Page 106 of Forbidden Romeo
I can’t help but notice that Holden’s nerves seem to be getting worse. He’s sweating and jittery, pulling at his bowtie and twisting his ring over and over on his thumb.
“Hey,” I say, taking his hand, giving it a squeeze. “Tonight doesn’t matter. Win or lose, you’re an incredible director. And one of the best actor’s the Broadway stage has ever seen.”
It’s the only thing I could think of for why Holden would be nervous. He’s already won Tony awards for acting… this year is his first time being nominated for both Best Performance for a Leading Actor in a Musical, and Best Director.
I’ve been nominated for my work as Skyler and even though I’m telling myself it’s an honor just to be nominated, deep down, I know it’s going to be a brutal blow to lose Best Performance for a Leading Actress in a Musical.
If I lose.
I could still win. Even though I’m up against Missy Howl.
Holden nods, but his face is pale. He mumbles something about needing some air and excuses himself. As he pushes through the crowd, I feel a pang of worry. This isn't like him at all.
I decide to follow him outside through the back door onto the curved balcony. The crisp night air hits me as I step through the heavy doors. I spot Holden leaning against the brick wall of the theater, taking deep breaths.
"Hey," I say gently. "What's going on?”
Holden shakes his head then lets out a trembling laugh. "It's stupid. I mean, I know I should just be grateful we're here. But..." He trails off, looking down.
“Hey,” I say, taking his hand in mine and running my fingers across his grandfather’s ring. “Talk to me. Whatever it is, it’s okay. We’ll figure it out together.”
Holden nods, composing himself. Slowly, he pulls his hand from mine, twisting the ring around his finger, a faraway look in his eyes.
“This fucking ring. For years, I’ve used it as some sort of reminder to not be like my family. As though wearing it was a talisman or compass pointing me in the direction of being a better person. But I hate this ring. I’ve always hated it.”
Gliding the ring off his thumb, he clutches it in his palm. "But now, being here with you, I realize I don't need a ring to remind me anymore. You make me want to be the best version of myself. You are my north star. When I’m with you, I already am the best person I can be. As long as I have you by my side, I know I'll do right in this world."
The balcony overlooks a narrow alleyway, where towering dumpsters line the walls. Holden leans against the railing and extends his arm, his hand trembling as he releases his grandfather's ring into the gaping mouth of one dumpster. The metal glints momentarily in the blue hue of the moonlight before disappearing into the depths. His breath catches audibly in his throat as we watch it fall, symbolizing the weight of his family's legacy slipping away from us.
He exhales a heavy, relieved sigh, both hands falling to grip the railing with white knuckles.
“I love you,” I whisper to him
“I love you, too,” he says. Then, turning to me, he takes my hands. “I was going to do this in the theater, in front of everyone, but now that the night is here… it feels wrong. So many moments in our lives have been for an audience. This moment… this moment should be just for us.”
I tilt my head, his words confusing me. “What are you talking about?”
Still trembling, Holden pushes his hair back from his eyes and slowly lowers to one knee.
I gasp and this time, I know. I know it’s not part of the joke. It’s not for show.
This time, this moment… it’s real.
And it’s just for me and Holden.
From inside his tuxedo jacket, Holden pulls out a Tiffany blue box. “As soon as I saw you on day one of class, this curious little blonde who wanted to open the closet door knowing she was being set up… I knew you were the missing piece of me. From day one, you saw me for who I really am, not just my family name or reputation. With you, I've learned how to open my heart in ways I never thought possible. I made a promise to you years ago. A promise that you and I would be the star-crossed lovers that would rewrite the ending.”
He opens the box to reveal a dazzling diamond ring that glitters in the moonlight. “Katherine… my Rose… forever my Juliet… will you, against all odds, do me the extraordinary honor of marrying me?” Holden asks, his voice thick with emotion.
Unable to form words through my joyful sobs, I nod enthusiastically and whisper hoarsely, “Yes.”
Holden's face lights up and he slides the exquisite ring onto my finger.
He stands up and wraps me in a warm embrace as I whisper "Yes!" again and again into his ear.
On this quiet balcony, far from the crowds and noise, we've found our own private world.
“One more thing,” Holden says, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “There’s enough Dorseys in this world, wouldn’t you say?”