Waiting in the Wings (14 page)

back in my seat and stared out at the stars, wondering what was to come.

❖

It was six forty-five in the evening and almost time for me to leave for the theater. I knew full well Lanie was waiting downstairs to walk with me, but I didn’t feel like leaving. Adrienne’s flight home was in a little over two hours. She would be in the air before the start of Act II. Stewart would take her to the airport and help her to her flight, while her mother would pick her up in New York and stay with her until she was feeling more mobile.

“Hey,” she said quietly from the chair by the window. “Almost time for you to head out, isn’t it?” I turned to meet her gaze. She smiled sweetly and I felt tears spring into my eyes. “Oh no, don’t start. I finally got my waterworks under control.” Truth be told, we’d spent a quiet but wonderful afternoon together interspersed with moments of emotion, when we remembered this was our last day together for a while. But it was too late. Adrienne’s eyes now sported fresh teardrops. She pushed herself into a standing position and held her arms out to me. I moved into them without hesitation and we stood like that, holding on to each other for the longest time.

“You better call me,” she said.

“Of course I will. I’ll be your own personal stalker. Now don’t go having too much fun in the big city either. I don’t want to see crazy tabloid photos of you and that knee brace on top of a bar somewhere.”

We laughed at that image. I pulled back from her and took her hands, fighting the stupid lump in my throat in order to get out what I needed to say. “These past two months, Adrienne, have meant a lot to me. Now that you’re leaving, I know there’s a possibility you’ll move on with your life, and if that happens I just want you to know that—”

“Shh. There’s no need for that. I’m not an easy one to get rid of,

you know. We made a plan for New York when your five months are

up and I’ll visit as soon as I can. Now please go to your show before I lose it all over again.”

I pulled her into an embrace, careful not to push against her injured leg. Adrienne placed her arms around my neck and kissed me thoroughly and deeply. I made every attempt to memorize those lips. “Until next time,” I whispered into her ear then turned and walked out of the room.

Silent tears streamed down my face on the ten minute walk to the theater. Lanie held my hand the whole way, but said nothing. I knew I would have to pull it together for the show, but in the meantime, I let myself feel what was still so raw. I missed her already. As I saw the stage door take shape in the distance, I began to wipe the tears from my face and took several deep, cleansing breaths. The show must go on.

C
hapter
s
ix

A

drienne’s understudy, Tara Wilkerson, had been tempo- rarily playing the role of Evan for the past month as we

rolled through Miami, Kansas City, and New Orleans. She was definitely no Adrienne, but she did a decent enough job, I guess. The official replacement had yet to be named by production. If you believed the message boards, an announcement was forthcoming. It seemed like those boards knew things before we did.

I found tour life very different with Adrienne gone. A little lonely, but at the same time I went out with the gang more and spent my time with a variety of people. There was no reason to rush back to my room anymore, and so I didn’t.

It was Tuesday afternoon in Houston and hot outside for October. I took another swig of my iced coffee and waited as the last few stragglers took their seats for the weekly company meeting before sound check. Most of us were dressed in shorts and T-shirts, some still wore their sunglasses to mask the effects of the night before.

Craig began to speak. “Before I get into site specific information and scheduling, I do have an announcement to make. While we’re in Houston, we should expect a visit from our esteemed director, probably within the next day or so. It’s quite possible he’ll slip into the house and catch a show, so be sure you’re giving it your all this week, not that you don’t always. In other news, I think we can all agree Tara has done an amazing job covering the role of Evan so far, but starting on Thursday of next week, there will be a new

addition to the company. Kayla Holland will take over the role of Evan permanently. We’re thrilled to have Kayla join us and hope you will welcome her into our group.”

I looked around the room. Everyone kind of nodded to one another, a few curious glances shooting here and there. This wasn’t a name I was familiar with, which was interesting as I thought they would cast another recognizable name to draw in the crowds. Not that we needed stunt casting. The show continued to sell out on its reputation alone.

After a completely uneventful sound check, I made my way to the bookstore across the street and nabbed a table in their café. Treating myself to a blueberry muffin, I settled in and took out my phone. Adrienne answered on the second ring.

“Well, this is unexpected. I didn’t think I’d get to hear your sexy voice until tonight.”

I smiled inwardly. Hearing Adrienne on the other end of the phone sent a jolt of excitement through my body. I sat up a little straighter. “Let’s just say I miss you and thought I’d steal a few moments. Plus I have covert news to report. Your replacement has been named.”

“Ooh, who is it? Dish.”

“Kayla Holland. Ever heard of her?”

“Yes, I have. She’s the standby Evan for the New York Company. She should be good. Probably really good. That was a great move for them to give it to her.”

“It doesn’t matter. She won’t be as good as you.”

Adrienne chuckled into the phone. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but you might be a tad bit biased.”

“No way. I call ‘em as I see ‘em.”

“Well, do me a favor and be supportive when she gets there.

Remember what it was like your first week.”

“Right, so I should greet her in a towel then?”

“Oh, you’re bad. And for the record, no, you better not.” She laughed.

“Got it. See? I’m all for taking your advice. You’re very wise and especially cute, if I remember correctly. But it has been a while.”

“Too long.” She paused for a moment. “It says here on my glamorous refrigerator schedule that you are in Houston today. How is it?”

“Houston is hot. That’s about all I know of it so far. Very, very hot.”

“Like take-your-clothes-off-it’s-so-hot hot?

I felt the color reach my face and exhaled slowly. “Listen, you, I’m in a public place. You cannot say things like that to me right now.”

“All right, all right, I’ll behave. I’m just bored and you’re my favorite distraction.”

“How was your PT this morning?”

“Frustrating as hell, but I’m trying to be patient, like you said. I hate being cooped up here. I should be working, being productive. This sucks.” She sighed heavily.

It was her daily rant. But I completely sympathized. I would have had as terrible a time of it if I were sidelined the way Adrienne was. It was my job to listen, and I could do that. I popped another bite of muffin into my mouth.

“Have they confirmed the date of your surgery?”

“Mmm hmm. Next Wednesday.”

“I can’t believe I’m not going to be there.”

“Please don’t worry about it. It’s an outpatient procedure and very inconsequential. I’ll be happy once it’s done and I can get on with my life.”

“I know, babe. I’m counting the days until I get to see you again.”

“Three and a half months and you’re a free woman. I’m already thinking of all the things I want to do with you when I see you.”

I closed my eyes. “Public place, remember?”

She laughed. “Well, I meant ice skating and fancy restaurants, but if you want to go there right now, we can.”

“Sorry, guess I’m extra sensitive. I just miss you.”

“I miss you too. I better let you go.” Despite her joking, I could tell she was a little down in the dumps today.

“Okay. I’ll talk to you tonight.

“Definitely,” she said and hung up.

❖

On Wednesday afternoon, as I toweled off after a short run in the hotel’s fitness center, I looked up to find Craig entering the gym. “There you are,” he said somewhat exasperated. “I’ve called your phone about five times now.”

I stilled my arm and stared at him, nervous. Today was the day of Adrienne’s surgery and though it would be a quick and routine procedure, I was still a little uneasy about the whole thing. I’d gone for a run to take my mind off it. “Damn it.” I looked at my phone on the bench. “I guess I’m not getting a signal in here. Is it Adrienne?” “No, no, nothing like that. I’m sure she’s fine,” he answered. “I

didn’t mean to worry you.”

“Then what’s up? Is there something else wrong?”

“Probably not, but I need for you to arrive at the theater a little early tonight for a meeting with Dermot and Brenda.”

“A company meeting?” I asked.

“No, they’d like to meet with you individually.”

The wheels in my head began to turn. Why was I being singled out? It was no secret that the last girl who’d held the role of Alexis was let go by this very same director after he caught the show on the road. “Craig, level with me. We’re friends. What’s the meeting about?”

He met my gaze sympathetically. “I’d tell you if I could, kid, but I wasn’t given the details. I’m sure he just wants to go over some notes. Don’t worry yourself.”

I nodded, trying to take his words to heart. He was probably right. It was best not to freak myself out unnecessarily. It was entirely possible he liked what he saw of me in the show and just wanted to tweak a choice or two I’d made.

All the same, it took forever for six thirty to roll around. I entered the Hobby Center stage door and made my way to the small office that stage management had been working from. I’d be lying if I said my palms weren’t sweating. I felt like I’d been called to the principal’s office and I didn’t know what the offense was.

The door to the office was standing open as I approached and Dermot and Brenda were bent over an open folder on the desk. I knocked lightly to announce my presence and smiled politely when they glanced up in response. “Jenna,” Brenda said, “it’s so nice to see you again. Please come in and take a seat.”

I did as instructed and made my way to the small, two-person couch across the desk. I swallowed. I swallowed again. It was apparently a new nervous habit of mine. Brenda took the seat next to me and Dermot remained in his chair behind the metal framed desk.

He squinted at me slightly. “So you’re probably wondering why you’re here.”

I nodded, but did my damndest to keep a relaxed smile on my face. I’m not sure how effective that attempt was.

“I don’t know if you were aware of this or not, but Brenda and I caught the show last night. I make it a point to check in with the tour every few months or so to make sure the show’s in good shape and offer direction where I think necessary. I must admit I was a little surprised by what I saw from you and thought we could talk about that.”

“Okay,” I managed. “Let me take out my notes and something to write with. I want to be sure I get everything.” As I reached down and opened my bag, he put out his hand, gesturing for me to stop my progress.

“I don’t think that will be necessary. If I could finish?”

I straightened. “Please.” I felt a horrible sense of foreboding. If he didn’t want me to take down the notes he had for me, it was most likely because I wouldn’t be given the opportunity to improve. I was beginning to see the writing on the wall and it wasn’t good. I blinked hard and forced myself to focus.

“What I brought you in here to say is I liked your work last night.” I ran that sentence through my head a second time to be sure I had heard him correctly. “You have a strong sense of the character and made some unique choices that only enhanced Alexis’s motivations. I was very pleased with what I saw.”

Shazam. The smile on my face was no longer forced but one hundred percent genuine. Unequivocal relief poured through my

body from my head to my toes, and I couldn’t resist a controlled exhale, despite the presence of these two theater powerhouses. “Thank you. I was worried I was about to lose my job for a moment there.”

Brenda laughed and placed her hand on my knee. “Quite the opposite, dear. Dermot and I would like to talk to you about an opportunity and see if you might be receptive.” My eyes widened as I looked from Brenda and back to Dermot questioningly. I inched forward in my seat as Dermot began to speak.

“The show has sold out in virtually every venue we’ve placed it in. In fact, the New York production doesn’t have a single available ticket for six months. It seems we have magic in a bottle with this show. The producers have opted to strike while the iron is hot and open a sit-down production of
Clean Slate
in Los Angeles. We’ve been given the green light to start officially casting in two weeks, but I’d like very much for you to consider taking on the role of Alexis in the LA cast.”

I was completely unprepared for this series of events. There was a lot to consider about an offer like this, and a million different thoughts raced each other around my mind. Not to mention the fact that I was reeling from the emotional extremes of almost having no job at all to being, in a sense, offered a promotion.

Brenda took this opportunity to jump in. “It would be an ideal move for you, Jenna. There would be lots of press associated with the casting and the opening of the show. Not to mention the fact that LA is a high-profile city and you’d be positioning yourself ideally for more opportunities as an actress.”

“If I accepted, when would I leave the tour?” I asked.

“You’d stay on for three months and then move into rehearsals in California with the new company. There’ll be some minor changes made to the show and we’ll want you to be there for the entire process, of course.”

I thought this through. I had three and a half months left on my contract as it stood and was then scheduled to move to New York. This was a major career opportunity, but it would definitely throw a wrench into my earlier plans. I thought about Adrienne and how

much I was looking forward to giving things between us a fair shot in the real world. Maybe this would only delay that opportunity a bit. Adrienne was an actress; she’d understand the importance of this kind of opportunity. A few extra months would be hard, but hopefully we’d get through it. “So if I accept, I would sign for another six months?”