I feel a pang of unexpected fondness for Theo and resolve to apologize to him after the show, or at least try to talk to him. Get to know this version of him. We’re staying at the theater for a little party and mingle thing afterward. I’ll do it then.

Clare holds something up for Cillian to look at. He takes it and says something that makes her laugh.

“Cute,” I say. In yet another life, I could see the four of us out on double dates. Having fun. Maybe her kids and … my own kid too. One day. A long time from now, when I’m physically capable of that kind of responsibility. When I’ve finished sorting out my own child- and teenagehood.

I watch Aimee’s face as she looks at her family. The tender, slight smile. The softness around the eyes, which focus far off into a world with them.

It’s like it recharges her. Helps to wash away the sadness she felt a moment ago, thinking of the dream. Thinking of how bad things could be or might have been.

“Do you see him?” asks Aimee.

“Who?”

“The critic.”

“How would I recognize him?”

“He’s the one person who isn’t from Avalon—or, I guess you don’t know everyone. Never mind.”

“Oy, ladies,” comes a voice behind us.

We both jump and turn to see Kiera.

“What is it?” asks Aimee, putting a hand over her chest. “There’s a disaster, isn’t there?”

“No! I chatted up that critic. We had a glass of wine and it turns out he’s a young, dashing sort of character. Not the old, stodgy miser I was picturing. Maybe enough to finally steal me from my Nial spiral.”

This makes me laugh, but Aimee says, “Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod.”

“I know, I know, I thought it would be good if you knew—I told him how amazing you two are, and how you’ve been friends for years and all. He looked impressed when I told him the backstory.”

We both stare at her.

She looks between us and then says, “Oh, no, God, not everything. I just told him it’s based on your own friendship. Basically. He thinks it sounds good! Seems like it’s a pretty big deal he came all the way out.”

“No pressure,” I say to Aimee, giving Kiera a wide-eyed look of shut! up!

“No, no! He said he’s looking for real. He’s looking for raw. And he said if this show is anything like it sounds, then it’ll be right up his street. I’m here to tell you good luck and remind you to give it your all. Hold nothing back. Really. I’ve known you both a long time. That’s your issue. You’re so tough, the both of you. I know that’s rich coming from an Irish girl, but that should tell you something.”