Page 23 of Spotlight on Poppy

Josh had finished changing and was getting ready to head over to the Elbow Room when he saw Poppy come into the greenroom. She was still in costume and make-up.

“Hey!” she said in greeting. “I’m surprised you aren’t at the bar yet.”

“I’m getting ready to head over.” Josh replied. “Do you want me to wait and walk with you?”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

“It’s not a problem. You were spectacular tonight, Poppy. I mean it.”

She smiled, and if Josh wasn’t mistaken, she even blushed a bit.

“Right back atcha, Turner. What a great opening night! I’m gonna change as fast as I can. I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time. I’ll be here.”

She disappeared into the dressing room and Josh took out his phone and started to scroll. It had been a crazy day. One of those days where emotions had been high and all over the place. At least it ended on a high note. He pulled up social media, which he very rarely checked, but right now it was full of congratulations from the townspeople who had seen the show. Someone had even posted a picture they snapped during the show of him and Poppy. She was stunning. He could look at that picture all night.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Poppy said as she came out of the dressing room. “And really thank you again for the flowers. They are so beautiful.”

He just nodded bashfully, not sure what to say. “Should we head out?”

“Yep!”

They left the theater and started walking the couple blocks to the bar. The air was crisp, and Poppy pulled her light jacket around her. Josh ached to put his arm around her and warm her up, but he just pushed his hands deep into his pockets and listened to her talk about the show.

“I think this was one of the best opening nights I’ve ever had!” she exclaimed. “I mean nothing went wrong. NOTHING! Something always goes wrong, but not tonight. You were incredible. I mean that, Josh.”

He glanced her way, and she was smiling that kilowatt smile of hers on him and he basked in its warmth. Josh could listen to Poppy ramble on forever.

“You had the audience eating out of your hand with Grow for Me, Josh, you really did. I peeked out and they were all just so engaged.”

“I heard the applause after Somewhere That’s Green, Poppy. You were the real star tonight, let's be honest.”

“Humble as always… I’ll take it though. I was a star tonight.” she said with a joking smile on her face.

“In all seriousness though, you were incredible tonight,” he said.

She stopped and looked at him, waiting for his full attention.

“In all seriousness, Josh, you were incredible tonight.”

He always felt uncomfortable receiving compliments, but he decided to just take it. It did feel pretty good.

“Thank you, Poppy.”

They had made their way to the elbow room and the cast and crew and many family and friends were already singing and drinking. Josh put his hand on the small of her back.

“What can I get you to drink?” She opened her mouth to talk, but Josh continued, “Cranberry and Vodka, right? With a splash of club soda and a lime?”

“You remembered my drink?” She beamed at him. “Yes please! I’ll go grab us a table and a book.”

Josh ordered the drinks and joined Poppy at the table. As he set the drinks down, Poppy noticed his hand.

“What happened to your hand?” she asked as she lightly traced his knuckles that were bruised and swollen.

He quickly pulled it back. “Nothing, just banged it at work today.”

His knuckles were swollen and bruised because of a certain visitor, but he did not want to talk about it. He had never hit anyone before in his life, fighting wasn't something that was in his nature, but sometimes it was necessary and punching Damien St. Cloud in the face was worth it.

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