Page 53 of Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises)

She was still inhaling and exhaling, trying to come down from the exertion of her body. “Amazing,” she managed to say while breathing heavily. Her part of the show was over, and she could relax until curtain call. Her castmates were gracious and complimentary as she made her way back to the dressing room, looping her arm through Ethan’s. When they were behind the closed door, Ethan nodded exuberantly.

“Seriously, you killed it. Thanks for making me look so good.” The two hugged affectionately. “I was worried before.”

Grabbing a towel, she sat on a chair and gently dabbed the perspiration on her face. “Worried? Why?”

“You’ve been through a lot these past couple of weeks. I wasn’t sure how you’d react getting an opening night gift from Hart.”

She nodded in agreement. “I don’t want you to worry anymore. I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. And you’re a big reason for that.”

“I am?” he asked, his eyebrow cocked with surprise.

“Yes.”

He glanced at his watch and cursed under his breath. “I gotta go. See you for the curtain call!”

Gia laughed. “Okay!”

Forty-five minutes later, the entire cast bowed to a standing ovation. When Gia stepped out for her bow, she swore she could hear Hart whistling. The whole night had been a dream come true. Without a doubt, her Aunt Caroline would have been immensely proud, the years of her teaching and coaching shining through in her performance that night. She was feeling light and carefree, changing out of her costume ready to meet her friends and students in the lobby. Hopefully, Hart was waiting for her too. Several patrons congratulated her while she signed programs, her eyes searching the lobby, but there was no sign of him.

“Oh. My. God!” her friend Angel yelled across the room. She was decked out in a purple fringe dress and teetering on high heels. The sight of her dear friend made Gia’s cheeks flush with excitement, and the two propelled themselves into each other’s arms.

“Girl! That was incredible! Why aren’t you on Broadway or dancing in music videos?” Angel was holding her by the shoulders, looking her up and down as if she didn’t recognize her.

Gia laughed and shook her head. “I’m so glad you liked it. I couldn’t have pulled it off without all those extra rehearsals with Ethan.”

“Well, with or without his help, you are one amazing diva!”

They chatted for several minutes as other theatergoers and some of her star-struck students politely interrupted, asking for selfies and more autographs. It was such a surreal state to be in; a far cry from the last time she had performed on a stage.

“Did you see him?” Gia asked softly so only Angel could hear.

“No, I didn’t. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t here.”

“He sent an opening night gift. My Aunt Caroline’s ring.”

Angel gasped before a huge smile overtook her face, exposing the gap between her two front teeth. “Well, there it is.” She reached out and straightened the collar of Gia’s blouse. “Now aren’t you glad you packed that little overnight bag?”

“Seriously, what would I do without you?” The two friends hugged.

“I won’t wait up,” Angel teased, making Gia laugh out loud.

Walking back down the corridor to the side entrance to the backstage area, she felt like she was floating on air and couldn’t help but do a happy pirouette.

“Gia…”

The familiar voice stopped her in her tracks, the sound of her name coming from Hart’s mouth like a beautiful prayer. When she turned around, their eyes met, and he smiled warmly at her. “You were… that was…”

It touched her that he couldn’t find the words and she watched him run his hand nervously through his hair. She immediately noticed a bandage covering it.

“What happened to your hand?”

He exhaled through his nose and looked at the floor. “It’s nothing. A few stitches.”

“Hart…” She approached him, her eyes searching his. “I’m so sorry.”

He looked at her, nodding in agreement. “I’m sorry too.”

“The ring. I…I can’t thank you enough.”

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