Page 23 of Forbidden Romeo
Great. I was like a fucking circus act now.
Step right up and see the boy wonder who lost his mother!
McCay strode onto the stage, clapping her hands together. "Alright everyone, gather round. We have a lot to discuss regarding the upcoming show…"
I smiled to myself as murmurs of confusion and excitement erupted around us.
Even Keith looked confused where he stood off to the side.
“The Kennedy Center show?” Keith asked.
McCay smirked. “No, actually. I decided that we should do a one-night performance next Saturday.”
“What is she talking about?” Katherine asked, leaning in to whisper to me.
“Surprise,” I whispered back and kissed her cheek.
“You all worked too damn hard to not do the show this semester.”
Katherine blinked at me, clearly in shock. “You did this?”
I shrugged. “I wouldn’t say I did it… but I asked McCay for a performance.”
McCay cleared her throat, shooting us a glare before continuing her speech. “The show will count as fifty percent of your final grade. And as an added bonus, I called in a favor with a couple of my good friends. A casting agent from Los Angeles and a couple Broadway directors and casting agents will be coming to see your show. We’re calling it a ‘sneak peek’ before your Kennedy Center performance to help build buzz for all of you, but also for Keith.”
Everyone around us exploded into excited chatter. Everyone except Katherine and I. Instead, she merely held my gaze, tears brimming her eyes. My fingers found hers, giving them a grateful squeeze.
“So much better than tea,” she added, her grin widening. “It’s the best birthday gift I could ever get.”
I blinked at her, surprised. “It’s your birthday?”
She shook her head. “Well, not for a few weeks. It’s actually over winter break.” Another smile spread across her face meanwhile, I felt sucker punched. “Usually my birthdays suck. But you getting this show back on? It’s the best present ever.”
How did I not know her birthday was coming up?
“How could your birthday possibly suck? Birthdays are awesome. Cake. Ice cream. Parties. Presents–”
“When your birthday falls over school breaks, it’s less fun. People are always traveling and they’re more excited for holidays than for you turning a year older.” She shrugged, but there was a hint of sadness in her voice. “And it gets busy at the pub around that time, so my parents are always busy, too. “
“How about this… I guarantee I’ll make this birthday your best ever. I promise.”
Her brows arched. “Another promise? You’re just throwing those out all the time now, aren’t you?”
Before I could respond, McCay clapped her hands, barking at us. “All right! What are we doing sitting around for? Get on your damn feet and let’s run the show!”
CHAPTER 10
“Get on your damn feet and let’s run the show!” McCay barks from the wings of the theater.
I glance up at Holden where he stands in front of me amidst the scenery. He’s so handsome with his hair and makeup done, he nearly looks like a celebrity.
Hell, I guess he sort of is a celebrity.
But to me, he’s always just been Holden.
I clear my throat. “I missed you last night,” I say as casually as I can. “Did you do anything fun?”
It’s been four days since I spotted Holden with Megan and he still hasn’t uttered a word.