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Catching Alex’s lit phone screen, the woman on her immediate left shot her a dose of side-eye. Alex sat back in her seat. WTF? She knew better. Leaving during a performance was impolite, disruptive, and potentially…revealing. Mark might see her. Fallon might see her. Humiliating if she fled. Heartbreaking if she stayed. Why the hell had she bought that stupid ticket?
She closed her eyes and concentrated on one breath at a time. Inhale…exhale…inhale…
Mark and Fallon’s voices floated to the back of her mind. A new voice took over…her own.
These negative thoughts aren’t good for me. I know this anxious feeling will pass. It always passes. I will be fine.
She captured her roaming hands, squeezing them together in her lap.
Mark and I wanted different things. I believe I did the right thing to be happy, to be healthy. I’m confident I WILL be happy. I know I’m strong and able to have an even better life without Mark.
She continued her measured breathing and opened her eyes. Mark, in character as Roland, was kneeling down in front of Fallon—playing Marianne—with a tiny black box in his hand. Alex inhaled slowly…exhaled…inhaled…
It’s a PLAY. He’s reading his lines. She’s reading hers. He will kiss women on stage. It’s just his JOB…everything is okay. I’m okay.
Her throat was easing, along with her pounding heartbeat. Alex sat back in her seat and breathed in.
I’m determined to enjoy the play and have a good time.
She concentrated on the play, getting lost in the rhythm of its words. Tears collected in her eyes, not for the boyfriend she had lost, but for his mesmerizing performance. Mark wasn’t playing Roland—he was Roland.
The actors spoke their last words. The audience leapt to its feet, showering Mark and Fallon with applause.
I feel better. I’m fine. I really am.
In the back row, Alex stood up. No fleeing, no hiding, although her lack of height and the tall man in the row ahead of her did keep her attendance a secret.
Everything is going to be all right.
Alex applauded as much for herself as the actors on stage.
