Page 143 of Stay for Me
“I had to film and was doing my best to be back. I’m sorry I left you guys and didn’t have a chance to say anything. I promise, it wasn’t an easy thing to get on that plane.”
“We were upset,” Candi says without pause.
“I’m sure, and I’m sorry I let you down. Believe me, I care a lot about all of you and I fought with my director about pulling me away. If there had been any way I could’ve gotten out of it, I would’ve. Then the plane went down, and . . . unfortunately I missed your two shows anyway.”
“Sebastian was a mess,” Clarissa says before adding, “when the plane went down.”
“I’m sure he was.”
Her eyes fill with tears. “We all were. We . . . we were so scared that you were gone and that we didn’t get to thank you.”
“It’s me who needs to thank you guys. Thank you for letting me be your director.”
Sebastian steps forward. “I was the most upset. Don’t let them fool you.”
Leave it to him to inject some levity in the room.
“It’s because he’s getting it on with your mom.” A teenage boy sniggers while ducking down.
As much as I’d like to scold him, he’s not lying. And it would be some asshole shit I would’ve said at fifteen.
Brenna is not as accommodating as to let it slide. “Mr. Neville, I’ll see you in my office first thing in the morning to discuss that comment.”
He groans. “Yes, Mrs. Allen.”
She shrugs subtly, and I smile at her. One day, I want that name not to be hers anymore. I want her to be mine. To be Mrs. Arrowood and then we can flip off the whole world.
I know I was a fool to ask her that way. She was right to say no, as much as I wish she hadn’t. The truth is, she’s had a lot of half-hearted things in her life. An engagement with Luke that only happened because of her pregnancy. A marriage where he was gone half the time. And even after, nothing was ever how she wanted it.
That all changes now.
She is going to get every part of me, whether she wants it or not.
Clarissa takes a step forward. “We were all a mess, Jacob.”
“I’m fine, and I’m just glad I get to be here for your final show.”
“Hopefully we make you proud,” Sebastian says.
God, these kids just don’t even know. “There was never any doubt of that. Never. I knew that you didn’t need me to put on a performance this town would never forget. You are all incredibly talented, smart, and funny. It was a privilege to get to work with you all.” I turn to Neville. “You, we’re still on the fence about. You’re a clown.”
He laughs and nods. “Jacob Arrowood thinks I’m a clown.”
Clarissa rolls her eyes. “And he thinks that’s a good thing.”
Neville is a great kid and reminds me way too much of myself, which is why I think I like him so damn much. “I was also the clown of the group,” I tell them.
Brenna’s voice is low, but I hear her. “Still are.”
I give her a look and she’s unfazed. “But seriously,” I say as I turn back to the kids, “is everyone ready?”
David, who is playing Danny, bobs his head. “I’m good. I got chills.”
“Are they multiplying?” Sebastian asks with perfect timing.
They all make varying noises of amusement, and a few clap him on the back. It’s good to see this, him bonding with his castmates. He’s had a rough time fitting in and finding his people. This was why I agreed to this. To give back to the kids who are often labeled as outcasts and unable to belong somewhere.
“All right everyone, settle down,” I say with my fake authority voice. “I’d like to say a few serious things before our last show.”
