Page 61 of Serving the Couturier

“Maybe not,” Gabriella said, “but that doesn’t mean they’ll accept an American actress.”

“And it’s not as if you’re planning to stay here,” Anne added softly. “How can you have a serious relationship with someone across an ocean?”

London came back before I could respond, but I had no answer for my sisters’ observations. I already knew all of this, but I had been trying not to think about it too much. My sisters’ words were echoing in my head as we headed to the theater, and I realized that no matter how much they liked London, my family would never approve.

As my sisters left us backstage shortly before the show was about to begin, I could tell that London had noticed their reluctance.

“I like them,” she said. “But they seemed hesitant around me.”

I pondered, but then decided to lie.

“That’s just how upper-class Brits are,” I said, forcing a smile. “Remember, the rest of my family was the same way.”

“I think these sisters were nicer than the one in England,” London said, giving me a mischievous grin.

I chuckled, but then made a decision, partly to distract her and partly because I realized what I truly wanted.

“I’m going to get an apartment in the city,” I said.

Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” I said, kissing her forehead. “Now, go break a leg.”

As she walked away, I knew I needed to figure out if I was going to tell my sisters before they left for home or wait until I had a few thousand miles between us. Either way, they were going to be upset.

THIRTY-TWO

LONDON

Spendingtime with Spencer’s sisters was a nerve-wracking experience, but mostly because I wanted them to like me. The thoughts occupied my mind, but that changed when I went to the dressing room after Spencer left me backstage.

I could hear the whispers and murmurings all around me, my name and Spencer’s name being mentioned. I could feel the gaze of the others on me, but whenever I looked at them, no one would meet my eyes. This only confirmed what I had been hearing.

“You should hurry and get ready,” Tomma said as I walked past her and Timothy. “You don’t want Darrel to think you’re unprepared and replace you with someone else.”

“At least then we’d know we have a professional on stage,” Timothy added, his voice low but still loud enough for me to hear.

Tomma made sure everyone could hear her next remark, “Yeah, someone who’s earned their role the right way.”

I stopped and turned as Mercedes stepped forward and confronted Tomma.

“Watch yourself, Ackman,” Mercedes warned. “You’re not as untouchable as you think.”

“What? Is London going to run to her boyfriend and get me fired?” Tomma retorted, seemingly unperturbed.

I placed a hand on Mercedes’ arm. “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not okay,” Mercedes replied, not taking her eyes off Tomma. “You work so hard and are ten times the actress this bitch is.”

“What did you just call me?” Tomma stepped forward from Timothy.

“Mercedes,” I said her name firmly. “Come help me get ready.”

My tone got through to her this time, and she looked at me. I raised my eyebrows and gave her a pointed look over her shoulder. She turned to see some members of the cast watching us.

“Right,” she stepped back. “This is not the right time or place.”

Once we were in the dressing room, I said, “I appreciate you sticking up for me, but I don’t want you to get into trouble because of it.”

---