Page 67 of Rebel Romeo

She nodded, genuine understanding softening the tight knit of her brow. “I get it. You’re going to have to disappoint one group… either the theater or the football team.”

“I’ve been with the team longer. I’ve played football since freshman year. Don’t I owe it to them to see this through to the end?”

“Maybe.” She shrugged.

Not maybe. Definitely. The football team had been my family for four years. “Nate should take my part,” I admitted, begrudgingly. “He’d be good. And unlike me, he actually wants to be an actor. That Kennedy Center thing could launch his career. And yours.” It fucking pained me more than I could admit to say that aloud. The thought of Nate up there with Katherine, reading my lines, my part… holding her, touching her?—

“If you truly, honestly, don’t think you’ll pursue acting, then maybe you’re right. The noble thing would be to give the part to Nate. But, Holden, you’re a really talented actor.”

I snorted, dropping my gaze to my feet, but I should have known Kate wouldn’t let me get away with that. With a gentle press of her fingertips to my chin, she lifted my eyes back to hers. “I mean it. You’re the real deal. And what’s more… I think you like it. You could do this, Holden. Really do this. Be an actor and have a shot at making it. If you wanted to. And the Kennedy Center performance would be the litmus test for that. That’s not something to ignore. So just… promise me you’ll think about it, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Promise?” She held out her pinky for me to hook, like we were in kindergarten, just like she did back on the first day of classes. The moment was so charming. So endearing. So… Katherine.

I swallowed thickly against the dry lining of my throat. Before Katherine, I hadn’t made a promise in years. Not since Megan. But something about her called to me. Something about her made me want to be a better guy; the kind of guy who doesn’t break his word. After a long, slow breath, I hooked my pinky into hers ignoring the lump clogging my throat. “I promise.”

“You wouldn’t break a promise to me, would you?”

“Never, Katherine. Never.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

The few minutes following walking in on Missy and Nolan is a whirlwind. Nolan’s gaze first connects with Jill before turning to me. I feel betrayed… though I don’t know why. And I don’t know by whom. But something about Nolan kissing Missy drives a barbed spike into my heart.

Jill pivots around and rushes out of the theater, me following closely at her heels. “Jill, wait!” I call after her.

She follows the signs for the exit and stops only when she reaches the stage door—the side entrance that Nolan and I will only start to use once the show opens. “I thought you said he liked me!” she hissed.

“He did… He does.”

“Oh really? It’s hard to hear all those sweet nothings when his tongue is down another woman’s throat!”

My eyes burn with tears for Jill. I know how she feels. God knows I lashed out at her enough during the times when Holden hurt me. “Were you two…?” The question isn’t even out of my mouth before she’s shaking her head.

“No. I never thought a guy like him could ever like a girl like me.” She gestures up and down at her body. “Turns out I was right.”

“A girl like you?” I repeat. “You mean a stunning, smart girl who’s also a brilliant writer?”

Jill levels me with a look, dropping her cheek to her shoulder. “You know what I mean. A frizzy redhead nerd with coke bottle glasses.”

I sigh and wrap my arms around Jill, pulling her into a hug. “You’re stunning. And what’s more? You’re kind. And smart. And driven. And hard-working And haven’t you heard? Nerds are the new sexy. It’s hot to be a nerd.”

“Not hot enough to combat her.”

“Missy Howl is wedging between both of our crushes.” I chuckle at the irony.

“Ain’t that some shit? It’s like college all over again.”

“I’m sorry Nolan’s an idiot.”

Jill sighs in my arms. “I’m sorry Holden’s an idiot.”

Maggie’s voice crackles over the intercom of the theater. “Will all cast members please make their way to the stage. Break ends in three minutes.”

“I have to go.”

Jill nods and folds her arms across her chest. “Can I go out this way? I don’t want to see him again.”

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