she wasn’t, she was automatically late, even though she was on time. It was a whole thing that made sense in her head, at least.
“Wilks, hi,” Lauren said as she signed in. It wasn’t unusual to run into Wilks backstage, as he liked to make himself visible, but it was rare on Saturday.
“There you are. Just the woman I was looking for,” he said and kissed her cheek. He’d been her biggest cheerleader since she’d changed hats and stepped onto the stage instead of into the booth, attending three performances of Starry Nights that she knew about. “Just wanted to let you know that Jan Wendel attended last night’s performance and loved what she saw.”
Lauren squinted. “Wendel?” The Wendel family were well known Broadway producers. She didn’t know any of their first names, but could one of them be Jan?
“Yes, that Wendel. She’s a good friend of Ethan’s. Told me that if you ever make the move to New York to let her know.”
“Wow. As an actress?”
“As an actress. I thought about not telling you because you’re the best stage manager I’ve ever worked with, but you should know how well your performance is being received.” She understood that Wilks was also checking in with her, trying to assess if he was about to lose his favorite stage manager. The idea stressed her out, and she wasn’t sure what to say. She hadn’t made any plans…yet. She glanced down the hall that led to her dressing room. “Thanks for telling me, Wilks.” She pulled him in for a quick squeeze. “I’m a little behind schedule.” Which seemed like the lamest excuse when she heard it out loud. “Better get going.”
“Just keep me updated,” he said, and she headed down the hall. Her stomach turned a little at the idea of leaving her job, but it turned back at the thought of not exploring every opportunity. She ordered herself to take a deep breath and knew full well she might fall flat on her face as an actress once she stepped outside of this role. If so? She’d be no worse off. That helped a little.
“Hey, you,” Carly said. She smiled warmly, leaning against the wall in the hallway. She’d done her makeup but had yet to get into costume. “What’s going on? You signed in but weren’t in your dressing room.”
“Just a quick check-in with Wilks for a moment. No big deal. Logistical stuff.”
“Oh,” Carly said knowingly. “Is he trying to convince you to stay?”
“I get the impression he’s worried.”
“Good. Because if he’s going to try and persuade you, I can certainly redouble my efforts.” She tossed her hair playfully, but even Carly’s silly side translated to alluring. If only she knew how little she had to work to be persuasive.
Lauren ran her hand down the back of Carly’s hair affectionately. “Trust me. You’re way ahead.” She gestured down the hall toward her own dressing room, her stomach flip-flopping with uncertainty all over again. “I better kick it into gear. I’ve never been this late, and it’s stressing me out.”
Carly glanced behind her at the clock. “Yet you’re not close to late at all. You still have time. What’s it like to be you?”
“You don’t want to know.” She placed a quick kiss on Carly’s lips and headed down the hall, never feeling more unsure of her future, and terrified of what that all meant.
Chapter Fourteen
“Los Angeles has terrible traffic. You need to be prepared for that. Always allow extra time no matter where you’re going.” Lauren’s mother looked at her quite seriously the way she always did when she was nervous. “Oh, and wear a seat belt, which I know you know, but I have to say it. I’m a mom.”
Lauren returned to her bedroom from the bathroom, carrying her toiletries bag. “I will. As for traffic, I’m not taking my car, so Uber will be my friend. Plus, Carly apparently has a second one she doesn’t drive too often that she says I can use.” She tossed another shirt into her suitcase.
“Well, that’s helpful of her.” Her mother paused. “I like her, Lauren. She’s…kind. Warm.”
“I feel the same way.”
Her mother sat on the edge of her bed and continued to help her pack. Lauren had a flight out West the next morning, and her mom had insisted on driving in to see her off and help get everything in order. No, she wasn’t going forever. At least, not yet. But a few weeks away was a pretty big