Page 20 of To the Moon and Back

Lauren beamed. “I rehearsed night and day and counted the momentsuntil the curtain rose. Not to mention, the entire town would be there,including my extended family who’d driven in.”

“And you were a hit,” Carly supplied, imagining Lauren wouldn’tsettle for anything less than perfection.

“No. Actually, my performance was fine, but my nightgown snaggedon the set during the flying sequence and brought the whole thing tumblingdown. Children and nightgowns and Lost Boys scattered for safety as I swungback and forth, dragging the wall.” She grimaced as Carly laughed. “I probablyshould have taken that as a sign it wasn’t meant to be for me. Unfortunately,it took a little longer for me to get the message.”

Carly tried to stop laughing, but the image of young Laurensitting in a pile of rubble while an audience looked on in horror was too much.“Was anyone hurt?”

“I wishIhad been! Would have pulled attention away from the disaster.” She exhaled andrelaxed against the couch with a tired smile. “The boy playing little Michaelwas traumatized, though. We’d brought him in from the elementary school. Brokeinto tears and cried in the arms of Tiger Lily. I’m hopeful the therapy herequired helped, some.”

Carly was dying. Wheezing. Gasping for air. Yes, she was punchyalready after such a roller coaster of a day, but the images Lauren paintedcertainly contributed. “Please tell me there are photos.”

“Oh, there arevideos,”Lauren deadpanned.

“My kingdom for this video. What is it you want? A car? A house? Ican make your dreams come true. Except that’s a lie. My movie money isdwindling.”

“I wonder why,” Lauren mused with a grin. She extended her armacross the back of the couch between them, which made things feel extra cozy.“If we survive this production without you single-handedly causing me to pullmy hair out, I will make that video happen for you.”

Carly tapped the top of Lauren’s hand with her finger. “Promises,promises.”

A pause. “But I remember what it was like to take on a role,rehearse, and lose yourself for a little while. There’s nothing like it.”

Carly touched Lauren’s knee. “You should give it another gosometime.”

“I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t miss it a little, but I thinkI’ll stick with my steady paycheck, and organizing all of you people. How’sthat?” She stood. “It’s getting late. We should clock out before we have to beback in the morning.”

Carly nodded, feeling so much lighter than earlier in the day.This was the first time she and Lauren had just…relaxed together. Chatted aboutlife. She found it refreshing and couldn’t help but crave more.

“And this is okay? To run lines with you again in the future?Because I’d really like to.”

“Completely. Just let me know.”

“Before rehearsal tomorrow? I can come in early and we can—”

Lauren held up a finger. “You’re a liar and you know it. You’reincapable of the word early.” She’d said it in a bossy but playful tone, andhand to her hip. Carly wanted to kiss her right then and there, then loseherself with Lauren on that couch, slowly. Very slowly.

“I’ll be here at nine tomorrow,” Carly informed her, as she headedto the door. “I can help you and Trip set up as we run lines.”

“Sure you will.”

“You’re gonna be shocked. Wanna walk out with me?”

Lauren gestured to her laptop. “I better get that rehearsal reportout before heading home.”

Carly shook her head. “You work too hard.”

“Do you think that’s it, or do you think maybe you don’t—”

“You don’t even have to finish that sentence,” Carly said,pointing at her. She softened. “Good night, Lauren. You saved me today.”

Lauren studied her. “You’re welcome.”

“You can bet I’m not going to forget it, and you know something?”

“What’s that?”

“You’re an awesome person. I may not make that clear in how Ibehave, but I’m spoiled and working on a recovery strategy.”

“I appreciate that,” Lauren said, with a twinkle in her eye. “Ihave all the faith in you.”

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