It's over.
I need to start packing to head back to California.
I don't want to go.
I have to go. It's time for me to get on with my life, whatever that is. No more rehearsals. The show is done. I'm finishing cleaning out the last bits from my dressing room. Erica will be shipping my costume to my house after it's been dry cleaned. I paid her and The Edison a nice chunk of change for it.
I can't just leave it here.
I'm leaving my heart here, and that's enough to leave behind.
I sit down, taking in this space for a few more minutes, trying to commit it to my memory and heart, where it'll stay forever.
"Oh, come on, can we at least consider it?" Henderson's voice, irritated, floats in from the hall. "It's a brilliant idea."
"It's an idea that has some merit. But it's too big of a risk. Plus, the cost." Grayson sounds tired.
"We made bank this summer because of Tabitha. We're comfortable to invest a little."
Henderson's words make my blood boil. I try to remember Maria's advice; they weren't using me, but we were in this partnership for mutual benefits. Except my benefits have run their course, and Henderson is looking to cash in on his for a long time coming.
"I'll raise the additional capital," Henderson pleads.
"You hate fundraising," Grayson scoffs.
My curiosity can no longer be contained, so I tiptoe to the doorway and peek out. Henderson's waving a stack of papers around. Grayson runs his hands through his hair, clearly already tired of this conversation.
"I reckon I do, but this is worth it. Trust me. It's going to be phenomenal. C'mon, have you even read it? Josh's been bugging everyone and their brother to take a look all summer."
Oh. Henderson's talking about Josh's show. He must want to do it here. I'd looked it over briefly, and it does look like it has potential. There's one song about the dawn that made me cry just reading the lyrics.
Well, my impulsivity's worked for me thus far. I charge out of my dressing room. "Grayson, you've got to read Josh's show. It's really good. If Henderson thinks you should do it, then you should."
Grayson looks from me to Henderson and then back again. "What do you know about this?"
I shrug. "I was in my dressing room, and you two were loud enough that I don't have to consider it eavesdropping. But I did look through Josh's stuff. He's very talented."
Grayson looks at me. "I thought you two weren't together anymore."
"Josh? I'm not with Josh. He's like ten years younger than I am. He's adorable and all, but way too young for me. I don't have time to train a puppy."
Henderson rolls his eyes. "He means you and me. And no, we're not together. She doesn't know anything about this. I went right to you, Gray, with my idea. I haven't talked to Tabitha about it—or anything."
Okay, so my heart breaks a little when he says that, but I'm used to that happening when Henderson is around. But wait, what is he talking about?
"I'm lost. Which isn't, like, out of character for me, but I honestly have no idea what you guys are talking about, other than Josh's show. If Henderson thinks The Edison should put it on, then I'd trust him with that. It could be huge."
Grayson looks at me and lets out a slow breath. "Henderson does think The Edison should put it on. This winter. With you as the executive director and producer. And a role, if you want the part."
Hold the phone. I can only process one part of that proclamation at a time and the winner is, "I thought you weren't open in the winter."
"We're not. Henderson thinks we should expand to a more year-round theater."
"That sounds exciting. I mean, you're pretty much sold out this summer, aren't you? There might be more people who wanted to come but couldn't."
"But there's a lot of extra expenses, including heat and electricity. It's not just the cost of the show. We've a little wiggle room, but probably not enough to do a brand new show."
"I told you, I'd work on funding," Henderson sighs. "I'll do everything I can to make this successful. Josh's show deserves a chance."
