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I bite my lip and he lets out another ragged curse. “Jessie, please!”
“OK, OK. But promise me you’ll come right back here after the show. I don’t wanna wait until we get back home.”
Maurice will probably still be out, but I can’t help feeling a little guilty at how much noise we make. Luckily, my new housemate works nights, so we often have the place to ourselves, but I know it makes William uncomfortable. At least, I think that’s what makes him walk around like he’s got the weight of the world on his broad shoulders. He’s been doing everything he can to repay the favor he thinks he owes Maurice, ever since the night the two of them rescued me. Although, my sweet new friend has told William repeatedly that’s unnecessary.
William gives me a sheepish smile. “You’re mad if you think I could stay away longer than that. But I really should go now and make sure everything is safe.”
Reluctantly, I let him go and turn to check my costume a final time. On the table in front of me, my phone screen lights up and I glance down to see I have a new follower. One of many this week as we stepped up promo for the show. Dismissing the notification, I tuck my phone into my handbag. Then I begin my vocal warm-ups. Time to knock ‘em dead!
***
The final note of mysolo hangs in the air of the packed theater for three long seconds. Then the room erupts into applause and cheers and I’m clenching my jaw to hold the mournful expression for the end of the scene, rather than letting my smile spread across my face. I did it. They love it.
I bask a moment more before breaking the spell and getting to my feet. Turning from the audience toward the other actors on stage, I cue the applause to stop.
The moment is only topped when we all run out onto stage front for the final curtain call. Beyond the bright lights of the theater, I spot a few people at the front getting to their feet. More and more rise until almost the whole audience is standing, cheering, and whistling. A genuine standing ovation. I grip the hands of the actors to my right and left tighter as we take a final bow.
Backstage, we’re full of nervous energy. With hugs and tears and so many voices talking and laughing at once, it’s hard to keep track. I’m excited too. Of course I am.
Brittney, the other actor in the heartbreak scene with me, pulls me into a huge squealing hug. “Oh my god, Jessie! That high note. I thought I was going to cry. You just nailed it tonight.”
I lean back to grin at her. “Really? Thank you! Your dance was just beautiful. Flawless.”
She blushes and tucks her hair behind one ear. “I’m not as good as you, though. Hey, a few of us are going out for drinks later. You wanna come?”
My eyes dart toward the door. William will be waiting for me somewhere quiet. I’ve told him before not to be shy about anyone knowing we’re together, but he always hangs back when I’m with the cast. “Let me go find William and see what he’s doing.”
Brittney nods. “Sure. I hope I see you later.”
When I look out into the corridor, it’s empty except for a box of wigs and some spare lights waiting to be put into storage. He’s not inside the dressing room either. Not even waiting outside. I pull off my wig and change out of my costume, quickly wiping away most of the makeup. When I’m back in my leggings and oversize sweater, I grab my handbag and head for the east tower. Glancing down at my phone, I frown when a new message request pops up. It’s a user I don’t recognize. I open it anyway, figuring it’s probably someone who saw the show and wants to say something nice. I mean, I hope it’s something nice!
The message that pops up on my screen makes me stumble up the last step.
PhatOne: You can dress up like a virgin, but I know what a little slut you are. I’ll always know.
I block the profile and delete the message, shoving my phone back in my handbag with a shaking hand. Thankfully, I forget all about that asshole when I open the door to the tower and see William sitting on the edge of the archway with his head in his hands.
“Hey you!”
He turns and gives me a sad smile as I approach. “Hey, you.”
He lets me pull his head against my chest in a hug. Then he looks up at me and shakes his head. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
“What are you doing sitting up here all alone?”
William sighs. “Protecting the theater. Protecting you.”
I sit, tucking myself against his side and he puts a wing around me to keep me warm. “You know you can do that better when you’re with me.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t want to get in the way.”
“You’re not in the way.” I try to nudge him with my shoulder, but he’s basically a giant boulder, so I only overbalance myself. William’s arm keeps me from tipping over the other way. “Hey, some of the cast are going for drinks in a little while. Wanna come? I want to introduce you to everyone.”
William gives me a long look. “You don’t want that.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not good with people. I got too used to being on my own.”
