Sinking my teeth into a crisp carrot stick, I nod. “This afternoon I have a short rehearsal at the theater before our extended dress rehearsal tomorrow, but I’ll ask him if he can join us after.”
Lucas slides his elbows onto the table. “It’s about that time, huh? Cat told me opening night’s only two days away. Are you getting nervous?”
I shake my head and give him a smile that only comes from doing what I’ve always wanted but never dared to believe possible. “No,” I tell him. “I’m exhilarated, I’m eager, and perhaps a touch impatient—” I nudge Cat’s foot under the table, and she barks a laugh. “But I’m not nervous. For some reason, it feels as if I’ve been waiting my entire life for this role.”
…
Later that afternoon, I stand on my mark on the set of Juliet’s famous balcony, reciting the opening lines of the famous scene to my handsome costar…and continue seeing Austin’s face instead.
It’s been the same problem all day. Seeing blue eyes where there should be brown, tousled hair in lieu of styled, and the sound of Austin’s tempting whisper canceling out the screams, echoes, and questions of the crowded halls. In school I was not overly concerned, for I will unfortunately be gone long before any test scores are revealed. But here it is different. The theater is my forbidden dream come to life, one of the purposes for which Reyna sent me here, and I have to find a way to concentrate.
Sighing in frustration as I stumble over a line, I decide that this must be what falling in love feels like…
…and then my heart races, and I do an imaginary fist pump as I realize that if that is so, then this is exactly what Juliet felt every time she thought of her Romeo!
I ask to begin the scene again, and when I do, I bring the knowledge that I am in the middle of my own true-life love story to my performance. Utilizing the feelings stirring within me, I proclaim to Reid as Romeo the very words of forever love that I wish I could say to Austin. The new-to-me, yet centuries-old tale becomes real in a way it never has previously, and once again, I find in Juliet a kindred spirit.
Before I know it, Marilyn lifts a hand, signaling the end of the scene.
“Very well done, Alessandra,” she proclaims from her lamplit table—or the throne, as my fellow actors have grown to call it. “And Reid, you were fantastic as always. As the both of you know, our entire production builds to this final scene, and I could not be happier with how it’s coming together.”
Feeling the glow of praise shining in my warm cheeks, I watch Ms. Kent take a long pull from her ever-present water bottle. Then she points a finger and proclaims, “This scene is going to receive a lot of attention in the media this weekend. I hope you’re both ready for the accolades.”
I want to yell from the rooftops just how ready I am, but deciding that my exuberance may be a bit much, I instead issue my heartfelt gratitude and follow Reid into the curtained wings to wait for Austin. Jamie’s scene is coming up, and I know he won’t find a seat without first finding me. In fact, I’m counting on it.
The very moment we’re offstage, Reid takes me into his arms and twirls me around in a circle. “I told you that smile of yours is our secret weapon!” Setting me down but not letting go of my hands, he says, “Alessandra, I wish you could’ve seen yourself out there. I don’t know what happened; it seemed like you were a little lost in the beginning—it was probably just nerves. But after that, you totally owned it. You took an already spectacular performance and made it even better. I bow down to your talent.”
I laugh as he does just that, taking our joined hands and raising and lowering them in mock adoration. Knowing precisely what it was—or rather who it was—that bettered my performance only makes my smile grow larger.
When Reid straightens, he still does not let go of my hands. Sliding his thumb along the underside of my wrist, he says, “You should know that receiving praise from Marilyn is pretty much like money in the bank, so I declare that the two of us must celebrate. Wherever you want to go, Ms. Future Star, I’ll take you…well, except for maybe Paris. You do have school in the morning.”
He flashes that easy smile, and the knowledge comes to me that this is about more than celebration. This is Reid once again wishing to court me. That truth settles in my gut and brings with it my first real twinges of guilt.
But for mere twinges, they are powerful.
I’ve never encouraged Reid’s attention, but I’ve also never been direct about where my interest and affection lie. The day of our first rehearsal, Austin made a puzzling, false claim that he and I were in a relationship, but even then, I knew it wouldn’t deter Reid. He is someone who thrives on a challenge. At every rehearsal since, he’s proven that, maintaining his own unique brand of lighthearted flirtation. And if I’m being honest, I’ve even enjoyed our innocent banter—but it no longer feels so innocent.
I care about Austin; Austin cares about me. I don’t wish to do anything that will harm our budding relationship, nor do I wish to hurt Reid’s feelings. He has been a good friend to me here, and no one who has suffered heartache wishes to bestow that upon another.
Smiling affectionately—but not too affectionately—I squeeze the hands still clasped around my own. “That is a very generous offer, Reid, and I am grateful for the compliment, but I fear that I already have plans for the evening.”
That easy smile fades a fraction, but then quickly perks back up. “Oh, yeah? Who with, that guy from the other day?”
“Yes,” I say without hesitation. “And his name is Austin.”
Heavy footsteps echo behind me. Even before I turn, I know whom I will see. My heart beats faster as I watch Austin walk across the scuffed floor, sharp eyes targeted on Reid. He comes to a stop beside me and slides a hand across my waist, settling it over my stomach, causing it to plunge again. The sensation is not unlike the roller coasters he took me on at the park, only safer. And much more thrilling.
I press into Austin’s side and shiver at the affection in his stare. Turning back to Reid, I nod again, knowing I need to be clear. “Yes, Reid, my plans tonight are with Austin, as they are most nights. Because the truth is…” I look into Austin’s eyes and return the words that I did not get to say last night. “I’m falling in love with him.”
Austin’s blue-eyed gaze glows with warmth as his mouth lifts into a knee-weakening smile.
“But I will see you tomorrow,” I say, turning back to Reid with reluctance. “And thank you for a splendid rehearsal.”
“Hey, that’s what I’m here for.” Reid gives a casual shrug of his shoulders, but I notice the tension in his posture, and twinges of guilt jab again at my insides. “You guys have a great night. I’ll see you tomorrow, Alessandra.”
“Tomorrow,” I repeat, but I’m unsure if he hears me, for he’s already walking away.
A silent, awkward moment hangs in the air. Then Austin says, “So, we have plans,” bringing my attention back to him—back where it belongs. “And when exactly were you thinking about telling me this important information?”
“As soon as I saw you,” I say, placing my hand over the comforting beat of his heart. “I figured you would be here with Jamie, or I’d call you when my scene was through. But if you already have plans for the evening, you don’t have to come. Cat and Lucas just invited us for pizza and a movie at the house, nothing as exciting as one of your challenges.”
“Anything with you is exciting, Princess.” He moves his hand beneath my thick hair and plays with the wisps at the nape of my neck. He brushes his lips against mine, just a tease, then lifts his head and grins. “And it just so happens I like pizza”—another light brush—“and movies.” His mouth presses more firmly this time for a prolonged, lingering touch, and then he shrugs. “And I guess the company is decent enough.”