See You Later Broadway (Broadway Series Book 2) Page 14

  “Oh, you have no idea how I wish I was there, too.”

  I sit down on the bed and put my hand on my face. I don’t want to end this conversation but I have to get Trevor out of here.

  “I’m just about to jump in the shower, can I call you back?”

  Technically, this isn’t a lie because I do have to get a shower.

  “Damn, now I really wish I was there.”

  I start to laugh. “You’re bad, you know that?”

  He laughs. “I may actually have to take my own shower now . . . a cold one.”

  “You go do that. I’ll call you back.”

  When we hang up, I’m grinning from ear to ear. I take a few breaths and head back to Trevor.

  “Sorry, I had to get that.”

  He’s still sitting on the couch, and I notice he’s holding an envelope in his hands.

  “What’s that?”

  He holds it out to me. “It’s a letter from Gran to you. I found it in some things she left for me. She left me one, too,” he says, taking a second envelope out of his pocket.

  I take the envelope from his hand. There’s a message written on the front:

  Please give this envelope to Maris and read your letters together.

  I hold the envelope in my hands as if it’s a delicate family heirloom. When I look at Trevor, he’s doing the same. I’m afraid of what’s in these letters, and if her wishes were for us to open them together, there must be a reason. And I have a pretty good idea what her reason is.

  “I need to get ready for work,” I tell him.

  “Do you want to do this now or can I see you tomorrow?” he asks.

  I don’t want to drag this out any more than it is.

  “Do you really think we need to do it together?” I ask. “What if this is just her sneaky way of forcing us to see each other?”

  His mouth curls up into a half smile.

  “I could see her doing that.” He pauses. “Regardless, I still think we have a lot to work out.”

  I shake my head. “I don’t think we do.”

  He furrows his brow. “Why do you say that?”

  I place my letter from Beatrice on the table.

  “I can’t do this anymore. I hate feeling so unsettled, and honestly, I just want to move on with my life. Maybe we just got caught up in the excitement of meeting the way we did and our family connection. It just seems like there will always be obstacles in our way. If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is.”

  He folds his arms tightly to his chest.

  “Maris, you have to admit there has been something between us since the night we met. We both fought it and we still found each other again. Something in this universe continues to bring us together, and I don’t think we should fight it anymore.”

  I look away but don’t say anything. He moves closer to me.

  “If you tell me that you don’t have any feelings for me, I promise I will walk out the door and leave you alone.”

  I open my mouth to say something. I want to tell him that I don’t feel anything for him. I want to tell him that I met someone else. But for some reason, I can’t speak. The words are all jumbled in my head and I still can’t look him in the eye.

  I close my eyes. “I have to get ready for work. Can you please just go?”

  He nods and lifts my chin with his hand. “I knew you couldn’t say it.”

  He turns around and walks toward the door. He turns around before he leaves. “Regardless of what happens here, don’t let yourself miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime. Take the position with Liv’s company.”

  He leaves before I can respond. I sit back down on the couch and bury my face in my hands. I honestly feel like everything around me is crashing down and I don’t know how to stop it. First and foremost, I have to make this decision about my career. Then, I can figure out what the status of my personal life is. I honestly feel like that meme I read recently that says, “I don’t want to adult right now. If you need me, I’ll be in my fort, coloring.” Although in my case, I just want to sit in my room and write songs.

  I pick up Beatrice’s letter. I start to open it, but then something stops me. I don’t think I’m ready for this. I glance at the time and run to the shower so I still have time to return Zack’s call. I feel like he’s the only bright spot in my world right now.

  Chapter 21

  I scroll through my phone as I wait for Liv and Giselle to meet me. I’m early and I know Liv is always late, so I have a feeling I have time to kill. I had a very busy day at the studio after the whole Trevor fiasco of my morning. Then, I was able to talk to Zack for about twenty minutes, which really made my day. He was sweet enough to give me a pep talk for my meeting. I love how everything seems so relaxed with him. I don’t feel like we have to force our conversation. I even considered telling him about Trevor, but I chickened out. I’m scrolling through Facebook when I get a text from Sophie.

  There is a rumor going around that your agent friend Miranda has signed Ash.

  I rub my forehead. I totally forgot to tell Sophie about Ash.

  Yep. I have some info on that. She’s signed on with my friend Liv’s company. Long story.

  Not even five seconds later, my phone rings.

  “I only have a few minutes to talk,” I say when I answer.

  “Okay. What’s the story about Ash?”

  I sigh. “She was recruited by Miranda and has signed on with a performing arts company. And I have an offer to join the company, too. I almost signed until I found out she was part of the team.”

  “No way,” she exclaims. “And you thought you were done with her when you left here.”

  I really did. It was difficult to leave Do-Re-Mi, but I certainly wasn’t sad about having to leave Ash behind.

  “And that’s only the half of it,” I add. “It actually gets worse for me, if you can imagine that. I would also have to work . . .”

  “Hello, Maris?”

  I freeze when I hear Liv’s voice. I guess she isn’t always late after all.

  Talk about perfect timing. I’m so happy I didn’t say anything negative about Giselle because I was just about to go off about her.

  “Hi,” I say cheerfully.

  “Sophie, I’m going into a dinner meeting. Can I call you back?” I say.

  “Um, sure.”

  I hang up. “Sorry, Liv, a friend from back home just called.” I look around and notice Giselle is not here yet, but I don’t say anything because the truth is I don’t care.

  “That’s fine. Unfortunately, Giselle couldn’t make it tonight,” Liv says sadly.

  Really? Wasn’t the whole purpose for tonight so Giselle and I could talk things out and make a fresh start? I guess it wasn’t that important to her after all.

  “Oh. Okay.” I try hard to pretend that I’m disappointed but I’m not.

  When Liv and I finally sit down in the restaurant, she brings up Trevor almost immediately.

  “He came by my apartment this morning,” I tell her. “He said you asked him to talk to me.”

  She gives me an innocent smile. “I thought it would be helpful.”

  I’m trying to think of the best possible response, but she continues talking.

  “He cares a lot about you.”

  Ugh. Isn’t this supposed to be a business meeting? I definitely have no desire to discuss my personal life.

  Liv must sense my discomfort, so thankfully she changes the subject back to business. “Maris, I have to ask you something: other than the issues with Giselle, is anything else holding you back from joining us?”

  I clasp my hands in front of me as I try to collect my thoughts. I know I need to tell her everything.

  “As you know I moved here in hopes of possibly performing on Broadway.”

  She nods.

  “Well, Selena just informed us that we have an opportunity to perform in a show. Granted, it’s not a leading role, but it’s a step in the right direction as far as getting some exposure.”<
br />
  She purses her lips.

  “So, you’ve really been struggling with a lot of decisions lately,” she says sympathetically.

  I start to laugh. “Always.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  I rub my forehead nervously. “After telling you about the issues with Ash and Giselle, I just didn’t want to add anything else to the list. I was worried you would think I was so high maintenance that you would change your mind.” I exhale. “I really do want to work with you. I just don’t want to feel like I missed an opportunity. The problem is I will probably feel that way no matter what I decide.”

  Liv listens intently. It feels really good to be honest with her. And the truth is I don’t think either decision is wrong.

  “Maris, what do you enjoy doing above anything else? What makes you truly happy?”

  Well, this question came out of left field. I sit quietly while I contemplate.

  “While I love teaching and my students, I don’t think it’s my true passion or calling,” I say. “I really love writing music. I’m just finishing a new song and I can actually admit that it’s good. At least, it seems good to me.”

  “Is it as good as the song you performed at Do-Re-Mi’s final performance?”

  Liv wasn’t at the finale performance but Miranda was.

  I start to blush. “I have no idea. I think it’s pretty good, and I have no doubt I’ve been inspired to write it.”

  Liv has a thoughtful look on her face. If I didn’t know better, I would think she’s plotting something.

  “Would you be willing to show me the song or, even better, perform it for me?”

  Oh wow. Nothing like being put on the spot.

  I hesitate. “Well, it’s not finished yet. I’m very close, but I need a little bit more time.”

  “That’s fine. I just had an idea,” she says excitedly.

  “What’s your idea?”

  “Don’t worry about it. Just focus on finishing your song.”

  I agree to perform it for her once it’s finished. A few minutes later, she excuses herself to take a phone call. I sit at the table holding my water glass in my hands when I remember the advice my friends have given me recently. Even Trevor told me not to miss out on such a great opportunity. I realize that if I don’t take this job I may regret it, and like Zack said, Broadway isn’t going anywhere. I think I’m going to take Liv’s offer, but I need to talk to Selena first.

  When Liv returns, I explain to her how I’m feeling.

  “I completely understand. And I agree that talking to Selena is the right thing to do. And I would still like you to meet with Giselle.”

  I nod in agreement. That’s still the part that I’m dreading, but I know it’s the only way I can move on from our rocky past.

  “I think I need to tell you a story,” Liv says, taking a sip of her water. “Giselle and I met when we were freshmen in college. We met at orientation, and then rushed the same sorority. I know how she comes across to most people, but I know a different side of her. Under all that attitude is a warm and generous heart.”

  I can see how much Liv cares about Giselle. I’ve always wondered how they could be friends, but it’s obvious that she knows a different person than I do.

  “Trevor said something similar to that this morning.”

  She shakes her head. “Those two were never a good match. They’re so much alike that they constantly butt heads. Anyway, we probably shouldn’t be discussing this anyway. You just work on finishing that song and talk to Selena. The clock is ticking, and we have lots of work to do.”

  ~*~*~

  Of course when I’m finally ready to talk to Selena, she goes on vacation for a week. I’ve been thinking a lot about my decision, and I’m positive I’m going to take the job with LivElle Performing Arts. It’s been a week since I met with Liv, and she’s been checking in with me almost every day to find out the status of my song. Which I finally finished at six o’clock this morning. Did I mention I haven’t been sleeping very well?

  I think I’ve given new meaning to lack of social life for the past week. Other than working and talking to Zack and Georgie, I’ve basically locked myself in my room to work. I’m very curious about why Liv wants to hear this song, but I’m certainly not going to question her.

  My phone rings around eight o’clock, and I know it’s Georgie even before I answer it.

  “Relax. I haven’t forgotten,” I say as soon as I answer.

  She starts to laugh. “Hi to you, too. Why do you just assume I was calling to remind you?”

  I roll my eyes. Today, I have the last fitting for the dreaded sailor bridesmaid dress. She’s only called me every day this week to drop subtle hints about this.

  “Just a guess,” I reply.

  I know I shouldn’t complain. This has probably been the easiest bridesmaid’s job in history. Ever since her decision to get married on the cruise ship, I haven’t had to do anything.

  “Very funny. Believe it or not, I’m not calling about that,” she says. “I wanted to let you know that you will be hearing from Dr. Scott’s sister very soon. She wants to host a bridal shower for me, and she wants to include you in the planning.”

  Ugh. A familiar guilt washes over me. I sure have been feeling this way a lot lately. I’m Georgie’s best friend and only bridesmaid. I’ve been so consumed with my own life that I haven’t done anything for her except secretly complain about the sailor dress.

  “Cassie was right,” I say out loud.

  “What are you talking about? Cassie was right about what?” she asks, sounding confused.

  I groan. “I’m selfish and I only think about myself. I should be planning your shower.”

  She laughs hysterically. “Don’t say that. His sister would have wanted to help plan it regardless, and she lives a lot closer.”

  “I guess,” I say glumly.

  “You’re not selfish,” she insists. “You’re at a turning point in your life and I understand that. Speaking of which, what have you decided?”

  I appreciate Georgie trying to make me feel better, but it’s not working.

  “I think I’m going to join Liv’s company. My boss is on vacation, so I’m waiting for her to return so I can talk to her.”

  “Good for you,” she says adamantly. “I was hoping you wouldn’t let those two run you off. That’s probably exactly what Ash would want anyway.”

  Hmm . . . I never thought about that. I have no doubt she’s doesn’t want me to sign on.

  “And have you spoken to Zack?” she teases.

  As soon as she mentions his name, I grin from ear to ear. “I talked to him two days ago. But we text every day.”

  “When are you going to see him again?”

  My smile quickly fades. I’ve been wondering this same thing myself.

  “I have no idea. He’s busy with his restaurant. But, he is working on opening a location here, so hopefully soon.”

  Truthfully, I haven’t asked Zack when he’s coming back and he hasn’t offered any information about it either. This is probably a good thing because I know if he were here I wouldn’t get anything done.

  As soon as I get off the phone with Georgie, I send Jeannie (Dr. Scott’s sister) a text to let her know I would love to help with the shower. I hesitate for a few minutes before I scroll through my phone. I’ve talked to Cassie a few times since our fight but I have to get this off my chest. She doesn’t answer, so I leave her a message. I feel like I owe her a huge apology because I finally understand what she was trying to tell me.

  Chapter 22

  Thank goodness, it’s the weekend. Layla convinced me to get up on Saturday morning to go to yoga with her and I actually did it. I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be an advanced class, but somehow I survived. Granted, I may not be able to walk for a few days, but it was totally worth it. Layla’s turned out to be a good roommate after all, and she’s actually the first friend I’ve made in New York.

  The goo
d thing about finishing my song is that now I feel like I can clean and do the many dreaded tasks that pile up when working on something very important. After my yoga practice, I’m definitely feeling recharged and energized, so I tackle the mess that’s been building in my room for months. The problem is my room is so small I don’t have enough space for all of my things. I wish I could move some of my things to my office, but it’s probably not going to be my office much longer. Ugh, that’s going to be heartbreaking. I know Liv is planning to open an office here, but I don’t know when that’s going to happen. I wonder if I can make a request as to the size and view. My office at Do-Re-Mi was basically the size of a walk-in closet, and not one of those fancy ones with track lighting and a chaise lounge in the middle.