Page 29 of Someone to Have
I turn back toward the computer, my eyes stinging. Not that my friends have much reason to believe in me, but it still hurts. That’s probably on me. I was always known as the sensitive one in my family.
“Do you think it’s a bad idea?” I ask Sloane.
She takes so long to answer that I wonder if the connection might be bad.
“I think you should choose a challenge that means somethingto you,” she says slowly. “But it’s also important that you can succeed at whatever it is. If your last time on stage is any indication--”
“I’m not the same person I was as a kid.” I’m speaking to all of them. “You guys, seriously. I manage story time at the library. I know it’s not the same thing, but I do fine reading to an audience.”
“You also beg the parents to leave the children’s area before you begin,” Molly points out.
She crouches down next to me and puts an arm around my shoulder. “Sloane will be happy with whatever you pick,” she says. “We all will. It doesn’t have to be huge, Taylor, just meaningful to you.”
“Look at my bucket list goal,” Sadie offers. “Having sex wouldn’t have been a big deal for most of you, but it was huge for me.”
“Hugebecause you did it with the hot quarterback,” Avah says, waggling her perfectly shaped brows. “At least we assume he’s huge, since you won’t confirm anything.”
“I don’t kiss and tell,” Sadie says primly. “And that’s not the point.”
“Mine also wasn’t a big deal to anyone but me.” Iris steps closer to me. “Most people know how to have fun without forcing it. I’m wound a little tighter than your average bear. But I love dancing. I knew that before I chose my activity and signed up for the class.”
“I love theater,” I argue.
“On stage?” Molly asks.
“I’m going to do it.” Until this moment, I would have also assumed I’d chicken out, but the fact that no one has any faith in me—other than Eric Anderson, who seems to think I can manage it—gets under my skin. I’m sick of being the person everyone assumes I am.
“I’ve hired a coach,” I announce to the group.
“An acting coach?” Iris asks, sounding impressed.
“A confidence coach. He’s helping me come out of my shell. Both with this and...” I feel heat rise to my cheeks. “With Bryan.”
“You hired a dating coach?” Avah’s tone is incredulous.
“A life coach,” I correct. “I’m going to figure out this part of my life. That’s what the bucket list is about, right?”
“Exactly,” Sloane says through the computer screen. “I’m proud of you, Tay. It’s about time you put the past behind you. Just like,” she adds softly, “pretty soon I’m going to put cancer behind me.”
“Yes, you are,” I confirm. Once again, tears sting my eyes.
The other ladies crowd in on the camera, and we blow kisses and cry, and it’s almost like Sloane is back with us. I wonder if…
“Hey.” I hold up a hand. “Opening night is the second weekend of February, right before Valentine’s Day. Will you be back by then?”
“Lord, I hope so.” She sighs. “I’m not sure how much longer I can take this hospital room or my brother micromanaging me.”
“Then you’ll have a front-row seat to my debut.” I grin. “I promise I won’t puke on you.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Sloane tells me, then glances off-camera. “I’ve got to go, ladies. Love you all.”
“Love you!” we shout in unison.
Iris disconnects the call and silence descends over the small space.
“She’s going to beat it,” Sadie says when no one seems willing to be the first to speak.
“Of course,” I agree immediately.
