Page 26 of Forbidden Romeo
“Of course you didn’t. If you play with fire enough, you’re bound to get fucking burned, McCay,” Holden hisses. His eyes lock onto mine for a moment before he turns abruptly and strides back on stage without another word.
I watch him cross away from us, pacing the stage. With my eyes still on Holden, I whisper, “He doesn’t know the real reason you had Megan and Jamie come here.”
McCay glances at me from the corner of her eye. I didn’t tell him about the headline Missy threatened us with. But if McCay was part of Megan’s appearance… then it means she was in on the blackmail, too.
“Do you hate me that much?” I exhale. “That you would risk exposing your stepson’s illegitimate child publicly? You so badly want me out of this show that you’d risk it all?”
McCay’s jaw twitches. “You don’t have it, Kate. I’ve said it for years. You’re a fine actress. But fine will not make this show a Broadway sensation.”
“Is it really that I’m not good enough? Or is it that your vendetta against me prevents me from being great? Or maybe I remind you of someone? Someone who stole your thunder back in the day?” Keith’s words from years ago in college come back to me. This weird vendetta McCay has because I remind her of the person who cost her her own acting career.
“Funny isn’t it? You worked so hard to prevent me from getting here. Right to this very spot on a Broadway stage. But after opening night? You’re going to have to admit you’re wrong. Because I’m going to blow everyone away. And you? You’re still going to be married to the man who lies to you and keeps secrets. You’re still going to be the senator’s second wife.”
McCay lets out a humorless laugh. “Easy there, Kate. You might actually develop a spine after all these years.”
“Oh, I have. And it’s all thanks to you.”
I let out a shaky breath, my heart pounding as I turn away from her and head for the stage.
This conversation isn't over. But for now, the scene calls me back to my mark. I smooth my hair and clothing, trying to regain composure. As I walk onstage, McCay follows behind, shouting out, "Get your head in the game, places please!"
I nod and move into position, avoiding Holden's piercing gaze. The lights dim, but my focus is shattered.
Holden avoids looking at me, his jaw tight.
"We'll talk later," he mutters just as the lights come up and the scene begins.
A declaration. A threat.
Not a request.
But I’ll be damned if I let him get the last word. “Yes,” I say. “We will.”
CHAPTER 11
Holden
Five years ago…
Katherine had once told me that sometimes when the spotlight hits you and the curtain comes up, you feel an otherworldly metamorphosis take place. Like you’re no longer yourself… and the people around you aren’t castmates.
You’re truly transported.
I always thought she was full of shit…
Until tonight.
It was better than anything I’ve felt in my life.
It was better than any drunken night. Any shot of tequila. Any winning pass at the big game or defeat of a debate tournament.
Staring out into the sea of unknown faces, their applause roaring, thunderous. It was a balm for my frayed nerves that I didn’t know I wanted or even needed.
Katherine wasn’t Katherine. She was Julie.
I wasn’t me. I was Remy.
The love I felt for her in those moments wasn’t what we had in our day to day life… but it also wasn’t any less real.