Page 5 of Everything's Coming Up Rosie

Maya reaches over and squeezes Marnie’s arm. “Tell her your news!”

My eyes go wide. “What news?”

Marnie tosses a quick glance around the room and settles on Taylor, who is stuck in conversation with Mrs. Copecki. The only effective way to get out of a Mrs. Copecki conversation is to gnaw one of your own limbs off.

“It’s not a big deal,” Marnie says.

“Uh, it’s ahugedeal.” Maya pushes her shoulder into Marnie’s. “Tell her, or I’m going to.”

“I got a new job,” Marnie says a bit shyly.

“She’s burying the lede. Comeon,Mar, it’s inMilwaukee.” Maya’s eyes go wide. “And she’s the morning anchor!”

“Whoa!” My heart is instantly confused, and I hate it. I’m genuinely excited for Marnie, but her news makes me feel left out and somehow... small. I shove the thought aside because I want to be nothing but thrilled for her. She’s one of my very best friends, but I feel like I should’ve known this news already.

The fact that I don’t is my own fault.

“That’s amazing, Mar!” I say, meaning it. “So, wait. You’re moving?”

She nods. “I’ve already started hauling some of my stuff to my new apartment. I have a view of the lake right from my living room! I mean, you have to sort of crane your neck and look around a building, but it’s there, I promise.”

“I knew it was just a matter of time,” I tell her. “You’re so talented. Andsucha good reporter. I’d definitely want to have my morning coffee while you tell me what’s going on in the world.”

“You’d have to start watching the news to do that.” Marnie smiles.

“Oof. Yeah.” I shudder, then grin at her. In college, Marnie continued with the speech team and discovered she was really good at public speaking. Natural. Honest. And incredibly witty. She became a broadcast journalism major and got a job in a small market right after college. And now, an anchor in Milwaukee.

Her life is going according to plan.

“Maya has news too,” Marnie says. “You next. Tell her.”

Maya rolls her eyes, like she doesn’t want to brag on herself, but we all know better. She holds out her perfectly manicured left hand and wiggles her fingers. It’s the first time I notice the giant engagement ring she’s wearing.

“Holy heck, Maya!” I grab her hand for a closer look at the ring. “You’reengaged? Gil finally proposed?”

Maya’s face falls. “Not Gil, Rosie. Matty.”

“Wait. Matty?” I give my head a quick shake, trying to locate details I’ve obviously deleted from my mental hard drive. “Have I been living under a rock? MattyBanks?”

“Yes!” she gushes. “He’s the mayor.” She grins, and now I make the connection to the lilt on his title earlier. She lifts her hand, admiring her ring. “I can’t believe it. I’m going to be a politician’s wife.”

“And she bought the salon,” Marnie says, giving our friend a squeeze.

“Youboughtthe salon?” I can’t hide the surprise in my voice. Or the tears that spring to my eyes. “Oh my gosh, Maya! You’re a business owner?”

Maya was not the one who was supposed to have her life together at this point.

As an actor, you’re taught to tap into feelings and emotions—to use them to make scenes more honest and believable. But one of the most difficult parts of acting is that you have to portray your character’s emotions while burying your own contradictory emotions at the same time.

This is what’s happening to me right now.

Thrilled for my friends. Guilty for lying. Embarrassed about my life.

“What is it?” Maya leans forward and lowers her voice. “Are you okay?”

I sniff and try to shake the tears away. “I’m just...” I take a breath. “I’m so happy for you guys.” I bring my attention back to my two friends. “I really, really am.”

Maya lets out an “awww,” but Marnie only stares. She squints at me. “Spill it.”

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