Page 111 of Everything's Coming Up Rosie

Maya:I’m invested. I set them up. Marnie, Greg G. looks promising!

Taylor:I don’t think it’s the best idea for Rosie to get involved with someone who lives in Wisconsin.

Maya:She doesn’t have to marry the guy. She can just have a little fun!

Marnie:Maybe casual hookups aren’t Rosie’s idea of fun.

Taylor:Casual hookups definitely aren’t Rosie’s idea of fun.

Maya:Well, how is she ever going to meet anyone if she doesn’t put herself out there?

I send a photo of me and Booker.

Rosie:I’m doing just fine;)

Taylor:ROSIE WATERMAN, WHAT THE...

Maya:THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CREATURE I’VE EVER SEEN!

(Except for Matty, of course.)

Marnie:Rosie! I thought we were in this together!

Rosie:We’re trying to keep things casual. But, you guys...

I send a photo of Booker smiling.

Rosie:It’s a rough go.

***

Mom:It’s been a little while since I’ve heard from you. What’s new?

Rosie:Oh, nothing, really. Just work, work, work!

Chapter 30

Another week goes by and the show is starting to feel like a show. We’re a little less than three weeks from opening night, and while there are some nervous jitters, there are also a lot of great things happening.

Veronica has finished teaching the choreography, I’ve taught all the music and blocked the entire show, so today... we’ll attempt our first run-through.

I affectionately call it a Stumble-Through and Stop-and-Fix.

I arrive early to get things prepared, entering through the scene shop because, yes, I happen to know that Booker is already here, working on his day off. And because I really want to see him.

I walk into the large space behind the stage, and there he is, putting the finishing touches on Cinderella’s house. I watch him for a few seconds, mostly because he’s very nice to look at, but also because I’m keenly aware my time here is coming to an end.

And because I really,reallydon’t want to say goodbye.

The door closes behind me, and at the sound of it, he turns, smiling when he meets my eyes. “Hey.”

“Hey.”

I walk over to him, and when I’m a foot away, he reaches for me. Letting myself step into his arms is the easiest thing in the world.

He kisses me, and I can tell the intention is for it to be a simple hello, but it quickly becomes something more.

I savor it. Every time I kiss him, I savor it, because I know it’s all fleeting and soon he won’t be so accessible to me.

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