Just as the script dictated, Carly brought her lips to Lauren’s and kissed her with determination, and tenderness, and love. Lauren’s entire body went instantly warm, and she had to steady herself or her knees would give out. What was abundantly clear was that they kissed really well together, the perfect amount of give and take. Lauren’s limbs felt like Jell-O when she pulled her lips from Carly’s. She opened her eyes slowly and smiled. Just another day at work, right? She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn’t for the life of her remember her next line. That’s because she was supposed to be reading from the script. “Oh, um, one moment,” she said, flipping the page, her cheeks on fire with embarrassment.

Before the scene could continue, Ethan’s voice cut them off. “I think we can stop there. I’m going to chat with Wilks about the future of the production. I want to thank you both for such a committed rehearsal.” Ethan didn’t dwell or stick around for chitchat. He left notes for Trip about the breakdown for the following day and was out of there.

“You did great,” Carly said quietly in Lauren’s ear. She kissed her cheek quickly and gave her some space. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Lauren nodded, still in a haze of what the hell was happening. She turned to Trip, who sat behind the table, arms folded with a big old grin on his face.

“Little Lala,” he said. “Who knew?”

She stalked back to the table, disconcerted, excited, and turned the hell on.

Chapter Six

Lauren sat in one of her favorite spots in all of The McAllister, the long hallway off the grand lobby. At the end stood Wilks’s office, but along the way were framed photographs of some of the most noteworthy shows put on by the theater. The faces of Broadway legends dotted the walls, just a sampling of the many great actors who’d performed at The McAllister, the theater Lauren now inhabited on a daily basis. She carried such reverence for the place and sometimes had to pinch herself to remember that she acCtually worked here. Oh, and down the hallway a little way, they’d even added a framed shot of one of their most recent shows. Yep, that was Gyllenhaal she saw in a serious moment from a new play that had been very well received.

“Ready for you, Lauren,” Wilks said, opening the door. He did a little ballerina twirl as she passed in attempt to lighten the mood.

She chucked. “Nice one.”

“I’ll spare you my twerk.”

“And now I’m sad.”