Page 29 of Mafioso's Muse
He left the room with Nigel staring after him.
11
February 2024
The chandelier cast a warm, inviting glow over the foyer. The air smelled of expensive perfume, and the clinking of crystal glasses blended with the hum of conversation. Willow watched from the theatre door as Melbourne’s elite made small talk and exchanged compliments. She saw Vaughn Gallo in every luxurious detail. The pop-up bar was everything he had promised and had been completed on time.
‘There you are,’ Harrison called to her as he approached.
She found a smile. ‘Hey.’
‘You left so quickly after rehearsals today that I didn’t get a chance to catch you.’
‘Everything okay?’
‘Yes.’ He stood a little taller. ‘I wanted to talk to you about filling in for Matilda opening weekend.’
Her eyes moved between his as she tried to figure out if it was some sort of cruel prank. ‘Are you being serious?’
He tilted his head. ‘Of course. Would I joke about you getting asolo part?’
A laugh escaped her. ‘Really?’
‘Yes, really. You’re going to be the Fairy of Joy opening weekend.’
Willow threw her arms around his neck as excitement roared in her ears. ‘Oh my God. Thank you.’ Then, remembering where they were, she quickly let go. ‘Sorry. I just…’ She covered her mouth when she felt a squeal rising inside her. ‘Are you sure?’
It was his turn to laugh. ‘Of course I’m sure. And you’re allowed to be excited. You’re at peak fitness, and I wanted to reward all the effort you’ve been putting in.’
His choice of words had her deflating a little. ‘Reward my effort?’
‘You’ve been working so hard.’
Everyone had been working hard. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with his reasoning, but she wanted to hear that she got the part because she was the right person to fill that role. It felt slightly like an encouragement award.
‘I was considering giving it to Piper, but she’ll have plenty of other opportunities as her career progresses.’
As opposed to Willow’s career—forever in the ensemble.
Registering her expression, Harrison took hold of both her arms. ‘I would never have given it to you if I didn’t believe you could do it.’
Her smile returned. ‘You won’t regret it. I promise.’
‘I’ll hold you to that.’ He released her and looked around. ‘Have you seen Lili? I have some news for her as well.’
Willow’s chest grew light when she heard that. She was aware of two roles that needed filling. ‘Over there,’ she said, pointing to where Lili had just entered through the main door on the other side.
‘Ah. I’ll be back.’ Harrison wandered over to tell her the good news.
Willow watched from across the room as Lili learned that she would be the Enchanted Garden Fairy until Zoe was fully recovered. Her face lit up in unison with her friend’s.
After a few minutes of animated conversation, Lili excused herself and made her way over to Willow, taking both her hands and jumping up and down like an excited toddler.
‘It’s happening. Soloists.’ Lili said, her smile unwavering.
‘Soloists,’Willow echoed, squeezing Lili’s hands.
It took them a few minutes to compose themselves enough to join the other guests. They headed straight to the brand-new bar in the centre of the foyer and ordered sparkling water in champagne flutes.