Page 103 of A Certain Step
“I’d prefer that,” Ethan insisted.
“Now that I’ve had time to sit with it, I think getting laid off might’ve been a blessing. I used to get home and stare at the goddamn wall, E. I was so drained last year, working extra hard to avoid being axed in the budget cuts, and for what? They got rid of me anyway. Has a role ever made you feel like that? Like you love it, but at the same time, it’s sucking the life out of you?”
“Not a role, per se, but the industry often does that. Do you not remember how screwed up I was back in 2017? I’m pretty sure I spoke like two words during Thanksgiving dinner that year,” he answered.
Nick sighed. “Shit, yeah, I do remember that.”
Ethan sat on the arm of his couch before continuing. “I’m pretty sure that’s the case with every person at some point in their career, though. The work is mostly rewarding, but it’s tiring. Plus, the gigs aren’t always constant, which is a whole other issue, so I get it. Time off isn’t always actual time off. The whole system is shit in almost every field. But take some time for yourself right now. Do you have money saved up? If you need…”
Nick interrupted, likely knowing how Ethan was going to finish the sentence. “No, no, no. I mean, thank you. But I have some put aside. I saw an opening at Cal State Long Beach, but I don’t even want to apply. I’d rather wait and see if something opens up here or at least along the coast.”
“Yeah, I get that. I wouldn’t want to move to California, either. I hope something opens for you. You’re going to bounce back, Nick. And if you need anything, you know you can tell me, right?”
Ethan recalled Willa’s comment about not wanting to burden her brother when she needed him most, so he tried to take the chance to remind Nick that he was there.
“I know. And actually, I went fishing with my buddy Matt. Unplugged a bit, and it got me thinking that maybe I should take Jo’s advice and finally see a therapist. I don’t think I’ve properly coped with anything in the last four years, E. Between my breakup with Amelia and then grandma and grandpa dying so close to each other, and now all of this with my job…I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do.”
Ethan smiled. He’d never been more proud of Nick’s honesty. “I think that’s a really good idea. That could help you recharge a bit.”
“Yeah, that’s how I’m trying to look at it,” Nick said. “Good thing is, I don’t have to work with Lonnie again.”
“Ha! That’s the department chair, right?” Ethan specified.
Nick huffed on the other end of the line. “Yeah, I swear, man, he drove me up the wall every fucking day. If he wasn’t older than Dad, I would’ve cursed him out ages ago and got myself fired. Anyway, enough about me. Tell me about Willa. Which of you snapped first and realized that your friendship wasn’t normal?”
Ethan let out a laugh and then caught his brother up on the last few weeks. Nick mentioned wanting to take another trip to the city soon and promised Ethan that he’d make his famous honey-garlic glazed salmon for when they were all at the cabin next month.
Christian enteredEthan’s dressing room shortly after he’d gotten to work. “You’re a godsend, E.”
“What did I do?” Ethan asked.
His friend and co-star burst with excitement. “Dan is coming in on the twenty-third, and his last day is the morning of the twenty-ninth. I’d initially requested the twenty-eighth off, too, but I took that back when Dina gave me your off days. My man gets to watch me go on for a principal role. I feel like a schoolboy. I’m so psyched.”
Ethan balled his hand and gestured for a fist pump, then hugged Christian with a pat on his back. “Shit, man. I wish I could see it. I’m thrilled that it worked out for you.”
“So am I. Nervous as hell but excited.”
Ethan gave him another shoulder squeeze. “You’re going to be perfect.”
He spotted Willa from the corner of his eye, wanting to walk in. They hadn’t seen each other yet since yesterday. “Come in, beautiful,” he called out.
“Wills! Hey,” Christian grinned.
“Hi,” she smiled, giving him a quick hug before striding to where Ethan stood. She wrapped her arms around the side of his frame and burrowed herself closer.
Christian tilted his head in response. “Little did you know during that drunken night that this is where you’d be in a few months.”
Willa looked up at Ethan, beaming. “I know,” she blushed.
Ethan squeezed her to his chest and held onto her. “Christian just told me that Dan will be here when he goes on as Darcy.”
Willa nearly screeched. “Mate! That’s amazing. How long is he here for?”
“He gets in on Saturday, so I’ll be off until Thursday the twenty-seventh.”
“That sounds like a blast. I’m so excited for you! Do you have an official date for when he’s coming back for good?” Willa asked.
Christian smiled heartily. “Yes, end of September. But we should also do something when he’s here if you guys aren’t too swamped.”
