive side would help my cause.

“So we’re on?”

But she didn’t answer because damn it, she was already staring me down, her brow furrowed in the most ridiculous concentrated expression.

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“Stop it. I wasn’t ready.” But I was already laughing, damn it. The long hours we’d already worked had done a number on my ability to keep it together. “I’m not playing if you’re going to cheat.”

“Yes, you are and you’re losing.”

I sucked in air and shook off the smile, literally putting my game face on. I wasn’t as competitive as Adrienne, but I had standards. “All right, fine. First one who laughs has to buy drinks for the week.”

“I hope you saved up.”

And we were underway. I met her eyes and held them, both of us expressionless for the first few moments of the competition.

It soon became apparent to me the very nature of a staring contest left me with very little to do but study the face of my competitor.

And I did. Adrienne’s eyelashes, I decided, were very long and had a unique way of catching the light. And her mouth was full and slightly pouty and rather sexy. My stomach did a little twist, which I chose to ignore. I also liked the way the long bangs she sported fell just shy of her left eye. That’s when I noticed her eyes narrow further in concentration and realized this was my shot. Ever so slightly, I poked my tongue out of the side of my mouth, making sure the rest of my face remained blank. The effect was spot on. The lines around Adrienne’s eyes darkened and her mouth turned up a fraction. She was fighting it, I could tell, but it wasn’t long before she gave in to an explosion of laughter, falling over sideways in her chair. “All right, all right. You win. Congratulations.” She held up her hands in surrender.

I sat back, triumphant. “You consistently underestimate me.”

Her laughter died down and she was left smiling back at me.

Something flickered behind her eyes. “You’d think I’d have learned that lesson by now.”

I felt flushed and uncomfortable. I didn’t know what to say to this. Our eyes held for a beat or two longer than casual and I finally had to glance down at my hands in my lap.

Adrienne rescued us. “So how quick do you think we can do this?”

“I think the question is how quick can you do this. They don’t call me One-Take McGovern for nothing.”

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She raised her eyebrows and laughed. “First of all, no one calls you that. Second of all, double or nothing you screw up more takes than I do.”

I extended my hand across the table. “Deal.”

“Fabulous.” She shook my hand as a production assistant approached and handed us two new sheets of dialogue.

“Wait. What are these?” I asked her retreating form.

“Script rewrites,” the assistant shot back. “Hot off the presses.

Frank says you can take a few minutes to look them over, but they need to shoot soon.”

I scanned the page, my jaw dropping as I took in the bad news. The meager five lines I’d committed to memory earlier in the afternoon had been replaced with what must have amounted to thirty mammoth new ones. What the hell? I looked up at Adrienne who blinked back at me innocently, clearly enjoying this. “So not fair,” I pointed out.

“I love this film,” she said gleefully.

❖

A hundred years and thirteen takes later, the three of us girls walked down the studio street to our trailers, laughing through extreme exhaustion as Adrienne recounted the details of the bet to Michelle.

“Well, I’m happy my public and professional torture amuses the two of you so much,” I said.

“Since Jenna’s not coming to the bar, how about a quick drink in my trailer to cap off this crazy day?” Adrienne offered.

“I’m in,” Michelle replied.

“I could use a cocktail, sure.”

We climbed the steps to Adrienne’s trailer and I looked around, noticing that yet again her place was bigger than mine. “How do you always swing the nicer digs, Kenyon? When do the rest of us reach your star level?”

“It’s all in the negotiation. Put it in your contract next time, Miss Golden Globe.”

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“I didn’t win,” I said in mock sorrow.

“You should have. Mojitos?”

The comment registered. Adrienne had seen my movie. I filed that away to think about another time, not sure why it struck such a chord in me.

“Bring them on,” Michelle crowed.

Adrienne mixed the drinks in her deluxe kitchen and passed them out. She raised her glass. “To ruined takes and free liquor.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

“Cheers,” I said. We clinked glasses and I studied Adrienne’s profile as she drank.

Michelle’s cell phone rang and she jumped up. “Oh! It’s my husband. I’m going to take this outside. Don’t touch my drink.” She backed away and pointed at us.

Adrienne pulled her knee onto the couch and turned to face me. “Since we have a sec, I’d like to run something by you if that’s okay.”

“Sure. Go for it.”

“I have an offer on the table and wouldn’t mind hearing your opinion on the project.”

“What kind of offer are we talking about here?” I raised my eyebrows.

She laughed and shoved me playfully. “It’s a job offer.

Broadway.”

“You’re kidding. What’s the show?”

“They’re reviving Cabaret and have offered me Sally.”

I sat up straighter and thought this through. Adrienne would make a killer Sally Bowles. Just the idea of it got me excited for her.

“What’s to think about? You have to do it.”

“The idea scares the hell out of me. Despite everything, people still think of me as that teenager from TV. Plus, I wouldn’t want to do the role the same old way everyone’s already done it. How would I make it my own? It’s just, I don’t want to get in over my head.”

I took her hand automatically. “Adrienne, why do you always sell yourself short? If there is anyone who can do this part, it’s you.

You have amazing talent, and when people see you onstage, it’s

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clear to them why you’re there. Not only that, but you have this remarkable presence about you that draws people in, and you’re capable of doing that to thousands of people at once. I’ve seen it firsthand. There’s no one better. You have nothing to be afraid of.”

“Do you really feel that way?” She was absently tracing small circles across my hand with her thumb. She seemed sincerely touched by what I’d said, as if she didn’t know these things about herself.

“Yes, I do.”

“Thank you for saying that. Hearing it from you really helps.”

“It does?”

“Yeah, it does.”

I pulled my hand back, as I didn’t think I could stand much more attention from that thumb. There was already a noticeable stirring in my lower abdomen that I immediately shook off, offended by my body’s reaction to a friendly touch. I was pretty sure Adrienne was unaware of what she had been doing. It was a casual gesture and I internally cursed myself.

Adrienne straightened, snapping out of it. “What about you?

I’m surprised to see you mixed up in the movie biz. I always thought you’d stick with theater. It was your home.”

“I miss it, but I needed a break after my run with the LA company and Latham found a small part in an indie feature. One project led to another and here I am.” I gestured around the room. “I guess I’ve kind of gone where the water was warm. I’d like to get back though. Maybe soon.”

“You should, Jenna. You’re the kind of triple threat people only talk about. You’re the real deal. You’re still dancing, right?”

“Nothing professional since Clean Slate.”

She looked at me incredulously. “That’s an absolute travesty.”

“I didn’t plan it this way. The films kept coming and the idea of turning down steady work in this business, well, it just seems to go against nature.”

“There’s some truth to that, yes. But you’re in a position now where you can be a little more particular, don’t you think?”

“Try convincing Latham of that.”

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She sighed and sat up straighter as if on a mission, trying to explain herself another way. “Andrew Latham is a great agent, Jenna, but he works for you. You need to remember that. It’s your career we’re discussing, not his. Don’t let him pressure you into projects. Ever.”

She had a valid point and it reminded me of how much I’d learned from Adrienne when I’d first started in the business. I decided right there to take what she said to heart. “If you want to go theatrical, I think you’d be able to find the work.”

“It would take some time to get myself in physical shape for a job in musical theater again.” I rested my head in my hands. “Hell, I don’t even know if I’m capable of it anymore. It’s just been too long.”

“It’s been longer for me and you’re telling me to jump back in.

Hypocritical much?” She arched her eyebrow knowingly.

“Apparently.” I lowered my head.

“All right then, it’s settled. You’re going to get yourself back in primo dancing shape. Put it on the list.”

I blinked at her. “What makes you think there’s a list?”

“Please. There’s always a list. I’m guessing it’s color-coded.”

She was right. It was. I was surprised to find out she still had my number on that kind of thing. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

“Okay then. It’s on the list.”

She winked playfully. “Progress. I love it.”

We both turned simultaneously as her phone on the coffee table next to us began to dance around from the vibration of an incoming call. Adrienne leaned over to read the caller ID before settling casually back onto the couch. “I wonder what happened to Michelle? Maybe she’s ditched us after all.”

I shrugged but couldn’t take my eyes off the phone as it conspicuously continued its notification. It occurred to me that Adrienne might be choosing not to answer the call because I was in the room. “If you’d like to take that, I can go.” I gestured toward the door of her trailer. “I should probably head out anyway.”

“No, please stay,” she said. “I’m just not feeling especially ‘on’

right now.”

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Melissa Brayden

“And you would need to be ‘on’ to take that call?”

“Kind of. The truth is it’s a woman I’m sort of…talking to.”

“Ah, that kind of call.” I smiled knowingly.

“No!” She swatted my arm, hard. “Not that kind of call and stop teasing me.”

“All right, all right.” I laughed with my hands up in mock surrender. “Just please don’t hit me again.” We both relaxed a little and settled back onto the couch. I looked at Adrienne expectantly, urging her to continue.

“All right, so here it is. I think I like her, and I haven’t liked someone in well, a while. We just don’t know each other well enough that we’re to the point of, I don’t know, comfortability yet.

Is that a word?”

“I don’t think it is.” I laughed. “But wait, so the problem is you’re not comfortable with her yet?”

“You know the point where you’re completely yourself with someone, one hundred percent, flaws and all?” I nodded and tried my damndest to look interested and at ease even though it felt completely weird talking to Adrienne, my ex-girlfriend, about her love life.

“Well, we’re not there yet. I’m still going out of my way to put my best foot forward, impress her, that kind of thing, and I don’t think I have the energy for that in this particular moment. It’s been a long day.”

“I see. And where did we meet this charmer?”

“You’re still teasing me.”

“A little. Answer the question.”

“At a party in the Meatpacking District. She works in fashion, mid to upper level.”

“Aha. Does said fashionista have a name?”

“Kimberly. Kim.”

“Kimberly is a very nice name. A sexy name.”

“It is a nice name, but that’s all you’re getting out of me tonight, Barbara Walters. We should talk about you now. Who has your cell phone ringing lately?”

“No one really.”

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“No one? How can that be?”

“Well, I guess there is a girl I talk to, to use your words.”

“Aha. I knew it. Spill.”

“There’s nothing to spill. We enjoy each other, but it’s very casual.”

“Are you to that ‘comfortable’ stage?”

I thought of Paige and all the things we’d done together. “Yeah, I think you could say that.”

Her eyebrows bounced up. “Would you say—”

Adrienne didn’t have a chance to inquire further, however, as Michelle chose that moment to race into the room. “All right, chicas, I’m ready for some grub. Ready to head out, Age?”

I smiled at Adrienne victoriously.

“You’re not off the hook. We’ll talk more later.”

I rose from the couch. “Of course we will,” I answered innocently.

“Give Lanie a hug for me. Tell her I’m looking forward to the wedding.”

“I will. ‘Night, guys. Stay out of trouble.” I opened the door and started out before I simply had to turn back. “Oh and, Adrienne, you have nothing to be afraid of. I mean it.”

She looked back at me pensively and smiled, saying nothing.

❖

“Well, you haven’t killed each other yet, that’s something,”

Lanie said through the dressing room door. “Try this one.” She slung a yellow satiny dress over the door.

I wiggled into the hideous cotton candy pink thing the salesgirl had dropped off and frowned at myself in the dressing room mirror.

“No, that’s just it. We’re getting along really well. It’s nice.” I turned sideways. “I’m not wearing this, by the way, and if you care about me at all you wouldn’t want me to.”

“Open the door.”

I obliged and even took my fashion model runway walk through the length of the boutique. Lanie rolled her eyes at my shenanigans.

“Okay, so it’s a little too pink. You know what I’m thinking? Blue.

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Melissa Brayden

You’re my only attendant so this dress should be all about you. When I think Jenna, I think blue. We need to match those eyes of yours.”

I returned to the dressing room. “I could do blue.”

“So when you’re with Adrienne, in your new and mature friendship capacity, there isn’t a part of you that wants to rip her clothes off like the old days?” The mere mention of that made me freeze partway out of the dress, envisioning Adrienne four years ago, naked and beautiful in my bed. The truth was I hadn’t allowed my thoughts to fully move in that direction until Lanie’s remark.

My mouth went completely dry. I stared at myself in the mirror and noticed my reddened face. Rallying, I forced the very powerful image from my mind and focused on the conversation.

I opened the door and peered out at Lanie, serious now. “No, absolutely not. We’re friends.”

“Do you want to just be friends?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I want. Now let’s find us a dress, shall we?”

“Your wish is my command. Finish getting out of this thing. I think I saw a contender over yonder.”

I pulled back. “Yonder? Really, we’re going with yonder?”

“Uh-huh.” She tapped my nose and walked away. Her comments had started the wheels in my head turning, however. As I undressed, I contemplated my state of mind. Did I still have feelings for Adrienne?

But the answer was immediate. No. Adrienne and I were ancient history, and though at one point I was hurt by the fact she didn’t fight for our relationship, I was past all that. We were covering new ground and getting to know each other in a different capacity and so far, it was a very good thing. Okay, so she was still smokin’ hot, maybe even hotter now than four years ago, but that didn’t change anything.

Lanie was right about the dress she’d spotted. It was gorgeous and seemed to fit like it was made for me. When I came out of the dressing room, Lanie said nothing at first and then nodded, exhaling.

“And there it is. Wow. Wow. I think we have to take this one, kiddo.

What do you think?”

I looked at myself in the mirror, turned sideways, and smiled. I felt elegant and beautiful. I’d never been one who was self-conscious

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about my looks, knowing I was attractive enough, but there was something remarkable about putting on an outfit that can transform the way you see yourself. The dress was midnight blue with thin straps holding up the fitted bodice. It fell freely below the waist but still outlined the curves my body offered. “I like it.”

“Sold!” Lanie called out to the salesgirl, waving her charge card in the air.

❖

“Sky, you’re killing me. Are you going to deal?”

“I don’t know that I want to play another round with you. I’m down fifty bucks already.”

I looked at my very handsome fake boyfriend and wiped an imaginary tear from my eye. “That’s a pretty sad story. You should sell it to Access Hollywood.”

He grabbed his heart as if I’d shot an arrow through it. We were killing time in my trailer until we were needed on set. The day had been fairly light for me, just a lot of waiting around. Sky was eager to show the little lady how to play cards, so I decided to let him.

Adrienne knocked twice on the door and wandered into the trailer just as Sky begrudgingly dealt the cards again. I surveyed her outfit, baggy jeans and white T-shirt with something orange spilled down the front of it. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail with long pieces falling haphazardly out. She looked not at all like herself.

“Nice outfit,” I said sweetly, glancing up from my cards.

“Isn’t it? We just shot the scene where my child throws a tantrum and spits up all over me in the grocery store. Hard times for Delaney.”

“Sounds like it,” Sky said apologetically.

“I liked holding that little guy, though.” She sat on the arm of the couch. “I could see myself with one like him someday.”

I tried to imagine Adrienne with a child and it wasn’t hard. She was nurturing and warm and the thought of her cradling and singing to a baby made me smile. I looked up at her. “You know, I could see that too. You would be a great mom, I think.”

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Melissa Brayden

“Thank you,” she said. “Maybe in a few years. You never know.

Better hurry up with that game though. They’re going to need you guys next. I’m going to go get changed. Just wanted to say hi.” She turned to leave. “Oh, and, Sky, just give her the money now. She’s hustling you.”

I leaned in and whispered, “I am not. She’s just jealous because she’s not as good as you are.” He nodded knowingly as I proceeded to take him for another fifty and change.

❖

I had a love-hate relationship with snow. I loved how it looked from the cozy safety of the indoors, a mug of hot chocolate warming my hands as I gazed out at its white drifts. I hated it when I was forced out into its cold, slushy reality. Wouldn’t you know it? It was snowing in New York on this particular day of shooting, and to my utter dismay, our scene du jour took place outdoors. Production decided the snow was not a problem and would enhance the scene.

So instead of rescheduling the day, we were shooting in the damn snow. My mom had been nice enough to ship my heavy coat a few days earlier once the forecast was in, but the chill seemed to follow me everywhere I went.

“So you think they’re going to get to us any time soon?” I asked Adrienne, who sat to my right in a matching director’s chair.

It was about five thirty in the afternoon and the sun was already completely down. The temperatures were dropping and I was growing concerned about my ability to remain calm in such frigid conditions. I simply wasn’t built for cold.

“Well, judging from the fact that they’ve still got two pages to shoot before we arrive in the scene, I’m going to go with no. Sorry.”

“Damn it. I was afraid you were going to say that. I say we make a break for it. I think there’s a hot toddy somewhere with my name on it. No one will miss us. Are you with me?”

Adrienne looked over at me, clearly enjoying my distress.

“Jenna, it’s twenty-eight degrees out, and there’s a few flurries in the air. I would hardly call this a blizzard. You can do this.”

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Waiting in the Wings

“Speak for yourself. I don’t like snow.”

“Aren’t you from Boston?”

“Yes, and I didn’t like snow there either.”

“Tell you what, why don’t you drink some more hot chocolate?

It’ll make you feel better.”

“Adrienne, I’m going to level with you. If I drink any more hot chocolate you’re going to have to play back my scenes in slow motion. My sugar level is already through the roof. How is it you’re so calm? I’m expecting a family of Eskimos to walk past us at any moment followed by their friends, a waddle of penguins.” I realized my tone was verging on childlike and petulant, but it simply couldn’t be helped. These particular working conditions were torturous as far as I was concerned.

“All right, all right, you’ve forced my hand,” Adrienne said.

“Come here.”

“What?” I asked, completely confused.

She held her arms open and gestured with her head for me to move into her chair in front of her. “Body heat. We can keep each other warm.”

I literally leapt at the idea, desperate to try anything. I moved quickly to sit in the front of Adrienne on her chair, nestled between her legs, my back against her stomach. She wrapped her arms around me from behind and I covered her arms with my own, settling in. It was nice to snuggle up to someone else when the weather was getting the best of me. I shivered once and instinctively pulled her arms tighter around me, already feeling a bit more warmth, and maybe a butterfly or two in my stomach at Adrienne’s close proximity. God, not this again.

“Better?” she asked, her mouth close to my ear.

“A little, yeah. Thanks.” And it was, in more ways than one.

Stop it, I told myself. These thoughts were not okay. Adrienne was off limits. She was my friend now. A highly attractive friend, who apparently still used the same melon-scented shampoo she did when she was with me.

“Now you just need to think about heat.”

“Heat?” I managed, swallowing hard.

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Melissa Brayden

“Yeah. For example, imagine yourself sitting in front of a fire, the warmth from the flames caressing your cheek. If you do a good enough job of imagining, you’ll begin to feel warmer. It’s psychological.”

“Okay. I like this game of yours.” I forced myself to relax and conjure up a scenario. “I’m going to imagine that I’m trapped in an incredible building explosion and fighting my way to safety.”

She whistled low. “Wow, that’s inventive and depressing. Not exactly the same technique, but whatever works for you.”

“Thank you for not judging me. You’re up.”

“All right. I’m imagining myself relaxing in a warm sauna where I will free myself of all the stresses in my life and watch them drift away one by one.”

“And I’m doing backbreaking work as cheap labor under the scorching summer sun.”

Adrienne sighed with exaggerated patience. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, Jenna, but you suck at this game.”

“Hey! What happened to that non-judgment you were so great at a mere moment ago.”

“Out the window with your ‘backbreaking work’ contribution.

We’re supposed to think of things that make us feel better, not physically oppressed.”

“I’m afraid you don’t appreciate my quirky outlook on life. I bet you would have let Kimberly imagine anything she wanted.”

“You’re right. I would have.”

I winced. “How are things going on that front? Any progress in your attempt to expose your darker side?”

“Negative. She’s out of town on business all next week. We’re scheduled for dinner the week after.”

“I see. And this would be date number…”

“Four.”

I turned around to face her in the chair. “Oh, Age, date number four is crucial. This could be the night that decides the rest of your life. Don’t blow it. Seriously.”

She glowered at me. “You’re teasing me again.” It was true, I was. I found it easier to tease Adrienne than to have a serious

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conversation about her love life. I didn’t like talking about it. I didn’t like the way it made me feel. And I didn’t like the questions it was making me ask myself. It was something I was working on.

“Who? Me? I would never.” I turned away from her, feigning interest in the crew and the changes they were making to the lighting instruments.

“And neither would I,” Adrienne said innocently as she pulled back the collar on my shirt and dropped a handful of icy cold snow directly down my back. Unable to scream because of the working set, I leapt to my feet, taking in air and scrambling to free my clothing of the intruding snow. Knowing she’d otherwise be a sitting duck for retaliation, Adrienne quickly scampered away, laughing quietly, but I was faster. I caught her around the waist and pulled, bringing both of us down onto the snow-covered ground.

Now in control, I was quick to offer payback. Holding her firmly in place with one hand, I grabbed a handful of snow and, despite her whispered pleas, dropped it down the front of her shirt. She squirmed and giggled, but I held her down unable to stop myself from laughing along with her. The noise we made, regardless of our attempts to stay quiet, garnered us several disapproving looks from nearby crew members. In response, I covered Adrienne’s mouth in an attempt to stifle her laughing protests. She returned the favor and we stayed that way until our laughter eventually subsided. In the end, we found ourselves lying there somewhat exhausted from the struggle.

A soft smile touched Adrienne’s lips as she stared at me. “And just for the record,” she said calmly, “I completely appreciate your quirky outlook on life.”

“Thank you.” I stood slowly and offered Adrienne my hand.

We walked back to our chairs together, suddenly quiet, but this time opted to sit apart. For the rest of our wait on set, we didn’t say a whole lot. I stole a few sideways glances at Adrienne and made note of how pretty she looked with delicate snowflakes adorning her dark locks. Her cheeks showed hints of pink and her skin was as smooth as a lake after a storm. I wrapped my arms around myself in comfort, as it was, after all, very, very cold out.

• 163 •

Melissa Brayden

❖

“So I’m in town. Well, not quite yet, but in two weeks.”

“You’re what?” I asked in disbelief, walking the short length of my trailer, phone pressed to my ear.

“I’ll be in New York, and seeing as how you just so happen to be there too, I was thinking we could hang out. Maybe grab a bite.

I miss seeing you.”

“Paige, that’s great. I would love to get together and hear about your project. When are you free?” Okay, so that wasn’t completely true. The concept of Paige was still a little daunting. I genuinely liked her, and though I found her very attractive, the expiration date on our arrangement had to be approaching and she would probably be looking for more. This was a scenario I wanted to avoid if at all possible. But in truth, it might be good for me to see Paige. Things on set had been harmonious, but a little too harmonious, and I was all sorts of confused. She might just be the welcome distraction I needed.

“Well, the little indie I’m shooting should wrap late afternoon on that Thursday. If all goes according to plan, I should be free by eight. We could grab dinner and see where that takes us.”

“Done. It’d be nice to see a familiar face, especially yours. I’m scheduled to be done with the film by then, but I plan to hang out in New York until my friend Lanie’s wedding. I feel like I’ve been working so much it’s getting hard to imagine what the real world looks like.”

“Well, why don’t I pick you up at your hotel at eight thirty and we can venture out into it together? I’ll even let you pick the place.”

“I’ll see what I can come up with for us. See you then.”

I hung up and sat hard on the sofa and smiled. I was in need of the type of company Paige provided, I reminded myself. I decided to ignore the guilty feeling I had, as well as the nagging voice in my head that told me the reason I had so much steam to let off.

There was a knock on the trailer door and Dylan stuck his head inside. “Jenna, we need you in makeup. Are you set?”

“Yes, on my way.” I stood quickly and reached for the day’s pages of dialogue when an intense wave of dizziness hit me without warning. The world seemed to tilt abruptly and I grabbed hold of

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a nearby chair to steady myself, sitting back down into it. Dylan looked back at me alarmed.

“Jenna, are you all right? You look a little pale. Should I get a medic?”

“It’s nothing. I think I just got up too fast.”

“If you’re sure.” Concern still creased his forehead as he made his way down the steps of my trailer.

I wish that had been all it was, but two hours later, I was feeling like death warmed over. I felt my own forehead and realized I had developed a full-blown fever. My eyes were watery and my throat was severely sore. It felt as if I had swallowed razor blades.

Whatever virus I’d picked up was certainly acting fast. I didn’t have the heart to leave work, especially when I still had two more scenes to shoot that day. I was a professional, and damn it, I was going to finish the day if it killed me. I could crash back at the hotel later, but work came first and I had to find a way to get through it.

Sky looked over at me from across the couch we were sharing in my character’s tiny, stark apartment. “You don’t look so great, Jenna. Are you sure you’re up for this?”

“I’m fine. Let’s try to get this in as few takes as possible. I think I’ve come down with something.”

“That I can do. We’ll get you out of here in no time.”

Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for me. Several flubbed lines and five takes later, Frank approached me and pulled me aside gently by my elbow. “You’re not yourself, darling. Are you all right?”

“It’s nothing,” I answered quickly. “I’m a little under the weather, but I can push through.”

Frank took an immediate step backward, his hands held up in sharp defense against whatever germ might jump off my body in that moment. “Absolutely not. Take the day. We don’t need a set full of infected people.” He strode back to Dylan, ready to rearrange the day’s shooting because of my decided absence.

“It’s not that bad, Frank. I can—”

“Off my set, Jenna,” he barked at me over his shoulder. “Come back healthy and we’ll pick up where we left off.” His tone didn’t

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Melissa Brayden

leave a lot of room for argument and I stood there staring back at him, defeated.

A short time later, I found myself alone in my hotel room feeling absolutely miserable and staring at the ceiling. I would have thrown an orange, but I simply didn’t have the energy. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t have the energy for that either. I thought briefly about calling my mother, knowing her voice would soothe and comfort me, but I reminded myself I was a grown-up now and quite capable of taking care of myself when I was sick. I sighed and reached for the water on my bedside table. I took a few gentle swallows and winced as my throat throbbed with pain. I now cursed myself for not stopping by the drugstore for some over-the-counter meds, but I’d stubbornly convinced myself I was fine. The truth of it was, I rarely got sick and apparently overestimated myself.

It was mid evening and I was wishing for a gun to put an end to my misery when I heard a keycard in the door. Puzzled and alarmed by the intrusion, I made an effort to sit up, not really sure what I would do in terms of defending myself if someone was there to do me harm. However, the overwhelming pain in my head quickly changed those plans and I lay back down on the pillow. Let them take me.

“Knock, knock,” a very quiet, though familiar voice whispered.

“Can I come in?”

Adrienne. “At your own risk,” I managed to croak. “But I have to warn you, it isn’t pretty.”

“So I heard you weren’t feeling so hot,” she said sympathetically, coming further into the room and sitting at the foot of my bed.

Adrienne was dressed casually in jeans and a white short sleeve T-shirt. Her hair was twisted simply and pinned up and out of the way, a few long strands fell delicately onto her forehead. She looked so everyday, so casual, so healthy. She was a welcome sight if there ever was one. At her side was a large handled grocery bag that she set gently on the floor next to the bed. “Have you taken anything?”

“No. I should have gone by the store, but I thought I was immune to this kind of thing.” I made an effort to prop myself on my elbows in an attempt to be somewhat hospitable to my visitor.

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Adrienne placed her open palm on my forehead to ascertain my temperature. Her hand felt cool and refreshing against my heated skin. She looked at me grimly. “Well, you’re certainly sporting a little fever there. Lucky for you, I came equipped.” She reached into the bag and pulled out a bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol. “Take two of these for now, and if you’re not better tomorrow, we’ll have the studio send over a doctor.”

I complied with her order and lay back in bed, tired from the short endeavor. “Thanks for stopping by. You didn’t have to.”

“I know I didn’t have to, but I was worried about you. You’re a ways from home.”

I nodded my agreement and closed my eyes. I felt a wave of sleepiness drift over me, but realizing it would be rude to fall asleep when Adrienne had gone out of her way to visit me, I forced my eyes open.

Adrienne brushed a few stray hairs from my forehead and spoke to me softly. “What you need to do, Jenna, is try and get some sleep, okay? Your body needs rest right now.”

“Okay,” I breathed, already on my way there. “You don’t have to stay.”

I heard her answer me, but her voice was thin and distant. “I know. Just sleep for now.” Cool fingers brushed across my forehead urging me to rest. I took comfort in that touch and floated into slumber.

When I awoke sometime later, the room was dark accept for the small desk lamp. The digital clock on the bedside table informed me it was three a.m. I reached slowly for the glass of water on my bedside table and was surprised when it was gently handed to me.

My eyes focused on the nearby figure and made out Adrienne sitting in the leather club chair next to the bed.

“How are you feeling?”

I took stock at her question. The truth was I felt markedly better than the last time I’d spoken to her. “My throat still hurts, but my headache is gone.”

“I think we were able to curb the fever with the meds and some rest. How about a little soup? I’m guessing you didn’t eat dinner.”

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Melissa Brayden

She reached into her grocery bag and pulled out a black, shiny thermos.

“Where’d you get that?” I asked.

“From my apartment. I made up a batch of chicken noodle before I came over. Special recipe, guaranteed to make you feel stronger. You may not know this about me, but I’m quite the chef.”

“Is there anything you can’t do?” I wondered aloud.

“Math. I suck at math.”

“Doubtful. I can’t believe you did all this for me.”

“You would do the same for me.”

“I would. But you’d have to settle for Campbell’s. I’m not whipping up the Martha Stewart stuff.”

“I think I can deal with that. Now sit up and have a few bites of this.”

I took the spoon she handed me and the small round thermos.

While it took some effort to swallow, once I did I was in utter amazement. “This is good, Adrienne. I’m not just saying that. Oh my God.”

“I know. I spent a lot of time perfecting that recipe over the years. As good as penicillin, if you ask me.”

“Probably better.” I ate a few more bites, and amazing as the soup was, it was all I could manage. My throat was still quite painful, even though the medicine had taken the edge off a bit. Adrienne took the thermos and spoon and placed them on the bedside table, should I want more later.

“Try and get some more sleep, okay? We’ll see how you feel in the morning.” I nodded my head and slowly closed my eyes, comforted by her presence. I felt safe, secure, and looked after.

The sun greeted me with gusto at around eight thirty a.m., and as I slowly made my way into a sitting position, I saw a pink note next to me on the bed along with a small white bag.

Good morning, Sickie. I hope you’re feeling at least a little bit better this morning. I had to head to work, but I left you a croissant from the bakery downstairs and there’s some orange juice in your mini-fridge.

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Try to eat something so you can keep your strength up and take another dose of the Tylenol on your bedside table. I’ll let the studio know you need the day. Feel better. Thinking about you.

—A.

I folded the note into thirds and placed it in the drawer next to my bed. The croissant was still somewhat warm so she couldn’t have left too terribly long ago. I realized that the aroma of fresh bread must be what heaven smelled like. I ate it slowly, tentatively, and was happy to report I felt a tad better. I moved to my fridge and found the orange juice Adrienne had left me. I drank it down entirely, feeling stronger. I spent the rest of the day watching daytime television and napping interchangeably. I was still a little drained.

I thought a lot about Adrienne’s thoughtful nature and how appreciative I was of her taking care of me the night before. About midday, I received a text message from Adrienne who was on set.

“How’s the patient?” she wrote.

“Better. Thank you. Will be back to work tomorrow.”

“Glad to hear it. I was worried.”

“I hope I wasn’t too much trouble.”

“Never.”

❖

After losing two days of shooting my scenes, the production was in catch-up mode that whole next week, and I was working longer hours than ever to make up the difference. As a result, I was too exhausted to go out for drinks with the others and mostly just crashed at the hotel each night after the long day of shooting.

Adrienne and I seemed to be on opposite schedules as well and though we were both on the property at the same time, we never seemed to cross paths. I wanted to thank her in person for taking care of me while I was sick, but the Universe had other ideas. We’d texted a couple of times throughout the week, joking about the phantom nature of our existence on set together. In actuality, I missed her.

• 169 •

Melissa Brayden

We had just finished shooting a fight scene between me and Michelle and I was beyond drained on both an emotional level and a physical one. It was a long scene and had taken the better part of the day to shoot. The sun was down and I was in need of a meal and a bed pronto. I still didn’t have all my energy back yet and that was surely a contributing factor. As we walked down the studio lot to our trailer, Michelle and I chatted idly.

“Have you taken a look at any of the dailies from this week?”

she asked.

I shook my head. “Nope. I hate watching myself. I’ll check them out if I’m struggling with the material or the character, but only if I find myself stuck. Why? Have you seen any?”

“I went yesterday and I’ve got to say, the raw footage looks pretty good. This film might actually go somewhere. I heard the studio likes what they’re seeing and is talking about a wider release than originally projected. This could be big.”

I was happy to hear her report. You never knew if you were doing a good job while you were shooting a film. With live theater, you got an immediate read on the audience and had a basic understanding of how the show was being received. The reaction to your work was instantaneous and could be judged in laughs, gasps, sighs, and applause. Working on a film, you weren’t afforded that same system of checks and balances. It was like throwing darts at a dartboard after someone has blindfolded you. There was a lot of guesswork involved.

You trusted your director to point you in the right direction and you went for it, but it could cause you to question your own ability at times.

“God, I needed to hear that, Michelle. It’s exactly the shot in the arm I need to keep going in my current alternating modes of

‘tired’ and ‘tireder,’ which I don’t even think is a word. Can you believe we only have a week left? I’m going to miss everyone.”

“I’m not. I plan on taking you all home with me.” She wrapped an arm around me as we walked. “It’ll be fun. We can start our own sitcom. I plan to call it Michelle and the Others. Sound good?”

“It sounds like my kind of gig. I’ll have my agent call yours.”

“Deal. But in the meantime”—she gestured down the street a bit with a toss of her head—“it looks like we’ve got company.”

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Waiting in the Wings

And we did. Standing on the stairs of my trailer, speaking animatedly into a phone was a very sleek, very alluring, very angry looking Adrienne. She was wearing low-slung jeans, a red Henley top, and high-heeled boots. I couldn’t have designed a better looking outfit for her. I exhaled slowly at the visceral reaction I was having yet again and cursed myself silently. As we approached, however, I moved beyond my teenage boy reaction and realized I was genuinely happy to see Adrienne.

As she spotted Michelle and me, she waved and pointed to the phone, rolling her eyes. We nodded our understanding and waited patiently for her to wrap up the call.

“I’ll give you a call when I know more…No, I understand what it is you want me to do, but these are decisions I make for myself now. You have to get used to this and let go…I don’t want to go into it, Mama. My friends are here now. Can we please talk about this later?…Okay, but later…Yes, I understand you’re trying to help, but maybe don’t try so hard. Okay…Okay…Okay. Good-bye.”

I winced sympathetically. “Your mother?”

“None other.” She tucked her phone into her back pocket and afforded me one of the biggest, most radiant Adrienne smiles I’d seen to date. “Hi, stranger. You look a lot better than the last time I saw you.” She moved down the stairs and pulled me into a gentle hug.

“Thanks to you,” I answered, breathing in her scent, a mixture of melon shampoo and Chanel perfume.

She released me and took a step back, studying me with obvious concern. “Hey, have you been crying?”

“Yep.” I nudged Michelle next to me. “This one’s worked up quite an addiction to prescription pills and I felt the need to confront her. It got emotional.” Michelle looked at me and nodded her agreement apologetically.

“Ah. You just shot the fight scene. Got it.”

“And guess who won?” Michelle asked, smiling triumphantly and pumping her fist as she headed down the street to her own trailer.

“There are still scenes to shoot, my dear,” I called back to her, chuckling. “It’s not over.” I shook my head and turned my attention back to Adrienne. “What are you still doing on the property?” I led

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the way up the steps of my trailer. “Production’s wrapped for today.

I figured you’d be out living it up in the big city, popular girl that you are.”

“I was on my way out and decided to stick around and say hey.

We’ve been on weird schedules lately, and with you being sick…I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to see you. Is that okay?”

“It’s more than okay.” I smiled back at her, my insides doing a little tap dance at the thought of her wanting to see me. It was becoming clear to me that I had some feelings for Adrienne that it was time I started to acknowledge. In actuality, it wasn’t the craziest thing in the world if I thought about it. Adrienne was a pretty great person, someone I had a previous emotional connection to, not to mention she was a bit of a head turner. The math was simple. But the fact of the matter was we’d tried it before and it hadn’t worked out. I had gotten hurt, and that hurt was enough to keep me from jumping into anything serious with a woman since. “So how’s Linda?”

“In rare form,” she grumbled, plopping onto the sofa and pulling her legs up underneath her. “I made the mistake of telling her about the Cabaret offer. She’s dead set against it. She says it would be a horrible career move and like taking a step backward from all I’ve accomplished. Plus, she says the role’s too difficult for me.” She looked crestfallen and her voice was just above a whisper when she spoke again. “She says I’ll embarrass myself, Jenna.”

I met her eyes, my heart breaking for her. She looked so sad, so dejected. I took her hand in mine. “You know that’s not true, Adrienne. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about. You’ve said it before; she’s all about the money, and this project wouldn’t come with too many dollar signs. Of course she’s going to try and talk you out of it. We could have predicted that.”

“I know that, trust me, I do. But she’s my mom. Why can’t she just be that and say something nice to me for once? She could tell I was excited about this possibility, but she didn’t care. Nothing I do will ever be good enough. Clean Slate was an amazing experience for me. I loved seeing the impact the show had on young girls, but my mom called it fluff.” A tear made its way down her cheek.

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“Come here.” I pulled her into my arms and held her as she cried, stroking her hair while she got it all out. “No one deserves that, Adrienne, and least of all you. You’re the sweetest, most caring person I know, and don’t get me started on how talented you are.

You know my stance on that particular topic.” I pulled back so I could see her fully. “Promise me something.”

She looked back at me as she wiped the tears from her face.

“Promise me you will do what’s right for you, not what Linda thinks is right for you or what I think is right for you, or anyone else for that matter. Follow your heart and know that whatever decision you make, I’ll support you completely and so will your millions of fans across the globe.” She laughed, and I internally patted myself on the back for eliciting a smile.

“I think a million is a tad lofty.”

I gently shook her chin. “No way.”

Adrienne gulped in some air and gently tilted her head to the side, regarding me. “Thank you for listening to me. I didn’t have any intention of unloading on you like this when I came here, and I don’t know why I did. I just felt…”

“Comfortable?”

She nodded her head. “Yeah. I guess that’s it.”

“I’m here for you whenever you need me. Remember that.”

“Me too,” she said softly. She smiled and stood, straightening her clothes.

“That’s a great outfit by the way. I vote yes.”

She smiled again. Yay.

“Thanks. I’m heading over to the jazz bar. I promised Oscar I’d sit in for a few songs. Stop by if you’d like.”

I weighed this option and decided it would not be the best move. Wine, a dimly lit bar, and Adrienne, who I’d just held in my arms, singing sultry love songs seemed like a dangerous scenario for our newly minted friendship.

“I’d like to, but I have a prior commitment.”

“Another time then.” She opened the door and descended the stairs. “Thanks again, Jenna. It helped talking to you.”

“Anytime.”

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❖

The following Wednesday rolled around and I was doubly sad that shooting was coming to an end. Working on this particular film had been unique. No movie I’d worked on in the past had been as social. Today would be the last day on set for me and I was feeling a little glum to see it all end. I sat in the makeup trailer singing Pink songs at the top of my lungs with Tammy for the very last time, while typing her contact information into my phone.

She put the finishing touches on my look. “Gorgeous.”

I surveyed myself in the mirror. I looked very girl next door today. The scene we were shooting was a flash forward that shows where my character ends up, essentially starting at the bottom and working her way up in the magazine world. Gone were the designer clothes and perfect hair and makeup. She was growing up. I liked the lessons Sara learned along the way and tried to take something from her character arc to apply to my own life. The parallel, in this case, being that the glitzy, higher profile life of film had been great, but I missed the less glamorous world of theater. Latham had made me a promise that if I did the film, he’d help me find my way back to stage work, but now that the time had come, I was feeling less than sure. I hadn’t been onstage in three and a half years, and my body had taken so much time off from dancing that I didn’t know how to rebound from that.

I talked to Michelle about it later that day on a break from shooting. “Jen, you’ve done this kind of thing since you were a kid, right?”

“Right.” I settled into the canvas director’s chair. “It’s just been so long.”

“I’m sure it’s like riding a bike. Have faith in yourself. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. That’s what my dad always says.”

Michelle and her dad were probably right, but all the same, I had psyched myself out and the damage seemed done. Plus, why mess with a good thing? Film work had paid off for me and brought me more success than anything else ever had. It would be slowing the momentum I had going, and that wasn’t exactly productive. Okay, so even I wasn’t buying this bullshit, but it’s what I was going with.

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We were nearing my very last shot on Phase Two and I was getting antsy. I didn’t really want to say good-bye to these people. I would miss them all dearly and that included Adrienne. There was an undeniable connection between us, and I realized maybe we were meant to be in each other’s lives in some way. As I stood waiting to be called for the shot, I watched Adrienne survey the action from the chair next to mine. The light was waning, which caused an extra surge of panic for the crew to get the shot off in time. But in the midst of it all, she sat there serene and patient. I couldn’t help my captivation. Her eyes were luminous and her mouth offered a slight smile to the familiar faces bustling around us. I couldn’t stop watching her and she must have sensed it. She met my eyes. I shifted my focus to my lap, embarrassed at having been caught staring.

“Hey,” she said quietly, “what’s up?”

“I’m sad to see this all end.”

She nodded. “I think the film’s going to be everything we hoped it would be.”

“I think so too. But I was talking more about the people. I’m going to miss everyone, present company included by the way.” I stole a glance at her.

She shook her head slowly in disbelief, considering her words.

“I never thought I’d be sitting here with you like this again, years later. You know, talking, or not talking, but at ease with each other. It makes me happy to have you around again.” She placed her fingers on my chin and forced me to meet her gaze. “You know that, right?”

“I know,” I managed.

“Which reminds me,” she said, standing. She pulled a folded up piece of paper from her pocket. “I was going to wait until after you’d wrapped to give this to you, but now seems better. Open it.”

I accepted the square of paper she placed in my hand and unfolded it. Right away I recognized her handwriting. There was an address at the top of the page and a list of dates and times, all within the next six weeks. “What is this?” I asked.

“That’s the address of the rehearsal studio I rented for you three times a week for the next month and a half. The dates and times are all there, as well as some information on a new show you should

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take a look at.” I regarded her questioningly. “It’s a dance show Rory Linden is opening in New York. It might be just what you’re looking for.” I’d heard of the show she was referring to, Elevation.

It’d been getting a lot of buzz in the trades, and Rory Lynden was an innovative choreographer. In the back of my head, I’d wondered if there could be something for me in that show. It didn’t have to be much, just enough to get my feet wet again. She took my hand and continued earnestly. “You need to get back out there, but I know you, and you’ll want to be ready first. You said you hadn’t danced in a while, and I think that’s a waste. You would never have done this for yourself so I’ve done it for you. No more excuses.”

I was amazed. In fact, my hands were shaking. I didn’t know what to say. It might have been the most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for me. There was a lump in my throat, and I wasn’t sure I could speak without betraying the emotion I felt, so I made an excuse for a quick exit. “Thank you,” I said simply. “Um, I better go. I think they’re ready for me.”

We shot the scene in just under an hour. Adrienne sat in her chair and watched the whole time. In actuality, she didn’t have to be on set. She wasn’t scheduled to shoot until later that day, but instead of relaxing in her trailer, she watched my scene and sent an occasional smile my way. She was a silent source of support, and for a little while I remembered what that felt like to have someone in my corner.

“Ladies and gentleman, that’s a wrap for Jenna McGovern!”

Dylan called out. I smiled as the crew broke into applause, hugging me and patting my back as I passed. I looked around for Adrienne to say good-bye, that I would see her at the wedding in a few weeks, and to thank her again for the beyond thoughtful gesture, but she was gone. Probably for the best, I thought as I ran my thumb over the folded sheet of paper in my back pocket.

• 176 •

Waiting in the Wings

Chapter ten

Paige was true to her word and arrived at my hotel at eight thirty sharp the next day for our date. She was a refreshing sight, a reminder of my former life in LA and somewhat of a calming presence. Plus, she looked great. Her short brown hair was pinned back in a fashionable clip, and the black cocktail dress she’d selected was killer. I was thrilled to see her. We’d embraced warmly and walked the ten blocks to the restaurant I’d selected for us, catching up along the way. I’d made the reservation at Ciao the week before and even then had to pull a few strings to get us in. I’d heard it was the up and coming Italian restaurant in the city, nestled outside the theater district in Hell’s Kitchen.

Once we arrived, there was only a moment’s wait for our table, and I studied the décor, finding it just the right spot for a little one-on-one time with Paige. The tablecloths were white, the chairs were sleek and black, and the intimate two-tiered dining space was moderately illuminated with a soft glow from the two open fireplaces in each corner of the room. It was perfect for the evening I had in mind for Paige and me, or at least the first part of the evening I had in mind.

I placed my hand on the small of her back as we were directed to our table by the very serious looking maître d’. He brought us to a two-person table at the back of the restaurant, and though the place was small, we were slightly distanced from the hustle and bustle of the doorway and its traffic with only a few neighboring tables.

Nice. It wasn’t until we were seated and handed our menus that I

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caught Paige blatantly staring at the table closest to ours. Curious, I followed her gaze and froze on what, or rather who, I saw staring back at me.

“Isn’t that Adrienne Kenyon from your shoot?” Paige asked loudly, always one for decorum. Over at Adrienne’s table, it looked like she was having a very similar conversation with her companion who’d obviously noticed us as well.

“Um, yeah, it is. I wonder what she’s doing here.” But in truth, I knew immediately what she was doing there. She was seated with an attractive redhead. This was clearly the dinner date Adrienne had alluded to with Kimberly, the woman she’d been seeing. I cringed inwardly and was close to suggesting to Paige that she and I find another restaurant, but didn’t know how I would explain my reasoning to her, or Adrienne for that matter.

“You know, I’ve always wanted to meet her,” Paige exclaimed.

“Everyone I know who’s worked with her always says how great she is on set. Do you mind introducing me?” I wasn’t afforded the opportunity to say no, however, as Paige was already up and moving before I could open my mouth in response. My good mood deflated like a popped balloon. I took a deep breath and followed her, hoping to make a quick introduction and get out of there.

I outfitted myself in one of my best smiles as I approached the table, standing to the side of Paige. “Small world,” I said playfully to Adrienne.

“I guess we both have good taste in restaurants,” she answered politely. I could tell she was as unnerved as I was by this unexpected encounter.

“Adrienne, this is Paige Connally. She was the cinematographer on Tenth Avenue, which is where we met. Paige is in town for the evening, so we thought we’d catch up. Paige, meet Adrienne Kenyon, actress and a good friend of mine.” Adrienne stood and greeted Paige warmly, as only she could do. I turned to Adrienne’s dining partner and extended my hand. “Hi, I’m Jenna.”

“Kim,” the redhead answered, taking my hand and smiling broadly. Strong handshake, I thought. “ It’s nice to meet one of Adrienne’s friends. What a coincidence we’re all here.”

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“A coincidence, indeed,” Adrienne said.

“Well, we better let you all get back to your meal.”

“Oh, we haven’t ordered yet.” Kim placed her hand on my forearm. “You two should join us. It would be great, wouldn’t it, hon?”

First of all, I didn’t like the sound of Kim calling Adrienne

“hon.” At all. Secondly, it didn’t sound “great” by any stretch of the imagination. I took the opportunity to save us all. “Oh no. We don’t want to intrude, plus Paige and I—”

“Oh, I don’t think we’d be intruding. It might be fun,” Paige said. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all,” Kim said. She signaled the maître d’ and quickly explained our new dining plans. In no time at all, our tables were pushed together with Paige and me seated on one side and Adrienne and Kim on the other. I looked diagonally across the table, making brief eye contact with Adrienne, who looked less than thrilled with me. How was this my fault? If she was upset with our new dining arrangement, she had none other than her date to thank for it.

We made small talk until the waiter came to take our drink order.

“Some wine for the table?” Kim asked. I could tell she was a take-charge kind of girl. Not offensively so, but there was a definite aura of confidence there.

“Definitely,” Adrienne said.

“Yes,” I answered at the same time.

Paige smiled. “Sure, whatever everybody wants.”

Kim scanned the wine list briefly and turned to Adrienne. “You like white wine, right?”

“Red. She likes red,” I said evenly. It was out of my mouth before I could stop it.

Adrienne glanced briefly at me in annoyance. “Either would be fine though.”

A short time later, we placed our order with the waiter. Our table was now outfitted with a carafe of merlot and we wasted no time breaking into it. I sipped my wine and watched as Kim took Adrienne’s hand in her own and rested them both on her lap. I

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narrowed my gaze and took another drink, scooting my chair closer to Paige who smiled back at me.

“So, Kim, I hear you work in fashion. That sounds exciting.”

“It can be,” she said, very eager to talk about her work. “Mainly I work in public relations for some of the big hitters in the fashion industry, but I also do some styling for some of the higher end shows. It’s pretty fast-paced, but I love it. I’m not a famous movie star, but I do okay.”

“Kim’s being modest,” Adrienne said. “She’s at the top of her field.”

I nodded, doing my best to look impressed. “Do you ever do any styling for the entertainment industry?” I asked, trying to find a way to tie our worlds together.

“I don’t,” she said. “I’ve always found show business a little superficial for my liking. Actresses can be quite shallow.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“Present company excluded.” She laughed and brought the back of Adrienne’s hand to her lips for a reassuring kiss. I might have rolled my eyes; I’m not sure.

Paige stroked the back of my neck protectively. “Well, I can attest to the fact that Jenna’s an amazing actress and person of substance, and though I’ve never worked with you firsthand, Adrienne, I love your films. Actually, if we’re being honest, I was a religious Highland High watcher back in the day. It was my favorite show.”

Adrienne nodded graciously. “Thank you, Paige. That’s very sweet of you to say.”

“What about you, Kim?” I poured myself a second glass of wine. “What’s your favorite film of Adrienne’s?”

At the question, Kim inhaled and turned to Adrienne, searching.

“You know, I’m not a big movie buff. I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

“You haven’t seen any of her films?” I asked with maybe a little bit of judgment in my voice.

She buttered her bread. “Not as of yet. But not to worry. It’s on my to-do list.”

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Our food arrived and the conversation hit a lull as we delved into our respective dishes. “How’s yours, sweetheart?” I asked, turning to Paige.

If she was surprised by the term of endearment, she didn’t show it. “It’s probably the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life. We should consider ordering dessert.”

“You know, I had a bit of a different scenario in mind for dessert.” Okay, so I was acting a little obnoxious.

Paige leaned in and whispered quietly into my ear, her breath giving me goose bumps. “That could be arranged.” I laughed quietly and raised my gaze to the table only to be met with the coldest stare I had ever seen Adrienne dole out. I quickly decided I didn’t care.

I was out to enjoy this evening and that was what I intended to do.

“So, Paige,” Adrienne said, “you’re a cinematographer. Does that mean you’re based in LA?”

“For the most part, yes. My family is also in California, including my nephews, who I’m very attached to. I try to stick close to home as much as I can, but in my line of work, that’s not always possible.”

“It can be tough in this business,” Adrienne said. “Kim’s family is from Connecticut.”

“Do you visit much?” I asked.

“On occasion. There are three girls in my family and both my sisters have four children apiece. It’s a little bit of a zoo when we all get together. I guess you could say I put in my time and get out of Dodge. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, but that’s just not my scene.”

I nodded my head, beginning to figure this woman out. “Are you interested in a family of your own someday?” Adrienne’s eyes widened and she looked like she might reach across the table and strangle me at any moment, but after two and a half glasses of wine, I was feeling courageous.

“I would love to find that special someone and settle down, yes,” Kim said eagerly.

Adrienne smiled at Kim and glanced smugly in my direction.

“And kids?” I asked, going for what I knew was the jugular.

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“Uh, not so much. They’re great in small spurts, but that’s not how I imagined my life.”

“Makes sense.” I returned to my meal like the cat that’d just swallowed the canary.

But Adrienne wasn’t finished. “I’m sure Jenna can identify.

She’s a career girl first and foremost,” she said simply.

“What does that mean exactly?” I shot back. Paige placed her hand on my knee beneath the table to rein me in a tad.

“It just means your career is your first priority. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Adrienne said, her tone overly sweet and borderline patronizing.

“Maybe you shouldn’t presume you know what my priorities are,” I said, matching her tone.

“Why don’t we order some coffee?” Kim asked. She glanced curiously from Adrienne to me as we stared at each other in a showdown. Paige nodded her agreement while I politely excused myself from the table, needing a minute.

I found myself alone in the ladies’ restroom, or rather the sitting area that one often encounters in advance of the ladies restroom. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. I was angry, and now that I was on my own, staring at my reflection in the mirror, I wasn’t sure why and that made me angrier. Possibly it was because my date with Paige had been hijacked, or maybe because I was jealous of Kim, or even more likely was the fact that Adrienne was treating me with barely a modicum of respect. Probably all three, but the bottom line was I needed to get out of there, and I made up my mind to do exactly that.

The door opened behind me and I turned, ready to head back to my table and come up with a fantastic reason for Paige and me to skip out on coffee and head immediately back to my hotel room. I refused to admit to myself that alone time with Paige was not going to make me feel any better and might make me feel worse in the scheme of things. As I turned to exit, however, I found myself face-to-face with the sitting room’s new inhabitant, Adrienne. She didn’t waste any time. “What the hell was that?” she snapped.

I matched her glare, incredulous at her accusing question. “I could ask you the same thing.”

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“Hardly. Jenna, you were completely out of line out there.”

“Because I was trying to get to know your date? I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you’d set rules for our dinner conversation.”

“You weren’t getting to know her. You were practically interrogating her and embarrassing me in the process.”

“What does it matter? She’s completely wrong for you,” I scoffed. I was putting on a lot of bravado, but in actuality, I was feeling more than just anger. I was feeling desperate, frustrated, and for the first time in a while, honest.

Adrienne’s eyes were blazing at this point, but all I could think about was how beautiful she looked. “And why do you get to decide that? You have no idea what’s right for me and what’s not. Who do you think you are?”

In that moment, I knew who I was. I acted quickly, moving to Adrienne and crushing her mouth with mine. The intensity from the fight was very present in the way I kissed her, commanding, rough, and passionate. The force of my forward movement had pushed Adrienne up against the wall and my body had followed, leaving her little room to escape. Surprisingly, she didn’t try to, and it was only a moment before her lips were moving against mine. Her mouth opened slightly and it was all the invitation I needed to deepen the kiss as my tongue moved purposefully into her mouth. Her hands trailed up my neck into my hair, holding my face firmly in place, and I pressed my body more firmly against hers. “Adrienne,” I gasped between kisses, wanting more. But at the sound of my voice, the spell was broken. Adrienne stilled her movement and placed her palm on my chest, effectively pushing me away and moving out of the space. The expression on her face was one of alarm. She backed away further, her fingers touching her lips as if they’d been burned.

“What am I doing?” she asked no one in particular. All I could do was stare back at her stupidly. “Why did you do that?” she asked a little more forcefully, now speaking directly to me.

“I…I don’t know,” was all I could manage. “I’m sorry.” I took a step toward her. “I shouldn’t have—”

“Don’t.” She held one hand in front of her, halting my action and taking a step backward. “We’re going to go. You stay here.”

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And I did. As Adrienne left, I sank into the nearby love seat.

Common sense came crashing back to me like a powerful slap across the face. I was numb, reeling from the kiss, and guilt ridden all at the same time. Who would blame Adrienne for being furious with me?

I’d acted like an asshole for the better part of the evening and then forced her up against the wall of a bathroom and mauled her. Classy.

I sat there for several more minutes, my head in my hands, a million self-recriminations bouncing around inside it. I was ashamed and embarrassed by my behavior. But there was one nagging thought I simply couldn’t shake: Adrienne had kissed me back. Maybe it had been a knee-jerk reaction on her part, but it sure didn’t feel that way.

❖

Paige’s hands were on me before I even got the door unlocked.

We stumbled inside, her lips on my neck as she walked me backward, bumping us into the leather club chair next to the bed. A stack of books fell onto the hard wood floor with a bang.

“I’ve missed this body,” Paige breathed, moving from my neck to my mouth. As she pressed her lips to mine, I did everything I could to lose myself in the feel of her hands on my skin, to allow myself to enjoy the body of this sexy and attractive woman. But the more I tried, the less I was able to engage. When she deepened the kiss, I reciprocated, but it felt robotic, as if I was simply going through the motions. At this point, I heard my own voice inside my head, telling me to stop. As much as I tried to ignore the voice, it only seemed to amplify, reminding me who I’d been kissing an hour before. I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head, willing it all to stop.

I stepped back from Paige. “Wait, please.”

She looked at me, surprised at first and then immediately concerned. “Jen, are you all right? Talk to me. You look a little pale.” She gently ushered me to the couch. “Here, why don’t you sit down? I’m going to get you a glass of water.” She disappeared into the bathroom.

“I’m fine, Paige,” I called after her. “God, I feel so stupid.”

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“It’s okay, sweetie, you’ve had a little wine. Maybe it’s just gone to your head.” She returned, handing me a glass of water, which I promptly took a few swallows of and rested my forehead on my palm.

“It’s not the wine.” I sighed, defeated. “I’m sorry, but I shouldn’t have brought you back here.”

She sat next to me slowly. “Oh. Is it something I did? You seemed kind of into the idea at dinner.”

“I am, I mean, I was. Something happened tonight. Someone, I guess, is a better way to put it. Adrienne.”

Paige’s eyes widened and she tilted her head to the side, a knowing look surfacing on her face. “So it wasn’t just my imagination.”

I shook my head apologetically. “I’m sorry you got stuck in the middle of all of this tonight. I swear I had no idea we were going to run into them.”

“I believe you, Jenna, and hey, it’s okay.” She scooted to the edge of the chair. “Can I ask you one question?” I nodded solemnly.

“Are you in love with her?”

I sat up straighter. “No. I mean…I definitely have these feelings for her though, and nothing I do to get rid of them seems to work.”

“And why are you trying to get rid of them exactly?”

“Because we’ve tried this before. It didn’t work, and it hurt a hell of a lot when it didn’t. It’s better this way.”

“It doesn’t look better from where I’m sitting. I’ve never seen you like this.”

I waved my hand as if to indicate I was fine. No big deal. “It doesn’t matter now anyway. After tonight I’m pretty sure I’ve blown it.”

Paige looked at me thoughtfully. “Answer me another question.

Does she have feelings for you?”

“No…yes. I think it’s possible.”

Paige raised an eyebrow.

“We haven’t actually talked about it. It’s complicated.”

“It’s not, and I’ll tell you why. You deserve to be happy. That’s very simple. Don’t let your relationship hang-ups get in the way.”

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“It sounds so easy when you say it. When did you get to be so smart?”

“I guess you just never noticed.” She softened. “You’re a good person, Jenna, and because I care about you, I’m going to offer this piece of advice. Tell her how you feel. If she feels the same way, it’s never too late.”

I nodded, taking in her words. “Maybe. Thank you, Paige, for understanding.” I stood and pulled her into an embrace. “I wish there were more like you.”

“Aww shucks,” she said. “Speaking of late, I’m going to let you get some rest. You’ve got a lot on your mind.” I followed her to the door and pulled it open for her. She walked into the corridor before turning back. “She’s really hot, you know.”

“I know.”

“Just the thought of you two is…wow. Now that’s an image I’ll carry with me.”

I playfully swatted her. “Knock it off and get out of here, you.

I’ll call you soon.”

With a final wave of her hand, she headed down the hall, offering a low whistle as she exited. I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling at her antics. I closed the door and leaned against it, pulling out my phone. I sent one text message before turning in for the night: I’m sorry.

❖

Fuck. I slapped the stop button on the CD player hard with the open palm of my hand, turning off the music. I was completely frustrated at myself for missing the difficult transition in my senior year showcase number, after finally nailing it on the past two run-throughs. I’d been at the rehearsal studio for three hours that day, after rehearsing pretty steadily for the past four weeks. I finished off the water in my oversized plastic bottle, and took out a second from my bag. I wasn’t anywhere near finished with my rehearsal.

I’d known full well it would take a lot to get myself back in good dance form, and I had been right. I planned to use all the studio

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time Adrienne secured for me and maybe even add to it myself. The progress I’d made so far was encouraging, and I was feeling a great deal more confident about myself as a dancer.

Unfortunately, the Elevation auditions had taken place the week before. Deep down I knew I hadn’t been ready and made the decision not to attend. While the project sounded perfect for me, the timing just hadn’t worked out in my favor. I needed more time.

I had been in close contact with Latham, however, explaining to him my goal of finding work on Broadway, and reminding him of his promise to help. He’d reluctantly agreed, despite the decrease in pay it would mean for both of us, and put the word out to the theatrical casting circle to see if anyone was interested. Luckily, I had a bit of clout behind my name because of the higher profile work I’d done the past few years and the nomination I’d received.

He’d gotten back to me with a few audition opportunities in some already established Broadway shows. There was even an out-and-out offer for me to reprise the role of Alexis in Clean Slate, this time with the Broadway Company, still enjoying a healthy run in New York City six years after opening. It was something I was willing to consider, but I was still hoping for something new to come my way. It would be nice to originate a character and have something fresh to sink my teeth into. I wanted to craft a role from the bottom floor up.

Realizing my short break was over, I decided to have a little fun. I put on one of my favorite high intensity CDs and let go in freestyle mode, linking moves I knew and adding in new ones. It was then that I heard a loud knock on the studio door. I didn’t have a chance to answer it before a middle-aged balding man stuck his head inside and nodded in greeting. “Sorry,” I called out to him over the music, “I have the room for another hour.”

“That’s okay,” he called back. “I’m not here for the studio. I’m looking for Jenna McGovern.” He glanced up from a small sheet of paper in his hand.

Puzzled, I walked across the room and shut off the music. “I’m sorry, do we know each other?”

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“No, we don’t.” He walked over and extended his hand, a friendly smile on his face. “I’m Bob Krueger. A friend of yours thought I might be able to find you here. Looks like she was right.”

I was growing a little nervous. This guy had wandered in off the street and could be virtually anybody. Hell, he could have been there to kill me for all I knew. “I’m not sure what this is about, but I have a lot of work to do and only an hour left here, so…”

“Of course, I apologize for barging in, but allow me a moment to explain, and if you still want me to go, I will happily oblige.” He took a handkerchief from his pocket and ran it across the top of his head. “I’m currently casting a show and doing a bit of scouting for my lead role. I was at a party, a get-together, earlier this week with some industry people and had a lovely conversation with a young lady who gave me your name. She said you were exactly what I’m looking for. Now I don’t know if that’s true, but in my experience, it’s best to leave no stone unturned.”

I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear, curious but still cautious. “What show are you casting?”

“It’s called Elevation. It’s a dance show.”

“Those auditions were last week.”

“They were, but we’re not done searching, hence my presence.

Tell you what, let me give you my card.” He handed me a business card from his jacket pocket. “You can see I’m completely legit.”

“And you want me to audition?” My heart sped up at the idea of a second chance.

“Informally, yes. That is if you’re interested.”

“It’s not that. I am interested. I’m not quite at the top of my game yet.”

“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that? Would you mind if I sat in for a bit?”

I took a deep breath. There was something about letting Bob watch me rehearse that felt somewhat invasive, but I also realized this was a rare opportunity. “I guess that’d be okay.” I walked to the center of the studio. “Would you mind starting the music? Track six.”

Bob cued the music and I began to move. At first I was very aware of his presence, his eyes following each step, as he absently

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stroked his chin. I sharpened my focus, concentrating on precision and technique. But as the music played on, I began to dance for me, losing myself as I often did, taking everything out in dance. I no longer saw Bob there. I didn’t see the mirrors that lined the studio walls. I was on my own, feeling my way through. On the last few bars, I really let go, moving wildly, spinning across the floor over and over again, executing the final jump and landing it cleanly on the last note of the song. I looked up from where I stood, breathless and feeling a little vulnerable once I met his still staring eyes. He didn’t say anything but looked overly thoughtful. Perhaps he was trying to formulate a polite way of thanking me for my time before he left to find another stone to turn. Finally, he stood and walked toward me. “If I can get my director and choreographer here in an hour, do you think you can do that again?”

“Um, sure, but I only have the studio for”—I checked my watch—“forty-five more minutes.”

“Let me take care of that. I know a few folks around here. What do you say?”

“If you think it’s worth their time, I’d be more than happy to dance for them.”

He made his way to the door. “That’s all I’m asking.”

Before he disappeared, I called out to him. “Bob?” At the sound of his name, he stuck his head back around the corner. “Would you mind telling me who gave you my name at the party?”

“Adrienne Kenyon. She said you’d worked together on tour.”

I nodded. “Thanks.”

It was less than an hour when Rory Linden and his choreographer, Marley Thibodaux, arrived at the studio with Bob. After some introductory niceties, I repeated the performance I’d done for Bob as best I could, and then politely excused myself, leaving them in the studio to converse. But just getting the chance to dance for Rory Linden was enough to make my evening. When I returned, it was clear they were waiting for me.

Rory took the initiative. “How long have you been out of the game, Jenna?”

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“It’s been a little over three years since I did Clean Slate in LA.

I’ve done films since then, but have always felt more comfortable on stage. It’s what I’m trying to get back to.”

“You’re definitely good,” Marley said “but you’d have a lot more work to do. The role in question is incredibly demanding physically, and it would really test your body. Do you think you’re up to something like that?”

“I know I can do it. I just need adequate rehearsal time.”

“I have to admit,” Jamie said, “you’ve got a lot of things we’re looking for. I caught you in Clean Slate. You’re highly watchable, and you can sing too. If Marley thinks she can work with you, I’d like to offer you this part.”

I held my breath, looking to Marley. She studied my face for a moment, sizing the situation up. Finally, when I thought my head would explode if I had to wait another second for her response, a slow smile spread across her face. “Let’s do this.”

“Great!” Bob said. He clapped his hands once as Rory pulled me into a congratulatory hug. “If you’ll give me the information for your representation, we’ll get the ball rolling on a contract.”

I nodded my head, still speechless. Moments like this just didn’t happen. A man had wandered in off the street and an hour later I’m cast as the lead in a soon to be Broadway show.

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Chapter eleven

For as long as I can remember, the beach had always had a calming effect on me. I could sit and watch the waves roll in for one hour after another and be quite content with the whole thing. I took another sip of my coffee and allowed the heavenly liquid to warm me from the inside out. It was fairly chilly out this morning, but the sun was shining on the water and I knew it would be the perfect day for Lanie. I only had a few minutes to lounge on the deck of the beach cottage I’d rented, but wanted to enjoy every moment of it. I decided I liked the Hamptons and maybe one day I’d be rich enough to afford a little getaway abode like this one.

The two-bedroom cottage I’d rented for “wedding weekend” was modest, but completely cozy.

I looked at my watch. The wedding was in a few hours and I needed to get my lazy self in gear and over to the church. I leaned over the railing and took one last luxurious sigh before the whirlwind of the day began. I knew there would be many familiar faces at the wedding, and I was excited to see most of them. Lanie had informed me that a good portion of the Clean Slate cast had been invited and planned to attend. It would almost be a mini reunion of sorts from the tour. I hadn’t seen Kyle or Georgette in forever and smiled at the thought of catching up with those guys. Sienna’s confirmation would make for an eventful evening of avoidance. However, I had no plans to revisit the conflicts of yesteryear. Today was about my friend and I wanted to keep it that way.

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I tossed my bag into my rental car and hung my dress on a hook in the backseat. I wondered if Adrienne was already in town.

I hadn’t seen her since the restaurant four weeks before and she’d not responded to the lone text message I’d sent her apologizing. My guess was she was still pissed and probably didn’t want anything to do with me. Hell, for all I knew, she and Kim had ridden off into the sunset together. I shook my head briskly in an effort to snap myself to attention. I needed to focus.

❖

I took a step back from Lanie and felt tears well up in my eyes as I took her in. I looked at her mother, who reached for my hand and squeezed, as she too was a wall of emotion. The three of us were alone in the bride’s room at the church and seeing Lanie in her dress for the first time took my breath away. She was a vision, full of hope, beauty, and everything a bride should be. She grinned back at us, but it was clear she was also feeling a little sentimental in this moment. She held up her hand to us in protest. “Stop it, both of you. My makeup’s done and I cannot cry. You have to suck it up, like immediately.”

We laughed at that and I pulled Lanie into a hug. “Thank you for asking me to be a part of this. If anyone belongs together, it’s you and Ben. You look beautiful, Lanie, simply stunning.”

I could feel Lanie fanning her face over my shoulder. “Now I really am going to cry. Damn you, McGovern.” But instead we laughed again and she released me from the embrace. “I’m glad you’re here too. I can’t wait for the day I get to attend your wedding.”

“Well, that will be a long wait. I’m not the type, I’m afraid.”

“You used to be.”

“Yeah, well, that was another time and another place. People change.” I shrugged. “Besides, today is not about me, is it?”

“Nope. Today is all about me.” She grinned at herself in the mirror. “And I’m going to enjoy every second of it.”

Excitement was definitely in the air. There was an extra skip in my step and I wished nothing but happiness for Lanie on this

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beautiful day. If I had any fears or worries when I arrived at the church, they were gone now and replaced with optimism and hope.

God, I sounded like a Disney character. But today was about love, and I think I needed a reminder that people could be happy. That realization was a step in the right direction, and I gave myself a proverbial pat on the back.

The string quartet began their arrangement of Canon in D, and as one who always knew how to make an entrance, I waited a few bars in before I left Lanie at the back of the church. With a final wink, I headed down the aisle. The modest sized sanctuary was practically overflowing with smiling faces. These two clearly had a lot of people who cared about them. I took my time as I processed down the short walkway leading to the altar and nodded subtly to those I knew. Craig blew me a kiss and Georgette beamed as we made eye contact. I sent her an “oh my God, it’s so great to see you”

look as I passed. As my gaze settled on the next face, however, the room seemed to still as if programmed to do so. Adrienne wore a deep burgundy dress, the epitome of elegance and style. Her hair was partially swept up, and the remaining strands were curled into soft tendrils that hung loosely past her shoulders. Our eyes met and her lips parted slightly as she scanned the length of my dress. Was I imagining it, or was Adrienne checking me out? The next face I settled on answered my question succinctly. As Kim placed a hand possessively on Adrienne’s shoulder, I forced my eyes forward, concentrating on my destination.

The ceremony was short and sweet, but a tearjerker nonetheless.

Luckily, I’d smuggled a handkerchief into the bouquet I carried and was well prepared. As the minister spoke of “everlasting commitment” and “the pledging of love to another,” I couldn’t help but steal glances in Adrienne’s direction. I thought of the younger, idealistic version of myself who had once wondered if Adrienne was

“the one,” and realized sadly that she’d probably never gotten that far herself.

I looked on as the vows were exchanged and allowed myself the guilty pleasure of imagining what it would be like if things had been different, if we had ended up the way Lanie and Ben had. But

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just as the wonderful images and sensations of that daydream began to flood my senses, they were interrupted by thunderous applause.

Lanie and Ben had shared their first kiss as husband and wife and were now proceeding down the aisle. That’s your cue, stupid.

Shaking myself awake, I graciously accepted the arm of the best man and made my way to the back of the church. I plastered a smile across my face, but inside I was trembling. The combination of the minister’s words, the utter happiness on Lanie’s face, and Adrienne sitting not so far away with her date was enough to seriously mess with my mind. I silently hoped the reception had an open bar.

❖

Small, twinkling white lights cascaded from the high ceiling of the Plaza Club’s ballroom, and white table linens adorned with elegant purple hydrangea centerpieces helped set the swanky mood at the post-wedding gala. A sextet jazz band played ambient music from the edge of the dance floor and an ice sculpture of two swans with intertwining necks held court in the center of the room. I looked around in awe and appreciation. The floor to ceiling second story windows offered a gorgeous view of the sun setting on the water.

Many of the guests were mingling on the wrap-around deck, as the cool sea breeze floated in around them. The place looked amazing and I could only imagine how much Lanie’s parents were shelling out for the affair.

As the wedding party arrived, the reception moved into full swing. Guests milled about chatting and sipping champagne that waiters whisked about on silver trays. There was a line to sign the guest book and a small group of children dipped strawberries into the chocolate fountain. However, as the bride and groom were officially announced, the entire room came to attention and clapped, cheered, and congratulated the newly married couple.

I checked on Lanie, bringing her and Ben each a glass of champagne. But as they made their way through the crowd to speak individually to their guests, I took advantage of the opportunity and snuck away to catch my breath. I stole a glass of champagne for

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myself and moved to the outer edge of the room away from the crowd, eventually wandering out onto the deck. The cool air was a welcome distraction. I found a spot at the railing, smiling at guests I didn’t recognize as I passed. I sipped my drink and stared out at the water lapping against the stilts of the building. I reverted to breathing exercises I had learned in college to calm my nerves and get my mind to slow down. So many thoughts were racing through it. I was twenty-seven years old and already resigned to a life spent on my own. Until recently, I was okay with that. In fact, it’s what I’d purposefully chosen for myself, focusing fully on my career and how to maximize each opportunity. But on such a happy day for my friend, I was sad for myself and for who I’d become. I tightened my grip on the railing and focused on the horizon.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Adrienne said. Her eyes sparkled in the diminishing sunlight.

“Oh, they’re much more expensive than that, I’m afraid.”

“Damn it, I left my purse in the car.”

“A rain check?”

“That’ll do, I suppose.” She smiled cautiously, clearly not sure how to proceed. “It’s beautiful out here.”

“Yeah, Lanie’s lucky to have gotten such wonderful weather.

This sky is like something out of a book.”

She turned and studied the sunset, before eventually shifting back to me. “So I guess we should talk about it.”

“Probably.” I turned to face her fully. “I was a jerk. I’m sorry.”

“You were a jerk,” she said. “A big jerk.”

“And if I could go back in time and change what I did, I would.”

“All of it?” she asked quietly.

Kim chose that exact moment to make her way onto the deck, carrying a glass of wine in each hand. White wine. I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes and instead smiled widely, an earnest attempt to show Adrienne how I was capable of social maturity. I was just happy she was speaking to me again. Yes, I was falling for her, but after a month without her entirely, I’d give anything to go back to where we were before the dinner from hell. Simply put, I’d desperately missed her. Kim would be no problem if I could just

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secure Adrienne in my life in some way. The long stretch of silence from her had easily shown me that.

“Hi, Kim. You look great.” And she did too. She wore a one-shouldered yellow evening gown with a crisscrossed bodice. Leave it to the girl in fashion to show us all up.

“Thank you. It’s good to see you again, Jenna. You’re turning quite a few heads in that dress yourself.”

I shrugged and looked skyward, an attempt at vain humor. It worked and they laughed.

“Are you two staying for the weekend?” I asked. “I rented a cottage on the shore until Tuesday. If you’re going to stick around, you should come by. We could grill a few hotdogs.”

“That could be fun,” Adrienne said. “We just might take you up on that. Kim made reservations for us at the Yacht Club through Sunday. We thought we might check out the area. You know,” she said, looking from one of us to the other, “it’s strange, but all these years I’ve lived in New York and I haven’t spent much time in the Hamptons at all. It’s nice to have the weekend free to explore, relax.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Kim said. But she seemed distracted and eyed something through the window. “If you two will excuse me for a moment, I think I see an associate I used to work with at Bergdorf’s. Small world. Jenna, you don’t mind keeping my date company for a few moments, do you?”

“Of course not,” I said and she was gone. Left alone on the deck, Adrienne and I smiled shyly at one another, still feeling each other out after the fight…and the make out session. “She really does seem great. Kim.”

“I’m not sure you really feel that way, but it’s nice of you to say. I know she didn’t make the best impression on you, but once you get to know her, she’s a fascinating person. I think you two would hit it off if you gave her a chance.”

“I’m sure that’s true, and I will,” I said quietly. But I wasn’t listening as intently as I should have been because of the way Adrienne’s hair fell across her forehead. It was my natural instinct to run my fingers through it, smooth it aside affectionately. Somehow, that wouldn’t have been appropriate in the given situation.

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Adrienne must have sensed my distraction. We looked at each other, not quite sure where to go. She took a sip of wine and I looked back out over the water.

“So I hear congratulations are in order.” She seemed to be doing her best to steer us back on course. “I know it hasn’t been announced yet, but a little bird told me you’re doing Elevation. I couldn’t believe the way it played out. That’s probably the best casting story I’ve ever heard. I’m so happy for you. You’re going to be awesome.”

All of a sudden I was excited all over again. Adrienne’s enthusiasm was definitely contagious. “You’re the reason it all came together, you know. I owe you one.”

She shook her head. “For the record, I may have given the casting director your name, Jenna, but he’s the one I was doing the favor for. You’re the catch, not him.”

It meant a lot to me to hear her say that. “Thank you for believing in me when I was skeptical. I just can’t express how it feels to have everything come together like this.”

Resignation flickered behind her eyes. “Everything happens for a reason.”

“I guess it does.” I felt that familiar, wistful lump in my throat.

“So have you had a chance to talk with everyone, the old crowd?” she asked.

“I haven’t and I’ve been looking forward to seeing those guys all day. Are they here?”

“Yep, they grabbed a table to the right of the cake. You should go say hi.”

“I think I will.” I pushed off the railing and moved toward the door. “Coming?” I asked, looking back.

“You know what? You go on ahead. I’m going to take in this view for a few more minutes.” She turned back to the setting sun, and the image of her at that railing stopped me in my tracks. I made a point to memorize the visual of her body, partially silhouetted by the pinks and oranges of the colorful sky and the water glistening below. She was a vision if I’d ever seen one, and I felt a warmth flood my body. Stop right there, Tiger.

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Somewhat dazed, I made my way to the bar and ordered myself a vodka martini, vowing this would be my last drink of the evening.

After all, I was here for Lanie and wanted to be responsible and available for anything she needed. I scanned the crowd, locating her speaking with an older couple across the room. Meeting my eyes, she offered the thumbs up signal, the sign we’d agreed upon earlier for “everything’s great.” I nodded my understanding and moved through the room in hopes of finding my old friends. It didn’t take long.

As my eyes met Georgette’s, we both let out a squeal. She threw her arms around me and I stumbled backward, laughing all the while. “Georgie, I’ve missed you!”

“I know. We don’t get together enough. I blame you, even though it’s my fault. What’s new?”

“Not much. I just wrapped a film, Phase Two, and I’m looking for what’s next. Are you still with Mamma Mia in New York?

“Negative. I’m tired of chorus work, sister. I want to get in with Rory Lynden’s new show, Elevation. Very dance heavy. I’ve heard they’ve already found their lead, but the show comes with some nice supporting roles and I have a callback audition in a week and a half.

Cross your fingers for me.”

“I will.” I decided not to say anything about my involvement with Elevation at that point. I hadn’t officially signed the contract yet, though it was in my possession. It felt like it would be in better form to wait until the ink was dry. Before I could ask Georgette any more questions, Kyle approached. I grinned at my old buddy.

“Oh my God, I see a famous movie star,” Kyle said, moving toward me with open arms. “Can I get an autograph?”

“No, but you can shut up with that.” I squeezed him tight.

“Oh, and she’s still feisty.”

“You know it.” Kyle was one friend I hadn’t seen since I’d left the tour, and I deeply regretted that. I’d heard through Lanie that he and Craig had settled down and distanced themselves from theater a bit and started their own production company in New York. There was no good reason I hadn’t been to see them, other than the fact I was wrapped up with work. It was stupid and I knew it.

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Kyle and Georgette ushered me over to their table where I greeted several more old friends from Clean Slate. It was crazy, all of us together again. I scanned the faces gathered around the table, offering waves and hugs until my eyes landed on the one person I did not want to see, Sienna Ivy. Oh goody. She smiled tentatively, which was a first for her as far as I was concerned. I was tempted to ask her how it felt. “Hi, Jenna, how are you?”

So we were going to be civil? That’s fine. I could place nice. We were, after all, adults gathered for the sake of our common friends.

“Fine, and you?”

“I’m great. Thank you for asking.”

Well, enough with the fake pleasantries, I had fulfilled my obligatory hello and now had nothing further to say to Sienna. Instead, I sat with my old friends and spent the next forty-five minutes catching up on all the latest gossip and news. It turned out to be a lot of fun.

Even Lanie and Ben came by and were able to spare a few minutes to catch up. As we reminisced about old times, Lanie stood behind me with her hands on my shoulders. During a lull in conversation she leaned down and whispered in my ear. “You know, Adrienne’s across the room talking to my mother. You should go talk to her.”

“We’ve already spoken.”

“And?”

“And nothing. Now she’s over there talking to your mom and I’m hanging out over here.”

“I want you to dance with her.”

“What?”

“You heard me. As a wedding present. I want you to dance with Adrienne.”

I turned around and looked at her incredulously. “You have to be kidding. No. Absolutely not. She has a date with her. It would be rude.”

She raised her eyebrow. “Have I been a very demanding bride?

Have I asked you to do so very much in your duties as my maid of honor?”

I sighed. She hadn’t and in her defense, she didn’t know about the incident with Adrienne at the restaurant. “No, but—”

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“But nothing. Do it. It’s your job to be at my beck and call today.”

I sighed. “One dance and you’ll drop the matchmaker routine?”

“That’s all I’m asking for,” she said, as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

“Fine, but if she says no I still get credit. And she will say no.”

“She won’t, but it’s a deal.” She looked past me over my shoulder. “And you happen to be in luck because she’s on her way over here right now.”

Fabulous. I turned around and smiled quickly at Adrienne before stepping out of the way so she could speak to Lanie. “You make an absolutely beautiful bride,” Adrienne said as she kissed Lanie’s cheek. “Benjamin is a lucky man.”

“Thank you, and thanks so much for coming. It wouldn’t have been the same without you here. Ben considers you one of his best friends.”

“I feel the same way. I wouldn’t have missed it.”

It was then that Lanie began to put her plan into action. “Oh, I love this song. Don’t you love this song, Jen?”

I listened as the quartet played the intro to “The Way You Look Tonight.” I forced a smile and nodded at Lanie, all the while trying to find a way to murder her with my eyes. “It’s a classic.”

“I’m going to grab Ben and head out there. It was great seeing you hoodlums again. Let’s catch up some more later.” And with that, she was off.

I felt nervous. It was stupid, I know, but it was there all the same. I decided to just go for it. Rip it off like a Band-Aid. I took a step toward Adrienne who regarded me curiously. I leaned in so our friends wouldn’t overhear the exchange. “It is a pretty good song.

We should dance.”

She looked like a deer caught in headlights and I immediately felt so ridiculous for having asked and horrible for putting her on the spot. I was supposed to be doing everything in my power to put our friendship back in place after all I’d done to disassemble it. And you know what? Friends didn’t slow dance. She probably thought I

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was crazy. At least Lanie wouldn’t be able to hold this over my head later. I had fulfilled my responsibility.

“All right.” She looked guarded and about as unsure as I felt.

I was stunned. “Are you sure Kim won’t mind?”

“She’s been in the corner talking to that friend of hers for the past half hour. Plus, she doesn’t dance.” She took my hand and led me out onto the dance floor. We fit together easily, but that didn’t surprise me; we always had. As Adrienne and I began to dance, my mind struggled to identify the very intense emotion I was feeling and came up with one answer: fear. This was dangerous ground.

My stomach squeezed in that familiar, terrifying, wonderful way and I felt slightly dizzy at the nearness of her. The song played on and then something happened that was quite unexpected. I began to relax. Something about being held by Adrienne, about holding her in return, was all it took to calm my nerves and slow my thoughts.

I felt a sense of safety, of trust. We swayed to the music, our bodies lightly touching and her cheek an inch from mine. This was familiar and wonderful and I didn’t want it to end. I allowed myself to enjoy the dance and relish the moment, rather than analyzing it in the scheme of things, a frequent pastime of mine lately.

“You still wear the same perfume as when I first met you,” she commented quietly.

I pulled my head back, looked at her, and nodded. “And you still use the same shampoo.”

“Yeah, I guess I do.”

We danced in silence. I could feel her heart beating and that made me pull her in closer. She didn’t seem to mind and positioned her face very close my neck. I felt her breath across my skin and my body began to stir with an aching need for more of her. The song wasn’t over, but I felt her grow still in my arms. She took a step back and my body seemed to cry out at the loss of contact. “I should check on Kim.” Adrienne looked distressed as she backed away and I felt instantly guilt ridden for taking advantage of the situation.

I nodded my understanding and watched her exit the dance floor, leaving me out there alone. I gathered myself and walked over to the bar. It wasn’t alcohol I was after, but something a little more

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refreshing. I ordered a glass of ice water and leaned on the stretch of mahogany as I waited for it to arrive. I was aware of someone approaching and standing next to me, but it didn’t fully register. I was too busy concentrating on the swirled patterns within the wood and wondering how I was going to fix things or if I should even try.

“Jenna, can we talk for a minute?”

I looked up. Sienna. The last person on earth I’d want to talk to at this moment. “If it’s all the same to you, Sienna, I’d rather we didn’t. It’s been a long day.”

“Well, there are some things I need to say to you. Can we step outside maybe, just for a minute?”

“Nope, I don’t want to step outside. If you wouldn’t mind—”

“Jenna, it’s important. Please?” she asked, touching my forearm.

I pulled away and straightened, turning to her, my anger rising.

But I stopped myself. Sienna didn’t look like her old self at all and it was off-putting. In the place of the smug smirk I was used to seeing on her face, there was actual sincere emotion. She looked humble and, well, human. I didn’t know what to make of it. I found myself curious and wanting to understand the change. “Okay, for a minute.”

It was dark out now and stars twinkled in the clear night sky. In the distance I could see the glow of a nearby lighthouse. I crossed my arms, bracing myself from the now colder temperature.

“If it’s too cold out here, we can go in,” Sienna said. “I thought this would be a little more private.”

“It’s fine,” I lied. “What do you want to talk about?”

She took a deep breath. “This is something I’ve wanted to say for a while. I didn’t have the courage to, you know, seek you out in the real world. But you’re here now and I need to take advantage of the opportunity. I wanted to tell you I’m sorry, so very sorry for everything that happened between us on the tour. No, that’s not exactly right.” She sounded nervous. “What I mean to say is I’m sorry for everything I did to you on the tour.”

My brow furrowed and I stared at her. “Okay, you’re sorry. Are we done?” Perhaps I could have been a little more accommodating, but I didn’t see the point and had no interest in reconciliation at this point.

• 202 •

Waiting in the Wings

“I want you to understand that the person you knew back then wasn’t me, not really. I was strung out, a mess. I was battling some addictions at that point in my life. You probably knew that already; I don’t know. But I’ve been clean for two years now and part of that journey is making amends to those you’ve wronged in the past as a result of the addiction. One of the people I remember behaving badly toward is most definitely you.”

I was a little caught off guard by this information. I had seen her do a line of cocaine once or twice at a party, but I hadn’t realized the extent of it. I mulled over this new information.

“I developed a hatred for you that started when you got the part I thought I deserved and it escalated when you started things up with Adrienne. I made your life difficult and I’m sorry.”

I couldn’t help but feel a little bit bad for her. She seemed completely sincere and I could see a big difference in her, just in this short conversation. “I respect what you’re doing, Sienna. I’m sure it’s taken a lot for you to get to where you are now and I accept your apology.” I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Thank you. I suppose I owe Adrienne an apology as well. We haven’t spoken in years. The last time was when you were deciding whether or not to move to LA. I also apologize for purposefully telling her about your job offer before you had the chance. I’m glad to see you two are together and doing well and that ultimately I didn’t get in the way of—”

I shook my head at her. “Adrienne and I aren’t together.”

She regarded me, clearly puzzled. “I just assumed when I saw the two of you dancing in there, and heard you shot this movie together that you had worked things out.”

“No. Until a few months ago, I hadn’t spoken to Adrienne since I left for LA.”

“She didn’t want you to go, you know.” She tilted her head to the side. “She was heartbroken when you did. It took her a long time to recover.”

I studied Sienna, doubting this was true. “If that was the case, she wouldn’t have walked away or at the very least would have asked me not to take the job.”

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Melissa Brayden

“She thought about it. I remember telling her it had to be your decision, that if it was real between the two of you that you would choose her over any job out there.” She brought her hand to her forehead, frowning. “I can’t imagine that what I said to her would have had much impact, but if it did, Jenna, I’m sorry. Like I said, I wasn’t seeing things clearly at that point in my life.”

I nodded my head and thanked Sienna for the talk.

I wrapped my arms around myself as I walked further down the deck. My head was a bit of a mess after the dance with Adrienne and the talk with Sienna and I desperately needed to be alone. I sent a text message to Lanie letting her know that I was fine, but needed some air. I knew she’d understand. I headed down the deck stairs to the beach below. I took my heels off and carried them, walking barefoot in the cold sand, as far away from the Plaza Club as I could possibly get.

❖

It was just after two a.m. when I walked up the sidewalk to the beach cottage. Ultimately, it was the cold that brought me back, or I might have kept walking. I didn’t know what had gone on at the reception after I left; I’d turned my phone off. I was clearly running away from the situation rather than facing it head on, but I was okay with that. So I was a coward. I didn’t care.

I rounded the corner leading to the front door but slowed when I caught sight of the outline of a solitary figure sitting on the steps.

Adrienne. It was clear she’d been crying. Her eyes were red and swollen and her cheeks tearstained. She’d taken her hair down and the makeup was all but gone. She sat with her arms wrapped around her knees, no doubt trying to stay as warm as possible in her sleeveless dress. She must have been freezing. I took a couple steps closer, stopping a few feet from the stairs, worried. “Are you okay?

Where’s Kim?”

She started to speak but closed her mouth, having a difficult time answering the question. I waited patiently, not quite sure what to do. She put her hand out as if in question, clearly emotional, but

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Waiting in the Wings

finally managing the words. “She went home. Took a cab back to the city.”

“Why?” I sat on the step next to her and studied her face. I didn’t see the confident Adrienne I knew. Instead, she looked stricken, like a scared little girl. I brushed a strand of hair from her eye and tucked it behind her ear.

“We decided to end things.” She gestured to her tears absently. “I don’t know why I’m crying. It’s stupid. It’s not like I was that attached to her.” She raised her chin and turned to me, as if realizing something for the first time. “I’m sorry. It’s late and completely selfish of me to even be here right now. Do you want me to leave?”

“Of course not,” I said. “You’re upset.” The truth was it killed me to see her looking so broken. I’d been jealous of Kim, yes, but the implications of their breakup meant very little to me in this moment. I was concentrated on Adrienne and making sure she was okay. “You know what? It’s freezing out here. Come inside. I think there might be some tea in the cabinet. We need to warm up.”

Once inside, Adrienne seemed to relax a little. At least the tears were gone. She sat at the table as I stood at the stove, staring intently at the kettle.

“A watched pot never boils, you know.”

“I’ve heard that somewhere.” I took the hint and sat across from her while we waited. My body began to warm up and it helped my mind return to a place of clarity. “Do you want to tell me what happened?”

She laughed sardonically. “Nothing happened between us, that was pretty much the problem. I know part of it was my fault, but she spent our entire evening with the blonde she used to work with. She seemed much more interested in that conversation than anything I had to say. I called her on it and she pretty much admitted to me I was just a piece of ass and we had nothing intellectually in common.

She had the nerve to suggest we just enjoy each other sexually and leave the rest out of it.” She sat back in her chair, tears reaching her eyes again. “I told her to go to hell.”

“So other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?”

• 205 •

Melissa Brayden

Adrienne laughed, perhaps caught off guard by the comment.

It made me feel better to see her smile, even briefly. “You mean the reception? There wasn’t much of it left. Ben and Lanie ran through the sparklers as they made their exit. I watched from inside with Craig, who, well, he’s a good friend.”

I nodded, understanding that Adrienne had been upset by that point.

“Oh wait.” She straightened. “There were fireworks, out over the water. They were beautiful.”

I had seen fireworks from the beach and stopped to watch. I had no idea they were from the wedding. “Lanie didn’t mention there would be fireworks.”

“She didn’t know. They were a gift from Ben, a surprise.”

I felt immediately horrible. I should have stayed and shared that with Lanie. I was her maid of honor, for God’s sake, and I had just taken off on her? Who does that to their best friend? I shook my head, disgusted with myself. “I should have been there for her.”

“If it helps at all, she spoke to me before she left. She said you needed some air, and honestly, she understood, Jenna. Don’t beat yourself up.”

“I guess you’re right,” I conceded, moving toward the whistling kettle. I poured us each a mug and let the tea bags settle in.

“Why did you leave the reception, if you don’t mind my asking?”

I sighed, not feeling the need for any dramatic confessions when Adrienne had already had a very rough evening. “I was just worn out. It’d been a long day already and the noise of the crowd was a bit too much. I needed some space, I guess.” I took my mug and moved quickly into the living room.

Adrienne wasted no time following me. “Is that all?” She could so see through me.

“Listen, I’m exhausted and I’m sure you must be too. Maybe it’s best if we just call it a night.”

“If that’s what you want,” she said quietly.

I nodded. “I’m going to turn in. You’re welcome to stay here if you don’t want to head out this late. There’s a second bedroom down the hall.”

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Waiting in the Wings

“Thanks, but you’ve already been more than accommodating.

Do you mind if I finish my tea?”

“Of course not, take all the time you want.” I paused. So now what happened? Was I supposed to hug her good night? It was almost like I didn’t know how to act around her anymore. I didn’t know what the proper etiquette was for this kind of situation. So I did the lamest thing known to man. I put out my hand. Adrienne studied it and slowly took it, squeezing it softly. She met my eyes.

“Sweet dreams, Jenna.”

“Yep. Good night.” Why was I such a dork? I could not believe I actually shook her hand. I felt ridiculous, but if anything, she seemed slightly amused. I rounded the corner leading down the hallway to my bedroom where I could wallow in humiliation alone and undetected.

❖

It was windy outside. I knew this because I was having a hell of a time sleeping in the midst of the whistling window above my bed. After a few hours of tossing and turning, I decided a glass of water might help. The layout of the cottage was still a bit foreign, but the numerous windows throughout its design allowed enough moonlight into the house to light my way.

I drank the entire glass easily and left it in the sink before making my way back to the bedroom. I stopped on the way, however, unsure I was actually seeing what I thought I was. But there she was, curled up on the couch, sound asleep. I stared at her, taking a moment to decide if I was dreaming or not. Adrienne’s long hair fanned out across the couch cushion and her lips were lightly pressed together.

She looked like the subject of an Italian painting. Mesmerized, I took a few steps forward, sitting on the couch next to where she lay. For a few moments, I simply watched her sleep. But I couldn’t help myself any longer. I reached out and gently stroked her cheek.

She was so peaceful, so beautiful that it almost hurt to look at her.

Reacting to the touch, she stirred slightly and opened her eyes and stared up at me. Neither of us moved for a moment, my hand still

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Melissa Brayden

cradling her cheek. Finally, she reached up and took my hand in hers, slowly bringing it to her lips and kissing my open palm softly. I closed my eyes, savoring the intimacy of the moment, and allowing it to wash over me entirely. When I opened my eyes, Adrienne was again asleep. I looked around the room and found a blanket folded in the corner bookshelf. I brought it over and covered her with it, careful not to disturb her. I kissed her forehead and made my way back to bed, sleeping soundly for the next five hours. When I awoke, she was gone.

• 208 •

Waiting in the Wings

Chapter tWelve

Maybe it was the gorgeous morning sunshine, or the fact that someone had already brewed the coffee for me before I woke up, but I had a lot of energy that next morning. After showering and dressing, I toasted a bagel and made my way onto the patio to watch the world go by. It was already past ten, and there were quite a few people out and about. I love people watching to no end, and this morning was no different. Runners jogged by and dog walkers took their time letting their companions frolic in the water, sometimes throwing balls for them to chase. All seemed to be enjoying the fresh morning air. Something about that got me pumped for the day and whatever it might bring.

I wondered where Adrienne was and what time she’d left. I thought back to the moment we’d shared on the couch last night and wondered now if it had been a dream after all. But a glance down to the coffee in my hand that certainly hadn’t brewed itself reminded me that someone had, in fact, stayed over.

I glanced at my watch and realized I needed to call Lanie before her flight left. She would be at the airport now. It was my hope that, despite my disappearing act toward the end of the night, Lanie’s wedding day had been everything she hoped for.

I grabbed some shoes and headed down to the shore. A stroll on the beach seemed in order.

“Hello?” Lanie answered.

“Hey, you, how’s married life?”

• 209 •

Melissa Brayden

She chuckled. “I don’t know. It still doesn’t feel like we’re really married. I guess I’m waiting for it to sink in. Whatever it is, it feels good. How are you? Bit of a rough night?”

“I’m fine, really. But I do want to apologize for not seeing you off.

I should have been there.” I ducked under a Frisbee headed my way.

“Stop with that immediately. You were there for me all day. If you needed to be on your own for a bit, I completely understand. I feel like maybe I instigated some things with the dance I forced on you. That probably wasn’t my best idea. Sorry.”

“I’ll make you a deal. If you’ll forgive me, I’ll forgive you.”

“Done and I accept. Ben, in case you can’t hear him, is insisting I say hello to you this very minute.

“Aww, give him a kiss for me. A platonic one please, I know you.

“You’re no fun. Soooo, I have another minute before we board and we’ve both been kind of dying to know what happened last night. I gave Adrienne the address to your cottage. She was pretty upset and I knew you’d be there for her.”

“Yeah, she was there when I got home.”

“Did you take care of her in her time of need?”

“Um, depends on the definition. I gave her some tea and we talked for a little while. End of story.”

“That’s it?” she asked, clearly disappointed.

“That’s it.”

“Did she stay over?”

“Yes.”

“I knew it!” she shouted into my ear.

“On the couch.”

“Damn.”

“Sorry to be unexciting.” I kicked at some sand. “I don’t know what’s going to happen between us, Lane, but at the very least, I want her in my life.”

“Are you scared she doesn’t have the same feelings for you that you have for her?”

“Yes, I think that’s part of it. I know there’s a physical attraction there that goes both ways, but I’m not sure where her head is beyond that and I’ve already been burned once.”

• 210 •

Waiting in the Wings

“Promise me you’ll take this risk and tell her how you feel.”

“I don’t—”

“Promise.”

“You’re feisty this morning. Have you had a lot of coffee?

Okay, fine, I promise to tell her…at some point.”

“Soon,” she said.

“All right, all right, soon.”

“That’s all I’m asking. Now where is Adrienne right now?”

“Right now? I don’t know she’s…playing volleyball, apparently.” I tilted my head in utter confusion at what I saw a few yards to my right. But there, right in front of me, was Adrienne in running shorts and a sports bra smashing a volleyball around with seven shirtless men on the beach. Okay, now this was something you didn’t stumble onto every day.

“What do you mean playing volleyball?” Lanie asked.

“Exactly,” I said, drawing the word out, at a loss for how to explain. “Can we finish this conversation later perhaps?”

“Sure, we’re about to board anyway. I’ll call in a couple days.

Be good.”

“You too, Mrs. Costa.”

“Oh, that sounds so ethnic and interesting. I love it. Bye, sweets.”

I put the phone away and walked a few paces to the sidelines and looked on with curiosity. Adrienne in all her five-foot-five glory was scampering across the court with great speed, diving for the ball and achieving an impressive dig that ultimately earned her team control. Further observation revealed she also had no problem harassing the other team, calling out good-natured insults to them, and high-fiving her own teammates. I shook my head in wonder.

This was definitely a side of Adrienne I hadn’t seen. Two points later, she caught sight of me sitting in the sand and jogged over.

I shielded my eyes from the sun so I could see her better as she approached. She paused in front of me, sweaty, sandy, and definitely in good spirits. “What in the world are you doing?” I asked in mild amusement.

“Well, if you must know, I was out for a run this morning and these guys needed a fourth for their team. I decided to help out.”

• 211 •

Melissa Brayden

She flashed one of her dazzling smiles my way and my stomach fluttered. It also might have had something to do with her toned, bare stomach.

“I didn’t know you played volleyball.”

“I can do a lot of things.”

“Evidently.”

“Hey, A, does your friend want to play?” one of the guys called from the court. “Charlie can sit out. She’s cuter than he is.”

“I think I’ll just watch,” I called back. “But thanks.” I turned back to Adrienne. “You better get back out there, sport. Your team needs you.”

“Will you stay?” she asked, jogging backward.

“How could I not?” I laughed. “This is a rare opportunity.”

And it was. Adrienne was quite good. These were some big guys she was up against—leaping, blocking, and spiking the ball relentlessly—but she held her own. I noticed she wore a small, flesh colored knee brace on her once injured leg, and for a moment I was worried she might hurt herself out there. But that fear subsided quickly once I saw how easily she moved. She would die if she knew this, but I found her scrappiness quite cute. She would prefer tough to cute any day.

The players took a break with the score tied at one game apiece.

They toweled off and downed sports drinks as they chatted more with Adrienne than with one another. One of the guys went out of his way to sit next to me, however, and struck up a conversation that mostly consisted of small talk. His name was Ethan and he seemed sweet. I enjoyed getting to know him and tried to ignore the fact he was shirtless and dripping with sweat. Adrienne stood a few feet away autographing the volleyball, as apparently the owner grew up watching her on television.

“So how do you know Adrienne?” Ethan asked, following my gaze.“We did a show together a few years back. We also just shot a film.”

“I thought you looked familiar,” he exclaimed, taking off his sunglasses to see me better. “Were you in Tenth Avenue?”

“Yeah, that was me.”

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Waiting in the Wings

“I love that movie, gritty stuff. I just got it on DVD.”

“That’s awesome. Thanks.”

The other players stared at us from the court, ready to play again. “Hey, Ethan!” Adrienne yelled. “You wanna maybe get in the game, or would you rather just ogle the girl some more?”

“Sorry, gotta go,” he said, standing and pulling something from his wallet that’d been lying in the sand. “But here, call me sometime.” I took the business card he offered and shrugged at Adrienne, whose eyes narrowed at our exchange.

The game was a brutal battle to the end. I was a most excellent cheerleader, however, for both Adrienne and Ethan, who just happened to be on different teams. Luckily, Adrienne’s team won or I would probably never have heard the end of it. Her aggressive side was clearly out in full force this morning, and because of that, I wanted to stay in her good graces.

As the guys packed up their gear and headed out, calling good-byes to us as they departed, Adrienne plopped down next to me, lying back in the sand, proud of herself.

“I forgot how competitive you are. I’m a little scared of you right now.”

She laughed and pushed herself up onto her elbows. “I do get a little carried away, don’t I? I should work on that. Plans for today?”

she asked. “What do you have going?”

“You know, I hadn’t gotten that far.”

“You should come with me on my quest. I’ve decided I’m heading into town for some antiquing.”

“Wow. Antiquing.” I made a point to sound overly impressed.

“I can’t think of anything better to do in this gorgeous vacation spot than antiquing. I know that, for me, when the weather is a perfect seventy-three degrees and the sun is shining, I have an implicit need to hunt down dusty old furniture.”

She slugged me in the arm. “Stop that. It just so happens that antiquing is a lot of fun, thank you very much. There’s something utterly thrilling about the hunt; identifying the antique, negotiating, bargaining, and then taking your new, rare find home. You should try it. In fact, I insist you do. You’re coming with me.”

• 213 •

Melissa Brayden

I rubbed my arm. “If it means you won’t hit me again.”

“We’ll play it by ear.” Adrienne arched one eyebrow and gave me goose bumps in the process. She jumped up and brushed the sand from her clothes. “I have to shower first at the hotel. I’ll pick you up in an hour at the cottage. Be ready.” I offered a halfhearted salute, wondering what kind of afternoon I was getting into. I spent the next few moments watching her jog down the beach with much appreciation. Oh, what a slippery slope…

❖

The doorbell sounded exactly one hour later. Adrienne was always on time, I reminded myself. That was one thing we had in common. As I pulled open the door, I saw a newly transformed Adrienne, now sporting a green sundress and lipstick. Gone was the rough-and-tumble athlete of this morning. She was now fresh-faced and stunning as ever. I admired her changed look maybe a bit too long. Her mischievous smile told me she’d noticed. “You clean up nice,” I finally said. “I think I might be underdressed though.” I glanced down at my jeans and tank top.

“Are you kidding? I love you in jeans. It’s your best look. Now come on, the clock is ticking and we have several spots to hit.” She popped on her oversized sunglasses and led the way to a navy blue convertible beetle parked in the driveway.

I pulled the passenger’s side door open. “Is this your car?”

“I’m a New Yorker, I don’t have a car. It’s a rental.”

“It’s cute. It works for you.”

“Thanks. What do you LA girls drive?”

“I drive a BMW M3.”

She whistled low. “Nice. I can see that.” She raised her sunglasses and regarded me. “Someone’s made some money.”

“Not as much as you’re thinking. The car’s my one luxury. I’ll probably need to sell it though, when I move to the city.”

She glanced over at me as she drove. “So you really might move to New York permanently? You’re serious about that?”

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Waiting in the Wings

“That’s my plan. Now that I have a job. Speaking of which, give me the update on Cabaret. I haven’t seen any reports in the trades on who’s playing Fraulein Sally Bowles.”

“Well, look again on Monday. I signed the contract two days ago.”

“Really? And you’re just now telling me this? That should have been the first thing out of your mouth,” I said incredulously.

“Honestly though, I’m very proud of you for taking the leap. You’re going to be awesome.”

“I simply took some very wise advice.”

“The wisest,” I echoed. “Genius caliber.”

She laughed and hit the accelerator, taking us swiftly through the twists and turns of the small town, the breeze lifting our hair as we drove. We finally pulled to a stop in front of a quaint little store with several rocking chairs in the picture window up front. The sign above the shop read Merritt Antiques.

Adrienne’s face was lit up with something close to religious adoration. “See those chairs?” she asked quietly.

I followed her gaze. “I do.”

“People drive hundreds of miles to this very store to snatch up one of those guys. They’re Victorian Platform Rocking Chairs, most of which are rumored to be in great condition. Normally, these chairs sell for six, seven hundred dollars. It’s our goal to seal the deal at no more than four fifty.”

“And how is it we plan to do this?” I asked, completely taken with her excitement.

She thought for a moment before settling on an answer. “I plan to be charming.”

“Charming,” I murmured. “Very crafty of you. And does that usually work?”

“Sometimes.”

“Oh, well that sounds promising. Let’s give that a shot.”

We walked up the winding sidewalk to the small store when something in the window caught my attention. “Wait, the sign says All Prices Firm.”

She shook her head. “The sign lies. It’s part of the game.”

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Melissa Brayden

I nodded. There was a lot to learn. As my hand found the doorknob, Adrienne reached out and covered it with hers, arresting my progress. “Probably better if you let me do the talking,” she whispered.

“That won’t be a problem,” I whispered back. “I’ll look around while you work your antique magic.”

Once inside, I kept my promise and decided to give Adrienne plenty of room to negotiate. As she examined each rocking chair in detail, I moved through the store silently studying the eclectic group of objects I found there: cabinets, pressed glass, oil lamps, cast iron tools, and of course, many more rocking chairs. A jewelry counter at the back of the store caught my attention and I wandered over.

I stared through the glass, scanning each piece in the display case before zeroing in on a beautiful silver locket. On the front was an applied decoration in the shape of an anchor, slightly raised.

“The anchor was a sign of stability and hope in the Victorian era,” a voice informed me. I looked up at the older woman smiling back at me from behind the counter. She had rosy cheeks and kind eyes. “Would you like to see it?”

I returned her smile. “I would.” She picked up the locket delicately from the case and placed it in my hand. It was small, but certainly noteworthy. I ran my thumb over the anchor, fascinated by its rough texture. I flipped the locket over and was met with nothing but a smooth expanse of sterling, quite a contrast to the front. There was a small inscription at the bottom.

To My Love, Forever is Ours.

I stared hard at those words and wondered who had selected them and for whom. How had their forever played out? Had they lived the rest of their lives together as promised, or had it ended in unexpected heartbreak? In that moment, I’d have given anything to know. I handed the locket back to the shopkeeper and thanked her for her assistance.

“Anytime,” she said.

I found Adrienne still at the front of the store, deep in conversation with an older gentleman, most likely the husband of the woman I’d spoken with. Adrienne was smiling and laughing, doing her best to be charming, I supposed.

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Waiting in the Wings

“You have to try the chocolate ice box pie at Alberta’s Bakery,”

I heard the man say as I approached. He was shaking his finger at Adrienne as if to chastise her. “It is the best this town has to offer in the way of homemade desserts and well worth a trip over there.”

“I’ll definitely put it on the to-do list. I’m a bit of a pie aficionado.”

Okay, now that part was true. I could attest to Adrienne’s affinity for all things sweet. She’d sell out her own grandmother for a worthwhile piece of chocolate almond fudge. Once she saw me standing there, Adrienne tugged on my elbow and pulled me into the conversation.

“Jenna, you have to see this chair. Arthur says he can work with me on the price. It’s perfect for my place in the city, don’t you think?”

Truth be told, I’d never seen her place in the city, but I was an actress and I could take cues. This must have been part of her bargaining strategy. So without missing a beat I said, “Oh wow, you’re right. It would compliment your other…pieces nicely.”

“That little beauty there is listed at six twenty-five,” Arthur said. He stroked his chin. “But because you are such a darling young lady, I can see my way to letting you take it for five fifty.”

Adrienne seemed to mull this over for a few moments, looking the chair over once more. “Would you take four fifty, perhaps?” She batted her lashes at him for added effect. I had to resist rolling my eyes at her obvious tactic, but was also a little amused by it.

Arthur shook his head as if she were twisting his arm and he didn’t know if he could bare it. “Five twenty-five, firm, and that’s as low as I’ll go, even for a pretty girl. What do you say?”

“I’d say there are some mighty attractive ladies in the store today, Pop.” The male voice from over my shoulder took me by surprise. I turned around to find none other than Ethan, the friendly volleyball player, standing there grinning at us.

“Did you say Pop?” I asked.

“That I did. This is my father, Arthur Merritt, and this is my family’s store.” He raised his eyebrows at me quizzically. “I gave you my card, but I take it from the surprised look on your face you’re not here to see me.”

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Melissa Brayden

I didn’t have the heart to tell Ethan I hadn’t looked at the card, but instead nodded and did a circular gesture as if putting it all together. “No, actually we were doing a little antiquing today and just stopped in. I think Adrienne and your father are doing some really intense wheeling and dealing. I don’t know who to root for.”

Arthur laughed and Adrienne did her damndest to look appropriately betrayed, but eventually smiled back at me.

“Well, maybe I can help,” Ethan said. “What is your friend hoping to pay for this chair?”

I looked at Adrienne and when I received a nod of approval, I leveled with him. “Four fifty.”

He seemed to consider the offer for a moment or two. “What would you say to…sold?”

“I’d say I think I’m a prodigy at this whole antique thing.”

“Beginner’s luck,” Adrienne mumbled quietly to Arthur as she leaned into the arm he’d placed around her in congratulations.

“Would you consider shipping it for free?” she asked, looking up at him with big hopeful eyes.

“Not a chance,” he said. Ethan and I burst into laughter as the pitiful look on Adrienne’s face was simply too much.

For the rest of the afternoon, Adrienne dragged me from store to store as she rummaged through piles of knickknacks, examined a million pieces of furniture, and chatted up the local shop owners.

Admittedly, this was so not my element. After the second store, I found myself more interested in watching Adrienne than doing any real shopping. I noticed how adorable she was when deep in thought. Pensive was a good look on her. She also had a habit of tucking her hair behind her ear when she was having trouble making up her mind about something. My favorite though had to be the smile that would start at her eyes and overtake her entire face when she stumbled onto something she considered a rare find. She would hold it up and show it to me, a proud grin on her face as if the item would change her entire life. She took joy in the simple things. She always had, I reminded myself. It was contagious and being around her seemed to brighten my outlook.

“What are you smiling about?” she asked as she drove me back to the cottage. The sun was setting, and the pinks and oranges

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swirling on the horizon had such a calming effect. It made the drive peaceful, serene.

“Just basking in the glory of my antique success, I suppose.

You have to admit I had the biggest score of the day.”

She looked at me, dubious, but said nothing.

“Come on, without me you would have never gotten that rocking chair for less than five hundred dollars.”

“Oh, you mean without you and your not-so-secret admirer.

Are you going to give him a call and maybe go to dinner sometime?

He’s pretty handsome, Jen.”

“Let’s ask the Magic Eight Ball in my head.” I paused for effect. “It says ‘outlook not so good,’ which is great news because he’s not really my type.”

“Oh, well. Easy come, easy go. But seriously, thank you for coming with me today. I hope it wasn’t too painful.”

“I had a lot of fun.”

“You did?”

“Of course I did. It wore me out though. I think I need sustenance.”

She looked at her watch. “Wow, I guess it is late. Time flies.”

She pulled into the driveway and slowed the car to a gentle stop.

She seemed nervous. “I guess I’ll see you soon. How long are you staying again?”

“Until Tuesday. I have the cottage for two more nights. What about you?”

“Well, I checked out of the hotel. I was going to head back tonight, since my plans with Kim changed.”

“Why don’t you stay?” I asked. It was impulsive, I know, but I promised myself and Lanie that I’d take a few more chances, and that’s exactly what I was doing.

Adrienne stared hard at the steering wheel as her thumb traced the pattern of the leather. She looked up at me, her eyes clouded with confusion. “Honestly, Jenna, I don’t know. I don’t know what I’m doing.”

I understood and could identify. Instead of black and white, there seemed to be all shades of gray. I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew for certain I didn’t want her to leave for the city tonight.

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“I have the extra room. You’re welcome to stay. Or there’s always the couch. You seem to like the couch.”

She managed a grin. “It is pretty comfortable. But are you sure? After everything, maybe it’s just best I go.” She looked back at the steering wheel.

“Age, look at me.” She dropped her hands completely from the wheel and forced herself to raise her chin. Our eyes locked. “You and I have some bumpy history. We have to acknowledge that. And yes, there are some issues between us that aren’t exactly resolved, but we’re doing okay, right?”

“Yeah. I think so.”

“Then come inside and let’s order a pizza because Lord knows we’re both too tired to cook.”

She nodded once, a small smile making its way to her lips, and we made our way into the house.

❖

It was after nine, and the half-empty pizza box taunted me from across the table. I’d already eaten two slices and decided it was best I leave it there if there was even the slightest chance I’d be working in a high intensity dance show in the near future. “Can I interest you in another?” I asked, opening the box for Adrienne.

“Tempting, but no. You have to admit it was pretty good pizza, and I’m a New Yorker so that says a lot.”

I rolled my eyes at her. “Whatever. You New Yorkers think you have the market sewn up when it comes to pizza.” I carried the box to the fridge. “But I’ll have you know there are other fine pizzerias in the world. Boston has some great ones, by the way.”

“I think we’re going to have to agree to disagree on this one because it’s clear to me you’ve never been to Lombardi’s and are thereby operating without all the information. I forgive you for what you do not know.”

I looked back at her with mock gratitude. “Thank you, your highness. Now, might I interest you in some wine? There’s a bottle of red in the cabinet.”

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“I’ll take a glass, yeah.”

I poured the glasses and we moved into the small living room.

The temperature had dropped outside so I took the liberty of starting a small fire in the fireplace. As I turned back to Adrienne sitting on the couch, I smiled because she looked completely cozy. Her feet were tucked underneath her and she cradled her wine glass in both hands as if to warm it. I took a seat on the other end of the couch and relaxed. It had been a long day, and though it had been fun, it was nice to just veg a little.

We sat in silence for a while, entranced by the fire and lost in the way it danced. It was Adrienne who spoke finally. “I never told you, but I loved Tenth Avenue. It showed a whole different side of you, Jenna. I was proud of you for making it.”

“Thank you,” I said. “It’s strange admitting this, but I wondered what you’d think of it, if you ever saw it, that is. I used to do that sometimes, try to figure out what you’d think of things. Then I’d realize what I was doing and get angry at myself. Stupid, I know.”

I got up and walked across the room toward the fire, staring into it, embarrassed by what I’d confessed.

“It’s not stupid at all,” she said. “We were important to each other. I think that’s only normal. It is comforting to hear I wasn’t the only one thinking about us, and I did…think about us.”

I turned around, perplexed. “I wouldn’t have guessed that. In fact, I was sure you didn’t.”

“Why would you think that? That’s ridiculous.”

Here we go. The feelings I’d kept under lock and key for several years were bubbling to the surface with renewed vigor. “Because you were the one who walked away. When I asked you to wait for me, to make it work between us, you said no.” My voice sounded angry. I didn’t want it to, but it did. “For you to do that, to be able to do that, told me everything I needed to know about where you stood. So, no, I didn’t presume you spent much time thinking about me after that day.”

Adrienne sighed and shook her head in frustration. “You still don’t get it. It had nothing to do with how I felt about you, Jenna. I was crazy about you. But it killed me to know you weren’t willing to

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sacrifice a job for me. Yes, you offered me a small role in your life, but it felt cheap.” She looked at the floor and her voice softened. “I felt unimportant, like you were trying to fit me in, and I was tired of feeling unimportant to the people I cared about. Do you know what that’s like? For once, I wanted to matter most. And it hurt too much when you made it clear I didn’t.”

I considered this. I thought of the way Adrienne’s parents had treated her since she was a child and realized how my actions might have seemed similar in her eyes. This new understanding of how she must have felt washed over me in a painful rush and I felt an ache in my chest when I looked at her. “Listen to me very carefully.

I would never have wanted you to feel that way. There was no one who mattered more to me than you did. I’m so sorry if I didn’t make that clear.” There were tears gathering in her eyes as I spoke. “I took the job because I was young and stupid and so driven toward my goal that sometimes I could only see two feet in front of me. Then when you never asked me not to go, I took that as a sign that you weren’t all in. If I’d thought you were—”

“Would it have changed anything?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. I can’t speak for that girl from four years ago and I don’t want to. I can tell you that I know who I am now and I see a lot of things I would do differently. For what it’s worth, Adrienne, I’m so sorry.”

She shook her head. “It’s not just on you. We both made a lot of mistakes. I should have been more understanding of how big a chance you had in front of you.”

I nodded my head and we sat in silence as I reflected on all that had gone wrong.

She stood up, shaking herself out of it with a smile. “Ancient history, right? If it’s okay with you, I think I’m going to call it a night. Guest room this time.”

She started to go and I decided it was now or never. I mustered every ounce of my courage and spoke to her retreating form. “You know, it’s hard getting over someone in the public eye. I did my best to avoid photos of you in magazines, and keep images of you off my TV screen.” She turned around, a questioning look on her face.

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I pushed forward. “It was hard, but eventually I did it, and moved on with my life. Then the film happened. Working with you was so different than I thought it would be. It was you again. Not the face in the photos, but rather the girl I used to know who loved cookies and ice cream late at night and has to beat everyone at bowling. Only this time our connection was reestablished slowly, and I feel like I’ve gotten to know you in this whole new way.” I shook my head ready to make the final leap. “You’re all I think about, Adrienne.

You’re all I want to think about.” She didn’t say anything. In fact, there was very little expression on her face and I felt a deep sense of dread for what I’d just revealed. “What am I doing?” I whispered mostly to myself, as I turned back to the fire. I felt exposed and fragile, and wished deeply that I’d kept my mouth shut.

Adrienne set her wine glass on the end table. “Um, I don’t know what to say to that. What I can tell you is that for years I did a lot of what you just described. I wondered what you were doing, what your life was like, who you were seeing. But that felt wrong.”

She slowly closed the distance between us as she continued. “I made myself turn off my thoughts of you because I was angry and hurt by how it all ended. But as I stand here now, I want so badly to believe what you’re telling me because I don’t want to ignore the feelings I have for you anymore. I’m tired of doing that.”

She stood in front of me. “If you don’t want this, tell me to stop now.” Ever so slowly, she brushed a strand of hair from my forehead.

I inhaled at the touch. She took my wine glass from my hand and placed it on the mantle. “Or now.” She brought her forehead to mine and we stood there for few moments, breathing the same air, our bodies less than an inch apart. My heart was beating rapidly in my chest. “Last chance,” she whispered, meeting my eyes before her gaze dropped, settling decidedly on my mouth. She dipped her head slowly and brushed my lips with hers, feather light. She pulled back and looked at me, nervous. Adrienne had made the first move and now she was looking to me for reassurance. The unabashed need I saw in her eyes mirrored my own.

If she needed reassurance, I could give it to her. I moved my hands into her hair and pulled her lips to mine, devouring her mouth.

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She kissed me back, giving as much as she was getting. Her mouth was hot and incredibly demanding in a good way. It was as if I couldn’t get enough. Her tongue was a wondrous thing that traveled the inside of my lips and beyond with skilled precision. My body seared on the inside and my stomach tightened. I wondered how I could have lived without this for so damn long. Her hands were on my hips now, pulling me firmly against her body. I reached around and cupped her buttocks, pulling her closer still. Adrienne whimpered into my mouth and moved her hands under my shirt, up my spine. I hissed in a breath at her warm touch on my bare skin. My head was spinning and I could scarcely think, my body aching with urgent arousal. Each touch was amazing and torturous at the same time. I rocked my hips against Adrienne as she kissed, sucked, and licked the expanse of my neck. I couldn’t take much more. “Stop, stop, stop,” I managed. “I’m dying here.”

Adrienne rested her heated forehead against my neck, catching her breath. “Where’s your room?” she asked, lifting her head and looking at me, her eyes dark, lustful.

Wordlessly, I took her hand and walked her there, not bothering to turn on a light as we entered the bedroom. The illumination from the hallway was enough to maneuver by.

We stood facing each other next to the bed, our pace now noticeably measured. Adrienne put her arms around my neck and our bodies came together once again. Her mouth close to my ear, she whispered achingly, “I’ve never wanted anything in my life more than I want you right now.” She claimed my mouth with a tender, searching kiss and pulled away, taking two steps back. With her eyes never leaving mine, she unzipped the sundress and let it fall to the floor. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m not going to be able to get through this.”

“I don’t think I could stop if I wanted to. God, you make me feel so many things,” I said shakily, running my hand through my hair.

She took one step toward me, undoing the clasp on her bra as she walked. Her breasts seemed fuller than I remembered and my hands longed to touch her. Next, she hooked her thumbs into the waistband of the panties she wore and slid them off.

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I closed the distance between us, kissing her neck and cupping each breast, feeling the weight of them in my hands. I rolled her nipples between my thumb and forefingers, squeezing softy and then with more pressure. Adrienne tossed her head back, moaning softly and digging her fingernails into my shoulders. I found her mouth again and pulled her bottom lip gently with my teeth as I kissed her, all the while walking us backward to the bed.

Adrienne sat, her hands moving to my jeans. “Off,” she breathed and unzipped them, easing the denim down my legs. I pulled my tank top over my head and my bra joined it shortly on the floor. Adrienne kissed the skin below my naval before sliding the cotton briefs I wore off my body. I stepped out of them and watched as she ran her flattened palms down my stomach. She leaned back onto the bed, gently pulling me with her. I braced myself above on my forearms, savoring the anticipation. Finally, I lowered myself on top of her, our bodies now touching fully and completely with no barriers between us. I closed my eyes as my skin met hers. It was a feeling like no other.

“Oh my God,” she breathed, holding my hair back so she could see my face.

I nodded my head slightly. “I know.”

Adrienne brought my face down to hers and took her time kissing my chin, followed by my eyelids and forehead before covering my mouth with hers. The kiss moved from sweet to intense in a matter of seconds. Adrienne rolled us over, positioning herself on top. She moved down my body, taking my breast into her mouth. I gasped for air as her teeth skated across my nipple before taking the whole thing into her mouth. She sucked gently and increased pressure, driving me absolutely wild. I was vaguely aware of my hips moving against her, searching, reaching. Reacting, she readjusted, placing her thigh between my legs, moving it firmly against me. Her hips straddled my leg. She continued her exploration of my breasts as our bodies settled into a rhythm. When she felt me pick up speed and strain desperately to get closer to her, she pulled her leg away and reached between us, tracing the inside of my thigh with one finger.

“Jesus,” I whispered, covering my eyes.

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“Nope,” she replied. “Try again.”

The torture continued as she moved to my other thigh, delicately teasing and stroking the skin there. Next, she moved her hand through the curls at the base of my thighs, lightly touching, massaging.

“Adrienne…” I pleaded, unable to handle much more. I’d never been this aroused in my life.

In response, she explored further, her fingers finally landing where I needed them most. My hips began to rock against her hand, my body on the brink of absolute explosion. I’d been with a lot of women in the past few years, but nothing ever came close to this, to what Adrienne was able to elicit in me. She slipped one finger easily inside, pulled it back out again and returned it, this time adding a second. Little shockwaves of pleasure traveled through my body with each thrust. She continued the motion causing a deep stirring in my stomach and an intense warmth that radiated downward.

I opened my eyes and met hers. She held my gaze as her thumb pressed firmly against my clit, finally sending me into an orgasm that eclipsed all others. My body, mind, and soul were now joined with Adrienne in every way possible, and I struggled to maintain a coherent thought. My body convulsed and I know I called out as unadulterated pleasure rocketed through my system. My breathing was ragged and my body pulsed with the last of the remaining shockwaves. Adrienne crawled up my body and laid herself half on top of me, her face next to mine. She stroked my cheek and kissed the side of my temple tenderly. She rolled onto her back, and stared up at the ceiling. “That was incredible, different than I remembered.

Better, if that’s even possible.”

“What is this thing?” I wondered aloud.

She pushed herself up on her elbow and looked down at me.

“I don’t know. But after all this time, it only feels stronger. Jenna, I look at you across a room and I melt, and when I see you looking back at me the way you sometimes do and I feel this need for you.

It’s like I—”

I captured her mouth with mine, silencing her, simply because I couldn’t stand to go another minute without touching her the way I wanted to. With one hand on her shoulder I pushed her softly onto

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her back and rolled on top of her. Knowing she would already be ready for me, I reached a hand in between us and cupped her tightly.

A ragged gasp escaped from Adrienne’s lips and she pushed her cheek against the pillow, her nails now digging into my back. She held on tight as I began to slowly stroke her slickness. I brushed my fingers across her clit ever so lightly, offering just enough and moving away. I wasn’t satisfied with this level of intimacy, however.

I needed more. I kissed my way down her body, dwelling for a few moments on her breasts, knowing how sensitive they were. She gripped the sheet beneath her, her hips moving rhythmically against my still exploring hand.

As I moved past her stomach, I stopped, stunned at what I saw.

I hadn’t noticed it earlier, perhaps because the lights were dim, but there on Adrienne’s hip was a small unassuming tattoo in the form of a Superman logo. I shook my head slightly in disbelief, taken back to our first date on the boardwalk—how new it had been between us back then. I kissed the small expanse of skin in reverence. The discovery only fueled my passion. I continued my quest down her body and as my mouth finally settled firmly on its destination, I heard her whimper softly. My tongue delicately tasted before increasing pressure and pulling her more fully into my mouth. I felt Adrienne’s hands in my hair, caressing but also pulling me desperately closer. I pushed my fingers into her center, pumping slowly at first and then increasing speed, all the while sucking harder. It didn’t take long before she tumbled over the edge, crying out and nearly pushing off the bed. I held on to her hips tightly as she rode out the final waves of pleasure, her body glistening, stunning.

We lay there in silence, both of us spent. I rested my cheek on her abdomen and traced lazy circles on her stomach. Her hands played in my hair. “You’re incredible, you know that?” I whispered.

“Not only do you live up to expectations, but you shatter them.”

“Ditto. Come up here please.”

I obliged and moved up the bed, tucking my head under her outstretched arm and onto her shoulder. Our legs were a bit tangled and I draped one arm across her body. She kissed the top of my head as I settled in. “I can’t believe this actually happened.”

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“Are you sorry?” I asked, looking up at her, worried she might have regrets.

She appeared surprised by the question. Her brow furrowed and she shook her head sincerely. “God, no. I’ve wanted this for a while, Jenna, wanted you. Once we started the film and I had to see you every day, and talk to you, and occasionally touch you during scenes, well, let’s just say it was hard.”

“For me too.”

She slid down the bed a little so we now lay face-to-face.

Adrienne stroked my cheek and took my face into her hands. “I think it’s okay for us to be scared.”

I felt the tears well up in my eyes and did my best to fight against them. I couldn’t speak even if I’d wanted to, so instead I nodded. Because I was scared. I didn’t know where we went from here. We’d tried this before and it hadn’t worked. This was definitely uncharted territory for me and I felt unprotected, vulnerable to whatever might happen. As one tear I was desperately ashamed of made its way down my cheek, Adrienne did the tenderest thing I could imagine. She leaned in and kissed it. She wrapped her arms around me and held on tight. It was in that embrace that I drifted off to the most wonderfully restful sleep I had experienced in over four years.

❖

I blinked twice and rubbed my eyes, shielding them from the onslaught of intense sunlight streaming into the room. I lay on my stomach and as I came to, the events of the night before rushed back to me. I couldn’t help but smile lazily as I turned over, looking immediately for Adrienne. The other side of the bed was empty, however. I felt my face fall, my stomach drop. I listened for sounds of activity somewhere in the house but heard only silence.

I decided to get up and investigate. If she was gone, it was possible she’d left a note. I hastily pulled on some cutoffs and a T-shirt and moved throughout the cottage, but there was no trace of Adrienne or the fact that she’d ever been there. I located my phone.

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No messages. I ran my hands through my hair, angry at myself for hoping I’d been wrong and Adrienne hadn’t given me the most amazing night of my life and then left the next morning without a word. I hated that she had the power to hurt me and was upset that she could regret what we’d shared.

I made a pot of coffee and stared it down as it brewed, rehashing the night before. Just the thought of how Adrienne had touched me sent my body into overdrive. I shook my head finally, forcing the thoughts from my mind. I poured myself a cup and made my way out onto the back patio. I opened the door and stopped. Adrienne stood at the railing with her back to the door, watching the morning tide roll in. She wore only a long T-shirt , my T-shirt. I watched her for a moment and attempted to regroup, exhaling. As if sensing the attention, she turned around, resting her elbows on the rail.

“Hey, sleepyhead.” She smiled shyly. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” I said, doing my best to cover up the misunderstanding.

She arched an eyebrow, studying me. “Something’s wrong.”

“No, I just…I thought you’d gone.”

“I’m right here,” she said quietly. She looked down at her attire attempting to lighten the mood. “I stole your shirt. I hope that’s okay. My bag is still in my car.”

I joined her at the edge of the deck. “You’re welcome to my clothes. Do you want me to bring your bag in or are you heading out today?” I sounded pathetic, I knew, but I had to know.

Adrienne stared out at the horizon. “You really thought I left, that I would do that without even saying good-bye first?”

I lifted one hand and let it drop, unsure how to explain, so instead I avoided the question. “I’m glad you’re still here, and I would like very much for you to stay tonight.”

She didn’t answer and she still wasn’t looking at me. Her expression was distant, pensive. Sad.

“Age, look at me.” I gently turned her chin until I could look her in the eye. “I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.”

She nodded, covering my hand with hers. “I know and I don’t blame you. I think we’re still a little afraid of each other, huh?”

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I lifted her hair off the back of her neck and let it drop again.

“Hey, let’s not do this, okay? Let’s start again. Here I go. Good morning, Adrienne. I’m so happy to see you.” I leaned in and kissed her softly.

She opened her eyes as I pulled away. “I like that version,” she breathed. “I could get used to that version.”

“So what do you say? Will you stay? I only have one night left here and I’d like to spend it with you.”

“And after tomorrow?”

I looked down, thinking, then raised my head, meeting her eyes. “We try.”

She nodded. “I can do that. And to answer your question, yes, I’d like to stay.”

“Good. Now what can I make you for breakfast?” I asked, putting my arms around her waist.

She kissed my nose. “Nothing, thank you, because you can’t cook.”

“This is true. But we have bagels.” I grinned proudly. “And I excel at toasting things. Me and my toaster will rock your world.”

She laughed. “Sounds like a plan.”

We ate in the kitchen, listening to morning radio and tossing around ideas for the day. I couldn’t help smiling, enjoying the domesticity of the past twenty-four hours.

“We could hit a few more stores,” Adrienne suggested. “I read about some out of the way ones.”

“Gee. As much as I would love another fun-filled afternoon of antiquing, I think maybe we should try something new.”

“Are you sure?” she said all too innocently. “You seemed pretty enthralled yesterday. I wouldn’t want to deprive you of a repeat of the whole wonderful experience.”

I couldn’t get over how good she looked wearing just my T-shirt. “If you would wear this all day, I think I’d go along with just about anything you said.”

“Is that so?” I could tell the wheels in her head were now turning. She came around the table, straddled my lap, and placed her arms around my neck. “I might be able to arrange that.”

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I nuzzled her neck. “You drive me absolutely crazy, do you know that?”

“I didn’t, but it’s certainly nice to hear.” She tossed her head to the side, gesturing toward the hallway. “I’m going to grab a shower.

If you feel so inclined, you are officially invited to join me.”

I leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled her lips away at the last minute. “Not yet,” she said. “In there.” And with that, she was on her way, disappearing down the hallway. Damn.

It was just a short while until I heard the water running and it wasn’t like I could resist such an offer. There was a very sexy woman in my bathroom whom I was crazy about. The math was simple.

I pushed open the door and found the room seemingly empty as Adrienne was already in the shower. I shed my clothes, slipped through the shower curtain, and stepped behind her under the spray.

She turned, her eyes appreciative as they drifted slowly down my body. She placed her hands on the center of my shoulders and let them drop, feeling her way down every inch of my skin. I stood motionless, my eyes closed. I felt her lips on my neck and the rest became a blur. There was kissing, gasping, and lots of mutual exploration.

We lingered in the shower, completely captivated with each other until the water ran cold. Adrienne stepped out first and held a towel open for me. As I stepped out into it, I decided to ask the question that had been in the back of my mind since the night before.

“Can I ask about the tattoo?”

She looked down at her hip, running her thumb across the design. “I got it in New York four years ago, two weeks before Austin. I’d always wanted one. I think I told you that. That day on the pier when we got the temporary ones, it was one of the nicest days I remember having. I didn’t tell you about the tattoo back then because I’d planned to surprise you. Except things were a little hurried between us that last night…”

“Oh,” I said, remembering.

“I’d thought about having it removed. Just never got around to it. Maybe that was subconscious. I don’t know.”

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I smiled. “Well, I like it. That was one of my favorite days too.”

We continued getting ready for the day in silence. It was nice though, a comfortable silence. Every once in a while, I’d glance over at Adrienne just to remind myself she was here with me. That action was often greeted with a smile or playful wink. There was a skip in my step that was simply undeniable. Life suddenly had endless possibilities and I was ready for it.

After sprucing up for the day, Adrienne and I eventually decided to visit Montauk Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York State and also a historic landmark. There had always been something about lighthouses that I found intriguing, mysterious even. They had such a calming effect, a serenity I couldn’t quite pinpoint.

We packed food for a late lunch and I looked forward to our last afternoon in the Hamptons. We put the top down on Adrienne’s rental and I watched her as she drove. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail and it made her look especially young. I smiled. She reminded me of the teenage Adrienne from television. As we sped past the shore, I watched the beach dwellers and sang quietly to the radio.

She looked over at me, thoughtful. “You know, you have a beautiful voice, Jen. I’d forgotten how well you sing.”

“No, you’re the singer,” I said. “I can do just enough to get by.”

“You always underestimate yourself. Speaking of which, Elevation starts rehearsals in two weeks. Are you pumped?”

I hesitated. “It does start rehearsals, but I think in order to attend I have to sign and return their contract.”

“What? Why are you dragging your feet? This show was made for you.”

I decided to level with her. “Maybe it’s just cold feet, but I’m worried I’m not as good as they think I am.”

“Wrong. You’re better, which is why I recommended you in the first place. And just for the record, I didn’t do it because of us. I did it because your dancing on your worst day is better than most of these people on their best. I’ve been doing this awhile, Jenna, and your talent is rare.”

I sighed. “You have to say that.”

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She shook her head and focused on the road. “So ridiculously stubborn.”

❖

The lighthouse was as beautiful in person as it was on the postcards I’d seen, more so even. We took dozens of photos in front of it, together and individually. Not surprisingly, Adrienne was recognized several times and posed for a few fan photos with a group of teenagers.

Later, we perused the visitor’s center and gift shop, trying on various hats and sunglasses just for fun. We laughed a lot and it felt good. In the end, I purchased a calendar and Adrienne picked up a framed photo of the lighthouse at night, a sight I hoped to experience in person one day.

Next, we found a comfortable spot on top of some of the larger rocks along the shoreline and snacked on the assorted cheeses and fruit we’d brought with us from the stocked fridge back at the cottage.

We stretched out on the rocks, staring up at the lighthouse as we discussed all aspects of life, updating one another on the details of family, friends, and even, touchy subject as it was, recent relationships.

“So how long were you together?” I asked.

She thought for a moment. “A little more than three months, I guess.” Adrienne was referencing her much publicized relationship with Rene Inglata, the fashion model.

“Who ended it?”

“I did. We had fun, but in the end, it just wasn’t there. There was always something missing.”

I nodded.

“Your turn,” she said. “Tell me about your last relationship.”

“What exactly constitutes a relationship?” I asked, watching the clouds move in the overcast sky above.

She looked over at me strangely. “Anyone you’d consider your girlfriend, I guess.”

“In that case, I guess I haven’t had any of those since you.”

“How is that possible? I’ve seen photos of you with lots of women. It’s okay to talk about it. I’m a big girl.”

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“No, it’s not that. There were lots of women, there just wasn’t ever…one. I was working a lot and didn’t want the distraction.

Relationships don’t coexist well with location shooting and extra long hours on set.” I looked at her knowingly. “Plus, when they don’t work out, it can be brutal.”

“So when you say lots, you mean—”

“Lots.” I emphasized the word reluctantly.

“Oh.” She took in the information. “So that’s where all the new moves came from.”

I blushed, embarrassed and a little saddened by that observation.

“Adrienne, I’m not proud of the way I’ve carried on, and it’s being around you for these past few months that’s made me see that. I don’t want to be that person anymore.” Annoyingly, my BlackBerry chose that moment to interrupt and buzzed from the recesses of my pocket. I pulled it out and silenced it. Latham, I noted to myself before turning my attention back to Adrienne.

“You know, it doesn’t matter to me, your past, other women.”

She took my hand and threaded her fingers through mine. “It doesn’t change who you are.”

“Thank you.” Another buzz. I glanced down, irritated. This time he’d sent a text message. Urgent. Call me.

Adrienne rested her chin on my shoulder, her brow furrowed as she peered down at the screen. “You should probably talk to him. I don’t think he’s going away.”

“It’ll just take a sec.” I stood and wandered a few yards away as I dialed. Never one to disappoint, Latham’s voice was as loud and obnoxious as ever upon answering.

“There you are! Sorry to bother you on your vacation, but we need to talk.”

“All right. What’s up?” I was suddenly nervous. Had something fallen through with the Elevation deal? I cursed myself for not signing the contract faster.

“I got a call today from your old Tenth Avenue director. He’s been given the green light by Warner Brothers to shoot Greystone.”

“The novel?

“That would be the bestselling novel, yes.”

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“I thought the rights were tied up. Everyone and their brother have been trying to get their hands on that project.”

“It’s amazing what money can do, sweetheart. Warner Brothers now has it and they want to make it a double header and shoot the suckers in Rome. That’s two films, Jenna, and your director friend wants you in the lead. Don’t say anything; it gets better. The studio has subsequently seen the dailies from Second Life and they’re backing his decision one hundred percent. All you have to do is meet with them. Do you see where this is going?”

My mind was racing but my mouth was open in shock. “I think I’m getting there.”

“Well, let me make it simple. You just won the fucking lottery.

This is what we’ve been waiting for. This is your chance to move into the Hollywood stratosphere. With a noteworthy director in place, who you already have a fantastic working relationship with, we’re talking fast-track to Oscarville. The scenario couldn’t be any better if we’d written it ourselves. You’ll be the new It-girl the second the news of your casting hits Variety.”

I was reeling. How had this happened? This was good news.

Hell, this was great news, but it was a lot to process and I felt like I was a step behind. “Um, I can’t believe it. Talk this through with me.

What are the negatives?”

“There are no negatives. That’s what I’m saying. Of course it would mean passing on Elevation, but Broadway’s not going anywhere.” He was right. It wasn’t. “You’d be tied up in Italy for the better part of a year, but there’s nowhere better to be tied up, trust me. Pasta up to your elbows.”

Whoa, Italy? I told my brain to shut up. I couldn’t allow myself to think about that part quite yet. I was still reveling in the idea that they wanted me, and how gratifying that felt. “It sounds great. I just…I need time to think, Latham.”

“No time. I need you to come back to the city tonight. The studio rep is in town and wants to have a dinner meeting. Make it happen.”

“Okay, well”—I checked my watch—“I guess I can be there in a few hours. I just need to get my things together. Text me the details of the meeting.”

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I hung up and stared at my phone in mystification and triumph all wrapped into one.

“Going somewhere?” Adrienne’s voice immediately snapped me out of the daze I was in.

Shit, I thought as I came crashing back to Earth. Adrienne stood nearby, a quizzical look on her face, and I was reminded of the here and now. What was I thinking? I didn’t want to leave, not when I was finally back where I wanted to be—with Adrienne. I was struggling. “I don’t know. Something crazy just happened.” I walked back to the rocks and sat beside her.

She placed a reassuring hand on my knee. “Tell me what he said.”

I recounted the details of the conversation to Adrienne, hearing the excitement in my voice escalate as I spoke. She remained quiet throughout, nodding her head in all the appropriate spots. Finally, I turned to her. “What do you think?”

She kissed the back of my hand. “I’m amazed and so very proud of you. It’s wonderful.” But as she looked out at the surf, there was a distance behind her eyes that spoke volumes.

My voice dropped and I dipped my head, attempting to get her to look at me. “I didn’t say I was taking it.”

“I know that. You can’t possibly know what you’re going to do. But you seem excited about the possibility.” She offered a smile that didn’t quite make it to her eyes. This was familiar territory and a horrible sense of déjà vu arrived right on time in the center of my consciousness.

“I guess I’m just riding the high of the idea.”

She nodded but her demeanor was noticeably altered. “But you’re going to the meeting?”

I sighed. “I think I should at least hear what they have to say, don’t you?”

“Of course. You owe it to yourself and all that you’ve accomplished. You should definitely go.”

“We’d have to head back to the city within the hour. The meeting is tonight.”

“Um, do you mind if I stay back here the extra night? I could reimburse you for the room.”

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I was a little hurt she didn’t want to ride back together, but even more taken aback by her offer of money. “If that’s what you want, you’re welcome to stay. But I don’t want your money.” She didn’t answer. She seemed lost in thought, and I was starting to feel as if things were crumbling around me. There was suddenly a distance between us and I hated it. “Adrienne?”

Her answer was abrupt, almost as if she was cutting to the chase. “I need to say something here.”

“Okay.”

She scooted back on the rock so she could face me fully and took a breath. “If you think about it, Jenna, we’re not in an incredibly different set of circumstances now than we were four years ago.

We’re both in the middle of fairly successful careers that will probably pull us in two different directions at one point or another, and from the look of things, it could be sooner than we realized. The only shot we have at making this work is to be completely honest this time around.” She took a deep breath and I could tell this wasn’t easy for her. “If it were up to me, you wouldn’t go. You’d stay in New York and do Elevation, which could be just as big a boost to your career if it’s received well. We could explore what it’s like to really be together and do this thing right. Plus, there’s the fact I don’t want to be apart from you. It’s selfish of me, I know, but it’s what I want, and I need for everything to be out on the table.”

I smiled. I liked hearing that she wanted me around. “So what you’re saying—”

She squeezed my hand. “Is that I want this to work. I mean what I said, but I’ll support you in whatever you decide. This is the kind of thing you live for, and I happen to love that you dream big. It would be incredibly hard, but I can make a few sacrifices if it means you’re happy. I’m not going anywhere.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but the first drops hit us. The rain was refreshing at first and we both looked skyward, smiling. But it wasn’t long until the sky opened up and large, wet drops began to pelt us mercilessly. We scrambled to gather our belongings and ran back to the car, soaked by the time we made it there. Adrienne grabbed for the door handle on the driver’s side, but before she could

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get it open, I stopped her, turned her around, and pressed her up against the car with a searing kiss. She gasped, caught off guard, but recovered quickly. She grasped the back of my neck as she pulled me in tighter. The rain poured down, drenching every inch of our bodies, but the kissing continued, unrelenting. Her mouth was slick from the rain and I could feel that my clothes were now glued to my body, but I didn’t care. We eventually came up for air, gradually more aware of the conditions around us and after one last nip, I ran around to the passenger’s side, both of us dashing into the dry car.

When we arrived back at the cottage, we only had a few minutes together before I was forced to pack up and head out if I wanted to make it back to the city in time.

Adrienne walked me to the door and handed me a thermos of coffee for the road. “Please drive safe. The rain may not let up and the roads will be wet.”

“Yes, ma’am. Are you sure you won’t come with me?”

She shook her head and damn it, there was that distant look again. “I think I need another night before returning to the real world.”

I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

“I’m jealous. I want so badly to stay.”

She looked into my eyes, her gaze earnest and intense. “I hope you get what you want, Jenna, whatever that may be.”

There was a lump in my throat and I found it difficult to speak.

Instead, I nodded, desperately wanting not to hurt her and at the same time not knowing how to make that fit into life as I knew it.

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Chapter thirteen

I’m pretty sure Satan had a hand in developing the kind of horrible traffic that struck just when you needed to be somewhere important. The two hours it should have taken me to make it to midtown by car had blossomed into close to three and a half. But for some reason, it didn’t bother me the way it should have.

As I sat there, I reached into my bag and found an orange, tossing it ever so softly in the confined space of the car as I stared, blinked, and wondered. Starring in a film like this one would open up a myriad of opportunities in Hollywood. I could write my own ticket, search out my own projects, and pick and choose from a variety of prime gigs. That’s what all the hard work had been about. But if that was the case, why wasn’t I ecstatic, over the moon? Why didn’t I want to plow through all this traffic and get to the meeting that could change my life for the better?

I set the orange down as my thought process picked up speed.

I began to list in my head the happiest moments in my life and began to zero in on a startling conclusion. Those moments weren’t centered around my achievements in the arts or any kind of awards or nominations I’d ever received. They weren’t about long hours spent on character development or getting the call that I’d landed a part I desperately wanted. The most precious moments of my life, the memories I tucked away and valued above all others, were of Adrienne. They were the times we spent after the show in her dressing room on tour, talking or not talking, our first date on the

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pier and the time when I saw her face so unexpectedly at the stage door. Then there was the weekend we’d just shared where I felt everything come together again in the most wonderful way. When I was with her, everything felt real and alive and bursting with color.

When I was without her, I was always searching for something, anything, to make me feel the way she did. Hell, I already missed her so badly I could barely breathe.

On the verge of something big, I pulled the car out of traffic and onto the side of the road. And there it was. The truth was right there in front of me. Nothing else could make me feel the way she could.

I was head over heels in love with her.

“I’m an idiot,” I said to the empty car. I lowered my head onto the steering wheel.

For so many years, I’d been sure of who I was and what I needed out of life to be happy. But here in the dark, the rain beating against the windshield, I couldn’t escape the fact that I loved Adrienne more than I’d ever loved anyone in my entire life. I wasn’t falling in love with her, I was there, and no matter how hard I’d fought against it, I probably had been for a very long time. In that instant, it felt like my heart locked into the place that it was always meant to be.

I acted fast, reaching for my wallet. “Damn it,” I muttered. I hated myself for being so completely disorganized. I dumped out the wallet’s contents unceremoniously onto the passenger’s seat and my eyes landed on what I sought. My thumb moved across the nondescript business card and I did a little happy dance in my head.

I pulled the phone from my pocket and dialed the number on the card. “Hi, Ethan? It’s Jenna McGovern from yesterday. Listen, I’m sorry to bother you, but I was hoping you could help me out with something kind of last minute. I need a favor.”

❖

It was well after one a.m. when I arrived back at the beach cottage. I’d had several stops to make along the way, one of which I was still feeling the effects of. I stared at the darkened porch and decided nervously it was now or never. I rubbed my hands together,

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knocked softly, and waited. No response. I stepped forward and knocked louder this time. It took a minute or two for Adrienne to come to the door.

She flipped the porch light on and squinted. “Hello?” She looked concerned, sleepy, and beautiful as ever. Definite butterfly action happening.

“It’s okay. It’s me.”

“Jenna? Is everything okay? What time is it?”

“It’s close to two a.m. and everything is fine. It’s more than fine. It’s wonderful.” I couldn’t contain my smile.

She tilted her head. “Is it the part? Was the offer better than you thought?”

“I’m in love with you.” I raised one shoulder and let it drop simply.

Adrienne looked back at me and swallowed. Well, that certainly shut her up. It seemed like an eternity before she spoke, but when she did her voice was meek and several shades of adorable. “You are?”

I nodded, my emotion so raw and unguarded in that moment that I prayed I’d find the words I needed. “I am. I think I’ve loved you from that first day we spent together on the pier and I haven’t stopped since. I was stupid to let so much time go by without saying so, but I know now that I don’t want to spend another day apart from you.” She took my hands, which were shaking noticeably, in hers.

“I’ve made mistakes. I know that. But I swear to you, Adrienne, that I will love you for the rest of my life and nothing, not even my stupid ambition, will ever come before you do. I told Latham to forget it. I don’t want to go to Italy, not unless I’m following you there, which I would do. Please say that you forgive me, and that you’ll spend your life with me, and that you’ll teach our kids how to bowl and—”

I didn’t get a chance to finish because she kissed me and fresh tears streamed down my face.

“Yes,” she breathed in my ear. “I want that too. I love you, Jenna. Of course I love you.”

I laughed through my tears, holding her tightly, feeling her heart beat against mine and knowing this was it. This was where I belonged. That’s when I remembered.

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“Wait. I have something for you.” I pulled the small box from my pocket and removed the silver locket inside. “I saw this in the first antique shop we stopped at. The inscription on the back says ‘To my love. Forever is ours.’ When I read those words, somewhere deep down, I knew they were about you. I was too timid to acknowledge it in the moment, but it was always there, Adrienne. This inscription says what’s in my heart. Please believe me when I tell you there is nothing I want more than to spend forever with you.”

Her hand shook slightly as she accepted the locket and ran her fingers across the raised anchor, studying the detail. “It’s stunning,”

she said. She opened it and her movement stilled. Inside was a photo of us at the lighthouse, holding on to each other and smiling at the camera. “Jenna,” she whispered achingly, pulling the locket to her chest “Thank you.” She fastened the clasp behind her neck before leaning in closer so that our foreheads touched. “I don’t even know what to say. I’ll cherish it. And you. I promise.”

Adrienne took my hand in hers and I followed her into the cottage. Once inside, I sighed, feeling so wonderfully carefree. “You have no idea how nice it is to be back here. I feel like I want to scream from the rooftops or something.”

“Hmm. Do you think we can scream tomorrow?” She moved my hair aside and placed a solitary kiss on the back of my neck.

My body answered her question before my mouth could, turning in her arms. I stared into her eyes and softly stroked her hair, slowly releasing it from the ponytail. It fell around her face in luxurious, loose waves. I was arrested by how beautiful she looked and a hot jolt shuddered through my body. We moved to each other at the same time, our mouths meeting in a clash of warm lips and tongues.

Somebody moaned, maybe both of us.

Adrienne steered us into the bedroom, neither of us ready to stop what we’d started long enough to travel there like civilized people. We weren’t gentle and we weren’t graceful. We were a force of nature as our kissing continued. We bumped into walls, furniture, and the doorway until finally the backs of my knees slammed against the side of the bed, stopping our progress. Undressing each other was a luxury we didn’t have time for. I discarded my clothes as

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quickly as possible and Adrienne did the same. When we came back together at the foot of the bed, her hands were all over me, moving across every inch of my exposed skin as her mouth played torturous games with my breasts. But when she grabbed my hips and pulled me toward her, I let out a small cry of pain. Adrienne froze. “Are you all right? Did I hurt you?” she asked, searching my face in the dim room.

“No, no, I’m fine. Maybe be extra gentle with my left hip. It’s going to take a few days to heal.”

“Heal?” she said, clearly worried as she looked down to examine my side. When her gaze lifted, she seemed struck. “When did you do this?”

I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. “A few hours ago?”

“Baby.” She ever so softly traced her finger over the small tattoo of a shamrock, complete with a scripted letter A in the center.

“I love it.”

“Me too.”

“I can’t believe you did this for me.”

“For us,” I answered.

“Us,” she repeated, nodding her head as the meaning of that word settled in. She slowly pushed me backward onto the bed and followed me down. “I love you.”

I reached up and kissed her, wrapping my hand around the back of her neck. “Thank God for that.”

• 243 •

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epilOgue

Three Months Later

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping on the fire escape and smiled. I moved in closer behind Adrienne, draping my arm across her middle and nuzzling her hair, completely content to stay there forever. She stirred, turning to face me. “Hi, baby,” she said in her cute sleepy voice

“Hi.”

“It’s Sunday.”

“I know.”

“We should probably call in sick, I think, and stay here.”

“Somehow, I don’t think our producers would like that too much. It’s kind of a big day and I think people would notice.”

She kissed my nose. “You know, it doesn’t seem that important anymore.”

“You’ve got a point there.” I pulled her into my arms.

“God, I love these mornings,” she said, settling in. “This is all I need. This and maybe a little food. I haven’t seen enough of you in the past couple weeks. Hopefully, after tonight our schedules will settle into a more solid routine. I’ve missed you.”

“Me too. You know, it isn’t easy passing a three-story billboard of you on my walk to work each day. Thanks for that.”

She raised her head to see me better, an accusatory expression on her face. “Did you somehow miss the one of you two buildings

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down? It drives me crazy having to see that thing every day, knowing I’m not going to see you until many, many hours later.”

“That so doesn’t count. It’s a silhouette of me dancing. You can’t see my face or even tell that it’s me.”

Her eyes widened in exasperation. “It’s a silhouette of your body, of which I have some experience.” She reached down, beginning to blatantly tease. “I think it’s fate’s way of torturing me.”

“Speaking of torture,” I said, inhaling sharply.

She raised her eyebrow. “Oh, you don’t like that?” she asked innocently. “I should stop?”

“Maybe…not.”

“Then I suppose I should finish.” There was a mischievous glint in her eye as she moved down the bed. Lord, help me.

❖

The day couldn’t have been more picturesque as we rounded the last corner on the way to our respective theaters. There was a slight chill in the air and the sidewalks were bustling with the matinee crowds. It was one of those perfect Sunday afternoons, the sky so brilliantly blue your heart ached. We held hands loosely as Adrienne walked me to the Booth’s stage door and we ducked under the awning in Schubert Alley to say good-bye.

“Take care of that outfit. It’s one of my favorites.” She gestured up and down at the jeans and sweatshirt I wore. “Though I’m starting to think it looks better on you.”

I stole a kiss. “Not possible.”

“So where do you want to meet after work? We won’t have much time to get ready.”

“Well, with as much as the press is making about us being such cutthroat rivals,” I joked, “maybe we should meet somewhere in between our two theaters so no one suspects a hostile takeover.”

“I’ll meet you anywhere you want,” she said, nuzzling into my neck.

“Aww, shucks.” I put my arms around her. “Are you sure you have to go? You’re kind of nice.”

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She pulled back and smiled wryly. “That’s what my contract says.”

“Damn.”

She picked up her bag and backed into the alley. “But I have good news.”

“What’s that?” I called after her.

“We have the rest of our life ahead of us,” she shouted back, blowing me a kiss good-bye. She turned and headed across the street to transform herself into a sassy nightclub singer. As she walked away, I knew I’d spend the rest of my life loving her. I looked up at the blue sky before me and couldn’t help but grin. Life was beautiful.

❖

There were two minutes left on the commercial break and those in the audience at Radio City Music Hall chattered animatedly with their dates and colleagues while they still could. The place was a myriad of colorful evening gowns and designer tuxedos, a glamorous environment for theater bigwigs to rub elbows with one another.

Adrienne turned to me in her seat. “What time did you say the truck was expected to arrive? I want to be sure Kyle and Ben are at my place before they get there. We’re going to need more help unloading.”

“The company said anytime between nine and eleven,” I said.

“Okay, so maybe I’ll tell them eight thirty. We could make them breakfast first. What do you think?”

“Perfect.” I smiled as the orchestra struck up, signaling us we were going back live. After a brief introduction and a little patter between the presenters, the next category was read.

“And the nominees for Best Actress in a Musical are…”

Adrienne slipped her hand into mine and I offered her an encouraging squeeze. We’d jokingly told each other that whoever won, provided we weren’t both beat, would have to do dishes for a month to make it up to the other. All joking aside, I couldn’t help but hope the right name was read off of that envelope, and I had a very strong opinion on the topic.

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The moment was now upon us, the moment I’d imagined my entire life, and it felt highly surreal. I don’t remember hearing the names of the nominees read, but Adrienne tells me that ours were announced back to back. I do remember feeling like my heart might jump out of my chest and just before the envelope was opened, I sent up a silent prayer and hoped with everything I had.

“And the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical goes to…

Adrienne Kenyon for Cabaret.”

I was instantly on my feet applauding, turning toward Adrienne who remained in her chair, stunned. I leaned down and offered her my hand, which she took before blindly walking to the stage. I covered my mouth as I sat, so incredibly happy that I didn’t know what to do with myself.

I watched Adrienne gracefully ascend the stairs and accept her well-deserved award as tears glistened in both her eyes and mine. As the applause died down, she began to speak, her voice shaky with emotion. “Oh my,” she said, studying the award, “I’ve thought about this moment since I was ten years old and now that I’m here looking out at all of you, I don’t know what to say.” This elicited supportive laughter from the audience. “Wait, yes I do,” she countered firmly, to even more laughter. “I’ve always wanted to be an artist, to create believable characters that people would remember. Thank you to everyone who’s ever given me the opportunity to do that. Some of you believed in me when I thought of myself as nothing more than a washed up ex-television star, and for that I’m eternally grateful. To my cast, my beautiful cast, this would never have happened without your creative genius on that stage every night. What I do is only because of what you’ve given me. To my fellow nominees, I’m humbled to be listed among you. I think you’re all amazing. Lastly, to Jenna,” she said, choking up slightly. “This should be yours.

Honestly, I’ve known that from the moment I saw you perform. But you have ownership of something else too, my heart, and that will never change. I love you. Thank you, everyone.”

I had trouble seeing through the tears as Adrienne exited the stage into the wings. I took a deep, calming breath but was unable to erase the smile from my face. This was the happiest I’d ever been

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in my entire life and I laughed out loud at the irony. If someone had told me at twelve years old how thrilled I would be to lose the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, I would have declared them certifiable. But life’s a tricky thing. It throws you curve balls.

Sometimes, it is in the pursuing of one dream that you realize another. Adrienne, and our life together, is that realized dream for me. She’s the truest thing I’ve ever known. And while it took a long time for us to come together, I can say with utmost certainty that I wouldn’t change a moment of it.

It’s our story.

• 249 •

About the Author

Melissa Brayden currently works as a theater director at the performing arts center of one of the largest high schools in the state of Texas, a job she completely enjoys. Recently, she’s fallen down the rabbit hole and rediscovered her love for creative writing.

Waiting in the Wings is her first novel.

Melissa is married and working really hard at remembering to do the dishes. For personal enjoyment, she spends time with her Jack Russell terriers and checks out the NYC theater scene several times a year. She considers herself a reluctant patron of the treadmill, but thoroughly enjoys hitting a tennis ball around in nice weather.

Coffee is her very best friend. www.melissabrayden.com Books Available From Bold Strokes Books Waiting in the Wings by Melissa Brayden. Jenna has spent her whole life training for the stage, but the one thing she didn’t prepare for was Adrienne. Is she ready to sacrifice what she’s worked so hard for in exchange for a shot at something much deeper? (978-1-60282-561-1)

Sex and Skateboards by Ashley Bartlett. Sex and skateboards and surfing on the California coast. What more could anyone want?

Alden McKenna thinks that’s all she needs, until she meets Weston Duvall. (978-1-60282-562-8)

Pirate’s Fortune by Gun Brooke. Book Four in the Supreme Constellations series. Set against the backdrop of war, captured mercenary Weiss Kyakh is persuaded to work undercover with bio-android Madisyn Pimm, which foils her plans to escape, but kindles unexpected love. (978-1-60282-563-5) Suite Nineteen by Mel Bossa. Psychic Ben Lebeau moves into Shilts Manor where he meets seductive Lennox Van Kemp and his clan of Métis—guardians of a spiritual conspiracy dating back to Christ. But are Ben’s psychic abilities strong enough to save him?

(978-1-60282-564-2)

Wings: Subversive Gay Angel Erotica edited by Todd Gregory. A collection of powerfully written tales of passion and desire centered on the aching beauty of angels. (978-1-60282-565-9) Speaking Out: LGBTQ Youth Stand Up edited by Steve Berman.

Inspiring stories written for and about LGBT and Q teens of overcoming adversity (against intolerance and homophobia) and experiencing life after coming out. (978-1-60282-566-6) Forbidden Passions by MJ Williamz. Passion burns hotter when it’s forbidden and the fire between Katie Prentiss and Corrine Staples in antebellum Louisiana is raging out of control. (978-1-60282-641-0) Harmony by Karis Walsh. When Brook Stanton meets a beautiful musician who threatens the security of her conventional, predetermined future, will she take a chance on finding the harmony only love creates? (978-1-60282-237-5) nightrise by Nell Stark and Trinity Tam. In the third book in the everafter series, when Valentine Darrow loses her soul, Alexa must cross continents to find a way to save her. (978-1-60282-238-2) Men of the Mean Streets: Gay Noir edited by Greg Herren and J.M. Redmann. Dark tales of amorality and criminality by some of the top authors of gay mysteries. (978-1-60282-240-5) Women of the Mean Streets: Lesbian Noir edited by J.M. Redmann and Greg Herren. Murder, mayhem, sex, and danger—these are the stories of the women who dare to tackle the mean streets. (978-1-60282-241-2)

Cool Side of the Pillow by Gill McKnight. Bebe Franklin falls for funeral director Clara Dearheart, but how can she compete with the ghost of Clara’s lover—and a love that transcends death and knows no rest? (978-1-60282-633-5)

Firestorm by Radclyffe. Firefighter paramedic Mallory “Ice” James isn’t happy when the undisciplined Jac Russo joins her command, but lust isn’t something either can control—and they soon discover ice burns as fiercely as flame. (978-1-60282-232-0) The Best Defense by Carsen Taite. When socialite Aimee Howard hires former homicide detective Skye Keaton to find her missing niece, she vows not to mix business with pleasure, but she soon finds Skye hard to resist. (978-1-60282-233-7) After the Fall by Robin Summers. When the plague destroys most of humanity, Taylor Stone thinks there’s nothing left to live for, until she meets Kate, a woman who makes her realize love is still alive and makes her dream of a future she thought was no longer possible.

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Accidents Never Happen by David-Matthew Barnes. From the moment Albert and Joey meet by chance beneath a train track on a street in Chicago, a domino effect is triggered, setting off a chain reaction of murder and tragedy. (978-1-60282-235-1) In Plain View by Shane Allison. Best-selling gay erotica authors create the stories of sex and desire modern readers crave. (978-1-60282-236-8)

Wild by Meghan O’Brien. Shapeshifter Selene Rhodes dreads the full moon and the loss of control it brings, but when she rescues forensic pathologist Eve Thomas from a vicious attack by a masked man, she discovers she isn’t the scariest monster in San Francisco.

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Reluctant Hope by Erin Dutton. Cancer survivor Addison Hunt knows she can’t offer any guarantees, in love or in life, and after experiencing a loss of her own, Brooke Donahue isn’t willing to risk her heart. (978-1-60282-228-3)

Conquest by Ronica Black. When Mary Brunelle stumbles into the arms of Jude Jaeger, a gorgeous dominatrix at a private nightclub, she is smitten, but she soon finds out Jude is her professor, and Professor Jaeger doesn’t date her students…or her conquests. (978-1-60282-229-0)

The Affair of the Porcelain Dog by Jess Faraday. What darkness stalks the London streets at night? Ira Adler, present plaything of crime lord Cain Goddard, will soon find out. (978-1-60282-230-6) 365 Days by K.E. Payne. Life sucks when you’re seventeen years old and confused about your sexuality, and the girl of your dreams doesn’t even know you exist. Then in walks sexy new emo girl, Hannah Harrison. Clemmie Atkins has exactly 365 days to discover herself, and she’s going to have a blast doing it! (978-1-60282-540-6)

Darkness Embraced by Winter Pennington. Surrounded by harsh vampire politics and secret ambitions, Epiphany learns that an old enemy is plotting treason against the woman she once loved, and to save all she holds dear, she must embrace and form an alliance with the dark. (978-1-60282-221-4)

78 Keys by Kristin Marra. When the cosmic powers choose Devorah Rosten to be their next gladiator, she must use her unique skills to try to save her lover, herself, and even humankind. (978-1-60282-222-1)

Playing Passion’s Game by Lesley Davis. Trent Williams’s only passion in life is gaming—until Juliet Sullivan makes her realize that love can be a whole different game to play. (978-1-60282-223-8)