See You Soon Broadway (Broadway Series Book 1) Page 15

  “That’s quite alright,” she says quickly. “Okay, I will just put this out there. I’m not sure what Livie told you, but I have an idea—well, more like an offer. We have a good friend who has a performing arts school here; she needs someone like you on her team. Would you ever consider a transfer?”

  I feel as if I’m dreaming, so I smack myself a few times. I know it’s basically a lateral move—I would go from one studio teaching to teaching at another—but it gets me to New York and I can’t pass up any opportunities.

  “You mean a transfer to New York?” I ask just to make sure I’m not hallucinating. “Yes, I would definitely consider it,” I reply calmly despite my jumping up and down and running in circles in my room. I ask her for some details about the school so I can do some research, and she offers to give me a day or two to think about everything.

  When I get off the phone I feel like I’m finally taking a step forward. I have a few more hours before I see Kyle, so I do the only thing I can think of—I go to the park and I bring the ring with me. After I belt out a few songs, I sit on my bench and I think. I think about my family, Grandma, Georgie, Beatrice, Trevor, and of course Kyle. I’m going to follow my heart the only way I can right now. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, but I have to take a step forward.

  ~*~*~

  “It’s nice to see you,” Kyle says as soon as we sit down at the table. So far so good—things don’t seem weird, at least not yet.

  “When’s the big move?” he asks. At first I think he’s taking about New York, but then I realize he’s talking about my parents.

  “Day after tomorrow,” I say softly. “I think I’m finally okay with it though. I mean, I’m an adult and have to live my own life. I guess it was kind of silly of me to be so upset about it in the first place.”

  “No way.” He disagrees. “The news took you by surprise. That’s totally understandable.”

  We can’t keep talking about my parents’ move all night. One of us has to cut to the chase. Kyle must read my mind because he’s the first to bring up the subject at hand.

  “Maris, I thought about everything you said the other night.” I bite my lower lip and take a deep breath while he continues. “I guess I didn’t realize how serious you were about going to New York, and after watching you sing I can understand why. You were unbelievable and I think it’s a great idea.”

  Oh my gosh. He finally gets it.

  “Really?” I ask excitedly and I reach across the table to hold his hand. “Does that mean that you would come with me?”

  His face falls and I already know what’s coming before he says a word.

  “Nothing would have made me happier than if you accepted my marriage proposal. But you didn’t and you still aren’t wearing the ring.” He points at my left hand. “You don’t want to get married, do you?”

  I look down and shake my head slowly. “Not right now.” A tear rolls down my cheek. “I’m sorry, Kyle. I have to go, if I don’t I would always wonder. I would hate for that to happen and have it affect us.” I take the perfect little blue box out of my bag and slide it along the table back to him.

  He moves to my side of the booth and sits next to me wrapping his arms around me.

  “Go!” he whispers in my ear. “If things are meant to be, it will work out.” I sob on his shoulder leaving a huge wet stain. We sit for a while quietly; the server can obviously see that we’re in the middle of something important so she leaves us alone. It was probably a bad idea to meet in public for this talk but it’s too late now. I might be making the biggest mistake of my life, but as Kyle said, if it’s meant to be, it will work out.

  I’m a complete mess when I get home. After I calmed down, Kyle admitted that he didn’t feel like moving was the right decision for him because he would have to start over in his own career. We agreed that we should take a break for us both to figure out what we really want. So, we are officially on a break (as in Ross and Rachel from Friends). I think we both know that New York will probably be a permanent move for me and there’s no reason in prolonging the inevitable. He will never want to join me and I will probably never want to leave.

  I fall into Georgie’s arms as soon as I walk in.

  “Oh no, honey!” she exclaims. “What happened? You look awful.”

  I can always count on Georgie for her honesty. No wonder everyone at the restaurant wouldn’t stop staring at me. I’m definitely too afraid to look in the mirror.

  She listens and rubs my back as I tell her about my day, starting with the coffee date from hell with stupid Trevor and then the breakup with Kyle. As I repeat the events of the day, I can’t help but feel sorry for myself. I started the day thinking I was in some complicated only-in-my-mind love triangle and I end the day completely alone. Not only that, but both men told me I should move. I’m sure that would be considered the ultimate rejection. I could probably go on a talk show with this story.

  “There’s something else I have to tell you,” I say as I prepare to tell her that I am indeed moving. “There was one good thing that happened today, at least I think it’s a good thing.” I go on to tell her about Miranda’s job offer and that I’ve decided to take it.

  “I’m sorry, Georgie, I promise I will pay to break the lease or help you find a new roommate.” I don’t want her to think that I would ever leave her high and dry. Her response completely surprises me, and I’m once again reminded that she’s the best friend anyone could ever have.

  “What are you apologizing for? That’s awesome news,” she exclaims. “You made the right decision—I would even consider going with you if things weren’t going so good with Dr. Scott, but they are.” She stops and cringes. “Sorry, it’s not really cool of me to talk about my relationship after the day you had.”

  Before I get a chance to tell her I’m happy for her, she starts in with Trevor. Not that I’m surprised.

  “I just don’t understand what happened with Trevor? He broke up with that horrible tramp then asks you to meet him only to tell you that he thinks you should leave town. What kind of jerk does that?” She makes it sound a little worse than it is. Maybe I overreacted?

  “That basically sums it up, but don’t forget that he wants to get to know each other and have fun.” I use my fingers to make quotation marks. “I mean, I can understand him not wanting to jump into something else so quickly, but I guess I just feel stupid.”

  She nods her head. “Maybe, but you shouldn’t feel stupid. He did lead you on.”

  Did he really lead me on? He had a girlfriend and I had a boyfriend—maybe we just got caught up in a strange situation. I think about our chance meeting at the event and again at Beatrice’s combined with our mutual attraction. Still, I can’t really blame him for not wanting to rush into a new relationship even though I’m kind of humiliated at his rejection.

  “We both just got caught up in the whole thing.” I try to blow it off because it really doesn’t matter. It’s time for me to start focusing on the future, starting with a call to Miranda first thing in the morning. I can’t believe it’s finally happening—I’m going to New York. Now, why am I not happy?

  When I wake up the next morning, my eyes are all swollen and I’m all stuffy. I look in the mirror and quickly decide that I can’t leave the house today and possibly tomorrow, which would get me out going to family fun night at the stupid new condo.

  I start to feel a tiny bit better after I talk to Miranda. She’s setting up a time for me to come check out the studio and meet Selena, the owner. She’s being so helpful that I even go as far as to ask her to let me know if she hears of any places to live. There’s so much to think about that it’s somewhat overwhelming. I’m still not as excited as I expected I would be. Maybe it just hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m really going to make the move. With all the anticipation and the back and forth trying to make a decision, when I finally do make a decision it feels like a let down. What’s wrong with me? And I refuse to blame it on being rejected by both Kyle an
d Trevor—I can’t let these men take away the joy of finally doing something I’ve always wanted to do.

  I sit down at the table and start to make a list of everything I have to do then it occurs to me that I will have to break the news to Lucy. I do feel a little sad at the thought of leaving Do-Re-Mi Studios and my students. I have many great memories there and I know I can thank Lucy for the opportunity sitting in front of me. At least I know that Ash will be thrilled with my news. Admittedly, it does give me satisfaction to know that Miranda offered this position to me and not her. A smile spreads across my face at that thought, and all of a sudden I’m starting to feel better.

  Chapter 20

  I finally leave my apartment to make the forty-five-minute drive to my parents’ new home. When I walk in, I admit to myself that the condo is really nice even though I pretend to not be impressed. Cassie’s right, too, it is kind of Zen—I’m still not exactly sure what that means, but it’s very laid-back and beachy, so maybe that’s what she meant by that. Mom gives me the grand tour as soon as I arrive. I can see how excited she is and I can’t help but feel bad for all the grief I’ve given them.

  “Follow me this way,” she calls excitedly. “This room will be all yours when you come to stay.” She takes me into a cozy little room with a gorgeous view, complete with a keyboard so I will be able to play my music. Ugh, now I feel even worse. I don’t tell her that I will definitely need a place to stay now that I’m moving. I’m planning on giving them the news tonight when the whole family is together.

  “Thanks, Mom, it’s really nice.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder. She gives me a look of satisfaction. I suppose she was hoping that this cute room would win me over and maybe it has, a little.

  “Why didn’t you bring Kyle tonight?” she asks. Ah . . . the dreaded question of the night. I’m about to break the news but Cassie and her mind reading powers interrupt us at just the right time.

  “There you are,” she says

  I give her a grateful smile even though she has no idea that she saved me . . . or maybe she does.

  “What do you think of the place?” Cassie asks me. Mom looks just as eager to hear my answer.

  “It’s really nice,” I say sincerely. “I’m really happy for you, Mom.” And this time I think I mean it.

  After dinner, we’re getting ready to play Sequence, my parents’ favorite game. I know it’s time for me to give the news.

  “Hey, everyone, I have to tell you something,” I announce. Silence comes over the room and Mom gives me a look of sheer terror.

  “Oh no, Maris, did you go and get yourself pregnant? What are you going to do? Is that why Kyle isn’t here tonight?” She keeps rambling without giving me a chance to stay another word.

  “Mom, let her talk,” Cassie says calmly. She looks at me curiously.

  I plaster a big smile on my face as I explain the offer that Miranda has given me and about my moving plans. My family seems surprised at first but then really happy for me. I don’t have the heart to break the news regarding Kyle, but I know that I have to.

  “There’s one more thing.” I interrupt the conversation and cheers. “Unfortunately, Kyle will not be coming with me, as you know he was recently given a huge promotion—we’ve decided to take a break while I see how things go with the new job.” As I expected, this news didn’t go over well. I knew my parents liked Kyle, but I had no idea that they would think I would give up a great career opportunity for a man.

  “Are you sure this is the right move?” Mom asks worriedly. My dad who hardly ever speaks up starts to Google recent crime in New York City.

  “I’m worried that you won’t be safe on your own.” He adds, “It would be better if Kyle was there.”

  I look longingly at Cassie for her help with trying to talk them off the ledge. She shrugs her shoulders at me. What? I can’t believe she’s not going to step in and help. I give her a dirty look. Is this punishment for my reaction to selling their house?

  “I’m going to be fine,” I reply. “I would’ve thought you would’ve been supportive of me. You know I’ve wanted this since I was a kid.” I remind them of how I used to go to the library and look up New York City in the encyclopedia and on that microfiche thing. Those were the olden days before the Internet of course. I also remind them how I loved to watch any and all TV programs that were held at Radio City Music Hall and I’ve always been obsessed with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. You would’ve thought I was talking to strangers by their responses. Finally, Cassie steps in to back me up—I’m convinced she was purposely trying to make me squirm for a little while.

  “Finally,” I whisper to her after my parents calm down. “Seriously, you couldn’t have backed me up sooner?”

  She opens her mouth to protest but then closes it. I roll my eyes.

  “Wait, what happened with Trevor?” she whispers.

  I scowl. “He’s an ass.” Then I walk to the kitchen to fill my wine glass. I never drink this much but in light of recent events in my life I guess I’m entitled to a few extra glasses of wine. Of course, Cassie is not satisfied by my answer and follows me to kitchen.

  “What happened?”

  I take sip and lean against the counter. “Well, let me see . . . he asked me to meet him for coffee. He told me he and that horrible girl broke up, then told me he thought I should move to New York.” I pause to hear what Cassie has to say.

  She looks perplexed. “What else?”

  I smirk. “He felt a connection with me but doesn’t want to get into anything serious. Oh . . . and maybe we can get to know each other and have fun.”

  “Oh,” she says, looking taken aback.

  I place my now empty glass down on the counter. (Wow, that went fast.) “You know, the other night after our meeting I felt like such an idiot, now I’m just mad. I should have gone with my first instinct about him. I knew he was just a self-centered, arrogant frat boy.”

  Cassie is staring at the floor. I can only imagine what’s going through her head after my story.

  “I think he’s just scared,” she says sympathetically. Is she kidding me right now?

  “I can’t believe you’re making excuses for him. You’re supposed to be on my side,” I exclaim.

  “I am on your side. Just promise me that you won’t rule things out just yet,” she begs.

  Um, hell no, I won’t make that promise to her. I hope to never see Trevor Ericson again for as long as I live.

  After we have our little discussion, we rejoin our parents and Mark in the game room. It’s actually just a family room but dad insists we should call it the game room. Mom mentions that they’re going back to the house for one final walkthrough.

  “Do you girls want to see it one more time?” Cassie looks at me and raises her eyebrows. She knows I do.

  “Sure,” I reply nonchalantly. I don’t want to admit out loud that I want to say good-bye forever to my childhood home. Someone might suggest I need professional help. Even though that may not be such a bad idea after thinking about it. I suppose that therapy is probably better than excessive amounts of wine.

  We plan to meet at the house in a few days, and I’m absolutely dreading it. I also have to get around to meeting with Lucy to give her my resignation. I’m so glad that she usually takes a vacation right after the recital, so she’s been gone while all of this has been going down. She will be returning within the next few days and she will be ready to do the new schedules. I guess the timing couldn’t be better.

  Cassie pulls me aside right before I decide to head out on my long journey home. “You never told me how things ended with Trevor, when do you think you’ll see him again?”

  Did she not hear a word I said about my coffee date?

  “If I have my wish, I will never see Trevor Ericson ever again. Does that answer your question?” I fold my arms to show that I’m serious.

  She raises her eyebrows. “You never know what the future holds, s
o never say never.” Whatever. I may not know everything that the future holds for me, but I do know that it most definitely doesn’t include Trevor.

  ~*~*~

  The next week is a complete whirlwind. First and foremost, I had to say a final good-bye to my childhood home. I’m proud to say that I didn’t cry—until I drove away—and then it got ugly. As I slid one last time through the house, I felt like I was literally in a slide show of my life. I remember playing with my cousins, enjoying parties and holidays with family, so many good memories. Mom insisted on making us take a picture of every room. I could see that she was also struggling with saying good-bye, and it took all my strength not to say I told you so. I actually think she may be regretting their decision; I knew this would happen at some point. But like the good daughter I am, I kept my mouth shut because I definitely don’t need any more lectures from Cassie.