Page 29 of Back Up Plan

A year ago, she would’ve taken the benefits for herself and not cared what happened to Cass. But, she wanted to rub it in Elle’s face and help Cass out.

“I’m just saying, friends with benefits can work out for everyone,” Tommy said as she closed her laptop, “And you, my friend, really need to get laid.”

Ari laughed, “And you need to stop picking fights with girls at bars.”

Tommy winked, “But it’s so much fun.”

As Tom left, Jess appeared in the door, “Hey, just checking in.”

“Would you be interested in reading this script and giving me your thoughts? I’ll read it too and maybe we can consider the client together?” Ari asked.

Jess nodded and made a note, “The Greggor scripts?”

Ari looked at her email to confirm, “Yeah, that’s the one. The partners want me to scout more clients so if you have any events in mind or artists who need rep, let me know. Okay?”

“Sure thing,” Jess smiled and headed out of her office.

Tommy was right about one thing: Jess could help her make up for the time she was spending with Cass. And frankly, she couldn’t afford tonotuse her assistant.

She would still read the scripts and scout her own talent, but it would help Jess feel invested in their work and give Ari some breathing room.

10

CASS

The restof the work week flew by and before Cass knew it, it was the morning of NYC Pride. Ari had sent the attire for the event earlier in the week and Cass had realized her usual slutty outfits wouldn’t fly with the move conservative partners.

Cass may have been offended by restricting her ability to hoe-out at pride. But, she hadn’t attended the Pride parade in a few years. It had become a performance for corporations to feign support and often shied away from taking a stand on the issues affecting queer people.

At this point, she could be found at Dyke March every year.

She settled for a white “Trans Rights are Human Rights” shirt and a pair of jean shorts to keep her cool in the relentless June heat. She hadn’t ever been in the parade before, but if she knew anything from standing on the sidewalk, the city’s cement and asphalt bounced heat straight up at the participants with little shade for protection until the late afternoon.

Cass worried she looked too inappropriate, that all of Ari’s coworkers would be in slacks and button downs but Ari had told her: “As long as you’re not in a mess tank, you’ll be fine.”

Why was she so nervous about impressing them?

She looked in the mirror and reminded herself that she needed to ace this or Ari would back out of the engagement party… and that was all.

As she left her room, Gabby was excitedly waiting in the hallway.

“Ready?” She asked.

Cass nodded, grabbing her keys and wallet from the door. To get to the parade on time, she had woken up at 7 am and chugged her coffee.

They headed outside and made their way to the train.

Gabby, chippier than ever, asked, “Are you excited? I’vealwayswanted to participate in the parade.”

Cass crossed her arms, trying to warm her torso to the chilly morning that would turn to tormenting heat, “Yeah. Nervous, but excited.”

“You’re gonna do great and I’ll be there to cheer you on from the sidelines!” Gabby said.

Cass hugged Gabby from the side as they walked, “You’re the best, Gabs.”

As they climbed up onto the subway platform and boarded their train, Cass was reminded how magical Pride was in New York. It felt like every person you saw was queer. Part of her thought her community came out more in force. But, the optimist in her liked to think of them as on the train with her everyday.

It made her chest warm, to feel so surrounded by love, queerness, and community. She didn’t think the feeling would ever wear off.

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