Big fat ha there.
On the other hand, I can't give Henderson that power over me, like my mom did with so many men. I have something more to offer than sex.
I have my singing.
"I really like doing this," I admit.
"It's addicting, isn't it?" Angie asks. "Now you know why I run myself ragged. I can't quit it."
"I don't want to run myself ragged. I mean a few weeks at a time is one thing. I couldn't keep your schedule."
Angie squeezes my arm. "That's the best part about being a star. You get to pick and choose what you want to do. Tab, it's not like you have to work to put food on the table. The only reason you have to work is to feed your brain and soul. So, roll up to the buffet you like best and chow down. But walk away when you're full. You've got a little girl who needs you too. I only have Sergei who, while he sometimes acts like a toddler, can at least be self-sufficient from time to time."
I put my arms around my two best friends, pulling them in close. "Hey guys, there's an aftershow coffee house cabaret where the cast sings whatever they like while people have coffee and dessert. It's about the latest-night thing going here in Hicklam. Want to join me?"
I haven't been to the cabaret yet. Frankly, I didn't want to take away from the others by being there. But now I want to go and relax with my girls, and enjoy the super talented people I've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with. One last hurrah before this all ends.
Moments before Josh heads to the piano, I slide into a back table with Angie and Mandy in tow. He sees us come in and makes a beeline.
I see him take a deep breath, trying to gain his composure before he starts talking. "Wow" is all he can finally manage.
"Josh, you remember Mandy. This is Angie. Angie, this is Josh, our super talented musical director. He's even writing his own show. He showed me some of it last week, and it has potential. You should take a look at it."
Color fills his face, right to the tips of his ears. He bites his lip, trying to suppress a grin and failing miserably. He's sort of adorable when he smiles like that.
"Thanks. I'm still working on it. It's got a ways to go."
"You're off to a solid start. Keep going and let's see where it ends up."
Someone calls his name. "Gotta go start. I … wow." He shrugs and turns to leave.
"Josh, if there's room …" I motion toward the three of us. I didn't ask Angie or Mandy, but I know they're game for it.
"Did you just offer for us to sing?" Mandy asks.
"Of course I did."
"What are we going to do?" Mandy asks. "'Fur-ever Yours?' or what about 'Here Kitty Kitty?'"
Angie waves her hands. "Actually, guys, I have an idea. What about 'At the Ballet' fromA Chorus Line? You know it, right? It would be perfect for us."
Of course I know the song, but not enough to sing it. Luckily, there's a stash of musical scores in Henderson's office. "Hang on, I'll go get the music."
I stand up and scurry out to the hallway where Henderson's office is. Tentatively, I push the door open. I should be relieved that it's empty, but that super stupid part of me is disappointed he's not in here.
I miss him.
On the shelf are stacks of books and scores from seasons past. I grab two copies ofA Chorus Line, quickly opening to "At the Ballet." It is the perfect trio for us.
Wham!
Not looking where I'm going, I run smack into someone. I don't even need to look to know it's Henderson.
"What are you doing in here?" He steadies me by holding onto my forearms. I wish he'd never let go.
His hands drop.
"Grabbing music." I wave the books. "Angie, Mandy, and I are going to sing. Josh said we could."
