Lauren opened her mouth and closed it. “I don’t know.” The concept was terrifying. She’d taken years to finally establish herself as a top-tier stage manager at The McAllister, a theater she cherished. Yet the attention this role had earned her propped open a door to a long-forgotten dream. She needed to figure out what the next step in her life would be. What did she want out of her career? At the same time, there was also Carly and their unexpected connection. “I think it’s all terrifying.” She held up her hand. “I’m even chewing my nails. I never do that. Just look at them.”

“Tsk. Those are sad. Shall I schedule us a couples’ manicure?”

“Would you believe I’ve never had one of those?”

Carly laughed. “Yes, because you’re Lauren, and it’s not all that practical. Manicures are a luxury. It’s one of the things I love about you. You’re not pretentious.”

They’d both heard it. The L-word. No, it wasn’t a proclamation of love, but it was the first time the concept had ever been entered into the record of their relationship. She watched Carly quickly gather herself, stand, and change the subject.

“I should get ready. Close to our half hour.”

Aha, the word made her feel uncomfortable, daunted. Lauren felt the pang of disappointment, and a small part of herself screamed that Carly would never go there with her. Self-doubt truly sucked. Yet she lived with it daily.

“See you out there?” Lauren asked.

Carly leaned down, kissed her lips, and straightened. “Yes. Let’s take these women on another twirl around fate. See you on the other side?”

“I’ll be there. Break a leg.”

Lauren watched Carly leave through the mirror. Since the reviews hit nearly ten days ago, Carly had carried herself a tad heavier, almost as if trying to escape a dark cloud following her around. She had fun moments, and sexy moments, and, as always, killed it onstage. Yet she’d get this faraway look in her eye that Lauren had come to understand originated from fear. That tugged at Lauren, who wanted to gather Carly up and keep her safe from the world, which had proven itself to be less than hospitable. Carly projected such confidence and bravado that it took a while to understand that beneath it all existed a well of vulnerability.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re at half hour.”