Page 93 of Wine & Whiskey
She gives him a quick hug and jogs up the stairs. Her stomach drops after pushing open the guest room door. He’s back in bed, his fingers scraping over and over across his scalp. In the bathroom, she soaks a washcloth with cool water before pressing it against his forehead, trying to find him some relief.
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re here.”
Her chest throbs at the agony strangling his voice, and she kisses his head before curling around him. “Me too.”
* * *
Once they cut to commercial, Shae gives one last wave to the roaring audience, floating on the high of a live performance, yet her mind sneaks to thoughts of Nick. How much she misses him. How much she wishes he could still be here with her.
After sleeping away most of Monday and Tuesday, he seemed better, proven by his stubborn refusal to stay home and take care of himself while she went to New York. Back to his normal self by the time they landed, it was the perfect trip until he had to return to L.A., dealing with another crisis that erupted in less than forty-eight hours after they’d left. Despite her disappointment, she smiles to herself. Only one more day, and she can head home.
She accepts Max’s outstretched hand as she climbs down the stage steps, her stomach clenching at his drawn expression. “What’s wrong?”
“We need to leave. I’ve got the plane standing by.”
Cheers and clapping from the audience linger behind her. The last sketch of the show starts in about thirty seconds before everyone returns to the set for a final send-off and heads to the cast party. She takes a deep breath, attempting to calm her racing heart from Max’s urgency. “What happened? Where’s Carrie?”
With his hand on her back, he guides her out of the open space and down the hall. They skirt around moving backdrops and actors changing clothes in the wings waiting for their cues to run on stage. Max remains alert, scanning side to side as they walk. Even with the worry of Nick on his mind, he makes her feel safe and protected. They’re lucky to have Max in their lives for more than security.
“I sent her and Oscar to the hotel. The plane will come back to pick them up in the morning. They can bring our stuff with them.” His tense jaw and grip on her back convey his concern. “Nick’s flipped out. He went berserk at the office and fired Carter. When he got home, he yelled at Marta and made her cry.”
She digs in her bag and pulls out her phone. No missed calls or texts. Nothing since last night. The lack of communication was disappointing when she thought they were both too busy to talk. Now, it’s terrifying to know the truth. “God, Max. How could it have gotten this bad in only two days? He was fine when he left.”
“I don’t know. I tried to get Nathan into the house, but Nick refuses to see him. I don’t know what we’re going to find when we get there.”
One of the associate producers stops their departure, glancing at his watch and giving her a raised eyebrow smile. “Hey, Shae. You need to head back to the stage. Final curtain call in twenty seconds.”
“I’ve had an emergency come up, and I need to go.”
“You’re leaving?” His voice drips with incredulousness. “Now?”
Max pats her back in encouragement as her face flushes with warmth. Another incident to add to her growing list of flaky behavior soiling her reputation. “I’m sorry. I—”
“The musical guest can’t leave. Nobody leaves before the show ends. It’s unheard of.”
“You don’t understand. I have to…” Her voice drops, thinking of Nick suffering alone. “I have to go. I’m sorry.”
He shakes his head as they walk away. “Diva.”
She cringes at the comment under his breath. Grateful her mother can’t hear the label she feared the most, the title that signals the beginning of the end. A small insult to bear so she can help the man she loves.
Inside the car, lights dance across the windows as they wind their way through the city to JFK. At almost one in the morning, they share the road with very few cars, mainly taxis full of laughing, boisterous riders enjoying the nightlife. She slumps against the seat, exhaustion overtaking her. A whirlwind week appearing on all of the early morning news and daytime talk shows, as well as the late night programs.
With little sleep and lots of conversations, she messed up only once. Her mind on Nick when she missed a question posed by one of the interviewers. She closes her eyes, thinking of the heat flaming her cheeks when he had to repeat the question. And the extra-long lecture disguised as a coaching session from Gail afterward.
Yet, her lips curl into a smile, remembering their time together before he had to leave. Him leaning over and whispering ‘you’re amazing’ to her in the darkened theater. Slow dancing in the rooftop bar during the after party. Soaking together in the luxurious hot tub in their suite. Knowing it was late and they should get some sleep, but making love anyway. Enjoying their last few minutes together before he had to go back to L.A.
He kisses her forehead as she snuggles against his chest. “I’m sorry I have to go.”
“Me too. But, I’ll be back on Sunday, and I’ll tell you about the rest of my trip.”
“Be careful. Always stay with Max and do what he tells you. The threats exist here just like at home.”
She smiles against his neck at the familiarity of his words. “I think you’ve given me these exact instructions before.”
“I still mean it.” His arms tighten around her. “I love you, sweetness.”
“Fuck!”
