"How much do you need?" The words are out of my mouth without even thinking. "I want you to do Josh's show."
Henderson turns to look at me. "I wantyouto do Josh's show."
Is he crazy? "I can't do that. I'm not in any way, shape, or form qualified to do anything other than to write a check."
I mean, I can act and sing too, but what else could he want from me?
"Actually, Henderson's not wrong about this. You have a talent for this, Tabitha. Henderson wants you to produce and direct it. Of course, having your name attached to it would probably help sales."
I look at Henderson. "But I'd be working here."
"You'd be happy here. You are happy here."
I can't tear my eyes away from his. How does he know me so well?
"Tabitha, Henderson isn't looking for money from you. That was never mentioned in his proposal," Grayson says.
Why is he still here? I need Henderson alone to hash all this out.
"Money's not an issue, if that was what was holding you back. Josh has talent."
"So do you, and I want you to shine," Henderson says softly. "I reckon you'd be smashing at this." He glances over at Grayson. "Do you mind if we have a word in private?"
Grayson sighs again. "Tabitha, let me know what you think. I can see you need some time to process this as well. We'll talk, I guess."
I walk back into my dressing room and Henderson follows. I look at him, trying to process what all this means.
If there's one thing I'm certain of, it's that he wasn't looking for my money. But I'd be here, at The Edison. Again. Still.
"I wouldn't have to leave. I mean, I have to go home, but I could come back."
"There'll always be a place here for you, Tabitha." He shrugs. "If you want it, that is."
"I kind of think The Edison is the perfect place for me, actually. And I think I could be good for The Edison."
"I think you could too. And, if things go how we think they might, we'll need you here."
"How so?" I tilt my head, looking at Henderson. He's in his trademark soft T-shirt and jeans.
"The powers-that-be were impressed withShowman. They're trying to get a workshop date. If that hits, it'll probably land on Broadway. Don't be surprised if they offer you a part."
"I don't think I have it in me to do Broadway. Not with Paisley."
Henderson shrugs. "If you were located here, in Hicklam, the city isn't too far. It'd at least be more of an option. More feasible. This sort of thing takes years to come to fruition, but it'd be an option for you, if you wanted it."
"Why?" I still don't understand why he's doing this for me.
Henderson steps forward and takes my hands. "Because you belong here. Working here. It's the perfect fit, don't you see? The schools here are great for Paisley. She already loves the town and the theatre, and I bet you could even buy that house, if you really like it. You don't have to be here year 'round, but you can if you want. And you'll get to see Mandy and Angie as much as you want. You could even move up by Mandy and drive down." He pauses. "Or get someone to drive you because, well, you and directions."
He's thought of everything. Paisley does really like it here. She hasn't asked to go back to California once. And with us being here, I don't have to make excuses for why she can't see her father. The pressure there is off, and maybe someday, he'll remember that he has a daughter.
It really is the perfect plan, except for one thing; even though he sees the real me and knows what I need, Henderson doesn't want me.
Still, the idea of returning here fills my heart with hope. And just like I wouldn't make a decision for a man, I won't make this one because I can't have the man.
Tabitha Stetson: singer, actor, director, producer.
I like the sound of that.
