Page 66 of Something Cheeky

“We’re keeping our relationship a secret until opening night, since he’s technically my boss on this show.”

“Good idea.” She didn’t seem convinced.

“Even though we’re doing this relationship thing out of order, we’ll go on a real date soon. Don’t you worry about me.” Zoe refused to let Trixie’s concerns ruin her mood.

“What about your plans to launch your Viet-inspired fashion collection?”

“Everything is going to plan. The costumes for the musical are inspired by my collection. Once the actors are settled, I’ll invite the women to model my sample garments at the opening night reception.”

“Are you sure you can manage the costumes and sample pieces in time? That’s a lot of work.” Trixie’s brow knotted in worry.

“I don’t have a choice. Derek says they’re inviting the who’s who of Asian celebrities to opening night.”

“Like who?” Trixie dipped a piece of her bagel in her coffee and popped it into her mouth.

“I don’t know, but we’re dreaming big. Can you imagine Kelly Marie Tran or Stephanie Hsu seeing my designs and asking for custom pieces?” Zoe spun around in a circle as if she were a model at the end of the catwalk.

“What if they could get Michelle Yeoh or Priyanka Chopra?” Trixie hopped off the stool and proceeded to catwalk through their living room. “I can model one of your pieces, too.”

Zoe laughed and joined her roommate as they strutted around their living room.

The last two days felt surreal, magical, almost like how the gods guided T?m to her Emperor. It’d been a long time since Zoe felt so exhilarated about what she was doing. Andwhoshe was doing. Didn’t she deserve some excitement in her life?

Chapter 30

Derek practically floated on air during his walk from his apartment to Prestige Rep.

Zoe. Zoe Tran. Her name was an earworm that he never wanted to get rid of. He couldn’t have dreamed of a better way for them to reveal their feelings for each other. And this morning was the icing on top, because he’d left a very pleased Zoe in his bed. She’d even praised him for his oral skills.

Finally everything he’d ever wanted was coming to fruition. His design team had nailed his vision, especially Zoe with her costumes. The cast had had great chemistry during the table read and that would only grow as they continued to work together.

Nothing could ruin his mood.

“Oh, what a beautiful morning,” he sang as he walked into the rehearsal room, only to find that Th?o had beat him there.

“You’re forty-five minutes late, Curly.” She pointed to the clock that Heather had hung in the room.

“No, I’m early.” Derek checked the Google calendar that the stage manager had shared with everyone. “We’re not called until ten today.”

“Yes, for rehearsal. But you and I were supposed to meet at nine to finish this last song.”

He cringed as he vaguely recalled Th?o’s text from yesterday.

“Shit, I’m sorry, but I have a good excuse—”

“No more excuses, Derek. We have to finish writing the scene where T?m and Cám come together to test the Emperor’s love. Not to mention fixing their duet by Monday, when Heather has it scheduled for rehearsal.”

“I know. I know. It’s a pivotal scene that illustrates how we’re diverging from the original fairy tale in order to give the sisters more agency.” He repeated their previous discussions about the song.

She crossed her arms in front of her.

“Don’t be mad,” he begged.

She grunted and turned away from him.

“You’re mad.”

No response. Boy was she was pissed.

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