Page 102 of A Certain Step
They’d been watching Naomi and Declan run through “Stubborn Bastard.” Christian was on the other side of Willa, and they’d been watching from the wings. Gary had come over to them and snapped a few shots of the whole cast. It was still in the early days of their friendship, and at the end of that day, they’d had their first movie night together, wherein she introduced him to another version ofPride and PrejudicewithDeath Comes to Pemberley.
He posted that picture on his feed with a red heart and disabled comments, then shared it on his stories with a statement.
Hi everyone. I wholeheartedly appreciate the tireless support and compassion in both my career as an artist and as a person. You’ve been some of the best fans for the longest time, and I’m always deeply grateful. But at the same time, the events from last night have forced my hand in addressing something that I wanted to keep private for a little bit longer. I’m the happiest and best version of myself when I’m with Willa, who’s been my best friend and greatest source of comfort and joy since we met. The vile comments are uncalled for, hurtful, and outright unnecessary. The world is already a shitty place, and we could all use a bit of kindness amid all the turmoil we’re living through in our day-to-day lives. Please keep this in mind when wondering if that assumption you’re going to make on the internet is something you’re proud of.
“I hate that he had to do something like this for the first time in his career.”
Sahar sighed knowingly. “It sucks, yeah. But, Wills, fuck it all. You have someone beside you who’d do anything for you. You’ve got to keep reminding yourself that all those comments are just noise.”
“What if it gets more dangerous than that? What if some of those comments are from the same people who repeatedly stalked him when he was onDetective Vice?”
Sahar took her hand and squeezed. “Then we’ll deal with it. They haven’t been seen near the theatre since the show began.”
Willa knew Sahar had a point—she did—but it’d take some getting used to. She also needed to stop being so anxious about social media because so much of her career relied on it. It was always fine when she and Miles would post a choreographed number. She never cared when she was part of group photos. Still, all of this felt too intimate, and she’d have to learn to live with it.
But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and these things would take time.
33
ETHAN
Ethan turned from his back to face the side of his bed where Willa should’ve been. His heart fractured again. Even though he wanted it, he didn’t expect her to stay with him every night, but today’s incident made it all the more difficult to be away from her.
He grabbed his phone to text her, but she’d beaten him to it.
WILLA
I’m going to bed. Not to be dramatic, but I miss your freaking arms and your whole face and YOU. I love you. See you tomorrow!
Fuck.He missed her, too. He always missed her.
ETHAN
Missing you is my default emotion, even when you’re sitting right next to me. This bed is too damn big without you in it. I love you, too, beautiful. Sleep well!
He hadn’t gone back on social media since making the statement. Frankly, he didn’t even want to check. He didn’t care. It was done. As long as Willa was okay and felt safe, that was all that mattered to him. Still, he opened the app just to see. He spotted her icon, and surprise dawned on him when he saw a post from her. He clicked on it to see what she’d posted.
It was their photo, with a purple heart underneath.
He didn’t expect her to share it. He didn’t need her to either. Yet, he hoped that it meant she was feeling a little better about the whole situation. Maybe she was less scared, more hopeful. God, how he wished.
The following day,Ethan’s phone rang as he looked for his keys to head out. He swore he hung them on the hook where they belonged, but they were nowhere to be found. His brother’s name flashed on the screen.
“Yo,” Ethan answered. He almost made a sarcastic remark about how Nick wouldn’t return his calls but opted for the casual greeting.
“Hey, man. Sorry I’ve been MIA,” Nick started.
Ethan sighed. He hadn’t expected an acknowledgment of his absence. “You’re good. Don’t worry. How are you?”
“I’m sure mom told you.”
“She did,” Ethan disclosed.
“I figured she would, even though I hoped she wouldn’t. She also told me what happened to you. I’ll never know how you put up with it, bro. A bunch of strangers on the internet having an opinion on your love life? That fucking blows.”
“It has its downsides,” Ethan started. “Not sure I’d trade it to look at essays, though,” he added, wanting to lighten the mood.
Nick let out a snort. “Ha! Right now, neither would I. Can I be real for a second?”
