Page 21 of Serving the Couturier

SPENCER

It wasthe Tuesday before Christmas, and the sky was an ominous shade of gray, signaling a potential snowstorm. I pulled my coat tighter around me and hailed a passing cab.

Settling into the back seat, I checked my phone for any messages. There was a text from my sister, Anne, asking about my arrival time at Heathrow. I sighed and turned off my phone. I had no plans to return to London for the holidays.

The cab made its way through the bustling streets of New York, and I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Today was the first cast read-through of my play, and I had been eagerly anticipating this moment all week.

The biting winter air whipped past the windows as I reflected on my grandmother’s attempts to set me up with wealthy aristocrats. It was always about maintaining the family’s status in high society in England, but I refused to be a mere piece in her game. I had forged my path on the West End and was now making a name for myself on Broadway. I wouldn’t allow her to dictate my romantic life or my future.

But the real reason I didn’t want to go back for Christmas was because of London McCrae. Ever since our encounter, I wasn’t able to shake her from my thoughts. Now that she was the female lead, I knew I couldn’t pursue a relationship with her because of my rule about not fraternizing with cast members. However, I still wanted to support her. It wasn’t just because she was beautiful and I desired her, but because I truly believed she was a talented actress who deserved a shot on Broadway. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

The cab pulled to the sidewalk, and as I stepped out onto the bustling streets of New York, I had to let out a chuckle. Me, Spencer York, the man who had once sworn off love and the societal expectations placed on me by my grandmother, now found himself captivated by the talents and charm of a stunning actress. It was quite an amusing turn of events.

Before entering the theater, I admired its beauty, feeling a buzz of excitement and energy in the air. I knew that this was where I wanted to spend my Christmas, surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared my passion for storytelling and theater.

With a whistle, I entered the lobby of the Shubert Theatre, my footsteps echoing off the marble floor. As I made my way up the steps, I heard someone call out my name.

“Spencer, my man!” Darrel greeted me, striding over with a hand extended for a shake.

“Darrel, good to see you,” I replied, giving his hand a firm squeeze.

“How are you this morning?” he asked.

“Can’t complain. Excited for the read-through?” I responded.

“Absolutely!” Darrel exclaimed. “Now that we’re all set with casting without further incidents, thanks to your quick thinking of firing that Jerry guy. What a creep.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, I couldn’t tolerate his rude behavior.”

“Definitely the right call,” Darrel said, patting my back. “It was the only way to handle such a sticky situation.”

“Thanks, Darrel,” I said. “By the way, have you seen Stan around?”

Darrel shook his head. “Nah, I haven’t seen him all week, but I’m sure he’ll show up today.”

Just as Darrel finished his sentence, Stan walked in, coffee in hand. “Morning, Spencer! I brought you a coffee, thought you might need it before the read-through,” he said, handing me a coffee.

“Thanks, Stan, you’re a lifesaver,” I replied, taking a sip of the hot coffee, careful not to burn my tongue this time.

As we made our way up the stairs, Darrel and Stan discussed the plans for the day’s read-through while I listened in. When we finally reached the top, I felt a rush of excitement in my chest. Today was a big day, not just because of the read-through, but also because I’d get to see London again.

“Alright, let’s get started,” Darrel said as he pushed open the double doors of the theater. The cast and crew were already there, setting up and chatting amongst themselves. I scanned the room, my gaze finally landing on London, seated in the front row, studying her lines. Our eyes met, and she gave me a small smile that made my heart skip a beat.

“Alright, everyone, take your seats,” Darrel called out, breaking my thoughts. “We’re starting now.”

* * *

The read-through was going smoothly,and London’s performance entranced me. Her eyes sparkled when she spoke her lines, and her voice carried with ease throughout the theater. I was becoming increasingly aware that I was in trouble. For years, talented and beautiful women had surrounded me, but I had always maintained a professional demeanor and keep my feelings separate from my work. But with London, things were different.

As Darrel called for lunch, a catered event in the lobby, I knew I had to speak with her. I was burning with curiosity to find out if she felt the same way I did or if our previous encounter had only been a one-night stand. The uncertainty was driving me crazy. As I spotted her in conversation with one of the other cast members, who I believed to be a friend of hers, I approached, but before I could reach her, Stan intercepted me.

“Spencer, listen up,” Stan said, with a concerned look on his face. “I heard about the situation with Jerry, and I totally agree with your decision to fire him.” He leaned in, lowering his voice. “But you’ve got to be careful with London. That guy wouldn’t hesitate to go to the gossip press to get revenge for being fired. If they found out about your one-night stand, it could create a media frenzy that could harm the success of the show.”

I knew Stan was right. Despite my attraction to London, I couldn’t let it jeopardize her career or the success of the show.

“Of course, Stan,” I replied with a sigh. “You’re right. I need to stay professional with London and not let my personal feelings impede the show’s success.”

But even as I said the words, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her as she laughed and chatted with the other cast members. The sight of Timothy flirting with her sent a pang of jealousy through me.

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