Page 122 of If Not for My Baby
He’s right, and I’d skipped my dose today—old habits die hard. “You’re the greatest.”
“Can’t have Eurydice sneezin’ like a kazoo when her lover discovers her in Hell.”
“No, you cannot,” I say, mouth full of allergy meds.
“Lad at the pharmacy convinced me to buy an oversized pack for the tour. Says they don’t make them the same in Europe. That’s not even true, is it?”
“Actually I think it is. But we could’ve gotten them cheaper in Texas next week.” More habits that die hard: saving every dollar even though I haven’t been a struggling waitress in quite some time. My mom has adjusted much quicker than I—embracing her new pottery studio and car without a second thought. Though she, like Tom’s parents, had no interest in giving up the old Cherry Grove house. Thankfully her new medication means fewer flare-ups and a lot more ease hiking up those stairs.
“How does it feel?” he asks after a minute. “Last show?”
Playing Eurydice in theHadestownBroadway revival is a dream I never fathomed achieving. Not even when I got my first starring role in a production, or was nominated for myfirst Drama Desk Award. It’s been the honor of a lifetime and I’m already nostalgic for this wonderful cast and crew.
But that seems to be the nature of what Tom and I do. These people, these songs, these moments in time—we have to soak up every drop before they end all too quickly. Tom’s third album came out a week ago and already it’s looking like he’ll hit the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 again. The European leg of his tour begins soon, so we’re going home to Texas to visit my mom before it kicks off in London. Each of these experiences, bright and ephemeral as comets in the sky. There and then gone. It’s a lesson in mindfulness, and that there’s always something new around the bend.
“Oh, that reminds me.” I find my phone and open the group chat.
EVERGREEN TREE TOUR
Clementine:Is anyone in the Austin area at the end of next week?
Clementine:We’ll be flying to London from there, not NY, and can take whomever
Indy Russo:Break a leg tonight!
Molly Moreno:Wait I might be let me find out
Indy Russo:Clementine do you have an extra ticket to the wrap party (I am assuming Tom is skipping?) Jacob had to give his to some playwright
Clementine:Yes you can have Tom’s!
Conor Callaghan:Kick some arse tonight Clementine. See you lads over the pond soon
PeteSullivan:Good luck tonight C
Pete Sullivan:And when are you flying out? I’m always interested in a PJ.
Wren Morgan:I don’t like the way you made that sound
Pete Sullivan:Sure you did
Molly Moreno:Is tonight the last show?
Clementine:Yes closing night and Pete, next Sunday!
Molly Moreno:kill it babe. I won’t actually be near Austin so meet u in London xx
Clementine:Ok Molls see you soon
Pete Sullivan:Shit I can’t make it either
Indy Russo:Guys, I miss Lionel
Wren Morgan:Did he die
Clementine:What?!
Conor Callaghan:Feck not Skechers!
