The Role of Her Lifetime Read online

  “You can’t stop your character,” Marie insisted. “We’ll just have to put up with you. Maybe I’ll get so into character, I’ll run faster.”

  Mike gave them a big smile as he glanced at his understudy, who sat at the side of the room.

  “Anyway, it was a real good scene,” Kent complimented them. “Let it play like that. Now go get lunch.” He nodded as he gathered his scripts and started to leave. “We have to run the rest of this scene and Evangeline’s scene this afternoon.” Mike followed after him.

  “Are you going to lunch now?” Naomi asked Marie.

  “I’m just going down the block to that sandwich place. Want something?”

  “Sounds good. I’m with you.”

  They both picked up their belongings and left for lunch.

  Chapter 9

  The little seafood restaurant Ashley took Marie to that night was dimly lit with candles all over the place. After they were seated and given menus, Marie ordered crab legs, and Ashley ordered lobster tail.

  “This place could make me homesick,” Marie whispered.

  “Yes, the crab legs remind me of the Northwest, but lobsters are from Maine.”

  “Very true,” Marie said. “I’m still partial to Northwest seafood or river fish.”

  “You’ve never been to Maine, have you?” Ashley asked.

  Marie shook her head.

  “If we ever have two days free in a row together, we should fly up there and have some lobster right off a boat. They are so delicious.”

  “Do you really think they’ll let us have days off together?” Marie asked as she sipped her wine.

  “If we tell them far enough in advance, I think they would.”

  “Let’s get the show opened first. Once it’s running and we know it will fly, I think we’ll all be a little more relaxed. When the producers are making money, they’ll probably agree to anything.”

  “We could fly up there one morning, have some food, stay overnight, and do some sightseeing the next day before we fly back. Or we can even stay over two nights and fly back before the show.”

  Marie chuckled. “One night? We’d have to stay there two nights,” she said. “If I remember correctly, once we get started, we don’t get up for two days.”

  Ashley smiled at her. “Yes, I remember that. I remember it well. We were a hot item, weren’t we? Do you ever think of it?”

  Marie was embarrassed. “I do, from time to time.”

  “Then why did we split up?” Ashley asked.

  “Because you wanted to go out with that dancer.”

  “Oh, right.” Ashley gave a little shake of her head. “It didn’t last long.”

  “You didn’t want a monogamous relationship back then either,” Marie reminded her. “You still don’t. I don’t think you ever will.”

  “Actually, as I look back, I can see a couple instances when I should have opted for the monogamy. You were one of them. I think I’ve missed out on a lot.”

  Neither said a word. They each took sips of the wine.

  “Of course, I probably wouldn’t have put as much energy into my career if I wasn’t single,” Ashley admitted.

  “I can see that.”

  Ashley sat forward tentatively. “Do you think we can ever get back together?” she asked softly.

  Marie thought for a moment. “I don’t know. We’d have to start right back at the beginning.”

  “Can we?” Ashley’s eyes bore into Marie.

  “It would take a lot of forgiveness. I’d have to think about it.”

  “Would it help if I said I’m sorry I hurt you?”

  “It would be a good start,” Marie answered, “but not right now. We’re both putting everything we have into this show. There’s no time for anything else. Maybe we can try after the show gets going.”

  They sat in silence for a moment, thinking of the possibilities. Their food arrived, and they gazed at their plates.

  “Oh, this looks good,” Marie exclaimed. “Now I really am homesick.” She picked up the shell cracker and looked for the right place to start.

  Both women were silent as they started on their meals.

  “Marie, let’s take it slow. You know, hang out a bit, go to dinner occasionally, get to know each other.”

  Marie looked up as she chewed on her dinner. “I think that might work, if we keep the sex part out of it at first. I think that’s where we went wrong.”

  “Yes, we should have gotten to know each other before we hit the sheets.”

  The silence stretched as they ate.

  “I was a fool. I didn’t take you seriously. I should have. You’re a wonderful woman, Marie. I didn’t treat you right.”

  Marie looked up in surprise.

  “Yes, I know,” Ashley admitted. “I should have thought of that four years ago.”

  Marie nodded. It wasn’t like Ashley to admit her mistakes. Marie wasn’t sure she wanted to get back into something with Ashley just now. It had taken quite a while to get over the hurt.

  “You know, we’ve talked more in these last two restaurants than we did all those months we were dating.”

  “Yes,” said Ashley with an ironic laugh. “We should have thought more about eating food back then.”

  “It probably would have been better in the long run.”

  Ashley laughed. “If we had attacked food the way we did each other, we’d be grossly obese by now.”

  Marie joined her laughter.

  Ashley reached out and put her hand on Marie’s. “Next time?”

  Marie thought about it for a moment, and then simply nodded.

  They went back to eating.

  * * * *

  They finally walked out of the restaurant.

  “Wow, I’m full,” Marie groaned. “I can’t eat like this every day.”

  “You’ll work it off at rehearsals, especially with Mike.”

  “I guess so. That is one lively scene we have.”

  They started walking down the block toward to subway entrance.

  “It will be great,” Ashley said. “I love it when you get into your little butch stance and start to challenge him. I think it’s a real turn-on. Of course, what you say about me right after that kind of wipes it out for me.”

  “About you or your role?”

  Ashley grinned and chuckled. “Just remember, dear, it’s only a script.”

  “I know, but you play your part so well.”

  Ashley reached out and took Marie’s hand. “So do you. I’m glad we’re both in the show.”

  Marie agreed.

  “Well, this is my subway,” Ashley said, slowing to a halt. “Want to walk me home?”

  “You’re taking a subway.”

  “There’s still those two blocks from the subway stop.”

  Marie shook her head. “Still the same old Ashley.”

  Ashley sucked in air through her teeth. “It worked before.”

  “Yes, it did. I remember it well.”

  “Maybe next time,” she said. She leaned forward and kissed Marie sweetly on the lips, then hurried down the stairs into the subway station.

  Marie looked around. She was only ten blocks from home, and it was a beautiful night. The walk would wear off some of the food she’d just eaten. She started down the Seventh Avenue.

  My God. One month ago, I was poor and alone with a dead-end job. Now look at me. I’m no longer broke, and I have a wonderful role in a Broadway show. On top of that, Ashley wants to get back into my life. Marie chuckled. Or at least into my pants.

  But Jackie…Marie took a deep breath. What about Jackie? Was that a dead end? Was she straight? Whoa, Jacolby. Assume a woman is straight until she tells you otherwise. That’s the safe way.

  Ashley or Jackie? If it came down to a choice, there’d be no question. She wouldn’t think twice. It would definitely be Jackie.

  What should she do about Jackie?

  Probably the easiest way would be to say, “I saw you with a guy the other day. I
s that your boyfriend?”

  Then Jackie would have to say something. Of course, if Jackie said, “we’re just friends,” that would answer nothing.

  However, I could just get over that and consider what Ashley said. The relationship had been good, until Ashley decided she wanted to date someone else. Who’s to say it wouldn’t happen again?

  Jackie. Jackie is an unknown as far as relationship material. Who’s to say it wouldn’t be the same with Jackie?

  Oh, come on, Jacolby. Put it to rest for tonight. Put your energy on the important things, like the show. You really don’t have time to worry about a relationship right now. Let it rest for a few weeks. Maybe it would all work itself out. You never know what will happen tomorrow…or the day after.

  Chapter 10

  “Okay,” Kent started. “I want to run the whole prince’s ball and into the wedding to see how it flows. It should take less than an hour. We’ll deal with any problems afterwards.”

  Everyone went to their starting positions.

  * * * *

  At the party, the prince was swamped by all the eligible girls. He finally danced with Evangeline, who ended up patting him on the head and walking away. He then asked Ella to dance, but she recognized him as the boy who stole the apple.

  “You’re not a prince. You’re not even a frog! You’re just a toad!

  Everyone froze.

  The entire duet lasted almost eight minutes.

  When it ended, Ella turned away. The prince started to go after her but stepped on her shoe, and she lost it. She stopped, still turned away without the shoe. The prince cradled the shoe and realized he really loves her.

  He went into the “How can I tell her?” piece.

  “Why is he bothering me? No one ever believes him” Ella sang. “Everyone knows he’s just a cad. Should I believe it when he says he loves me? Are these just the words the king has put in his head? Do I dare believe him when he says these things? Or will I rue the day I heard this?”

  They turned to look at each other. He held his hand out. She hesitated and then reached out.

  The music swelled.

  * * * *

  “Okay! Are you ready?” Kent called to everyone. “The final scene is the wedding. It starts with everyone in town getting ready. Evangeline and her girlfriends grouse that they lost the prince, and Mother brags that it’s her daughter who snagged him. She is elated the palace will take care of Ella, and she won’t have to worry about Ella anymore. The wedding proceeds to the end with Ella and the prince kissing until the lights go out. Any questions?”

  “Will that give me time to change into my wedding gown? Jackie asked.

  “I believe so. Eunice and Patricia have planned a cut-away gown so you won’t have to take long to get into it, and they’ll just take your first wig off and put the fancy one on.”

  Jackie sighed happily. “That’s wonderful.”

  “The rest of you will still be in your ball gowns. Some of the long skirts will just strip away, leaving other skirts beneath them. Men, you’ll have a more conservative jacket to change into. Some of you will have shawls or other accessories to change the look. The prince and Ella’s love song will be all the time you have to change. The costume changes in this act are the hardest, but I’ve seen some of the things Eunice and Pat have designed. I’m pretty sure it will work.”

  “Let’s start the final scene of Act One again.” They had blocked it earlier in the week. “I’ve had some new ideas, so we’ll take it very slow. Get into your wedding places.”

  Everyone moved into position. He directed those he wanted to move or wanted to be seen. Finally, he was satisfied with the picture.

  “Now, ladies, you are still not happy about this at all. You will collect together to bitch about it. Your aria will be down stage left, on the prince’s side of the church. Joy, you will do your mother’s aria from down stage right, and then be escorted to your seat, which will be the beginning of the procession.

  They rehearsed the processional with Ella escorted to the altar by her stepfather and his two daughters. Rod and Andy fought to make sure each was not ahead of the other. They had to be equal, completely in step with each other. They walked alike and moved alike. The only thing different between them was when Andy broke with a quick flirty wave at one of the groom’s men. They were even as they stepped to the side. The priest intoned the beginning of the service, and the stepfather handed Ella’s hand to the prince. Kent called a stop.

  “Okay, at the end of the priest’s aria, he’s just pronounced them man and wife, and the prince is kissing the princess. Almost everyone is very happy, clapping and cheering. This is a wedding! The prince has finally been caught.

  “Michael, the king is ecstatic. Step right up into the middle. Pat the prince on the back, and then start your aria. Marie, don’t let the king stop what you’re doing.

  “Everyone else: listen to the king and react. Andy and Rod, while Mike’s singing, work your way down to the edge of stage right. That’s where you’ll sing your part about being ecstatic your little stepsister is a princess and now maybe you’ll meet handsome men who’ll sweep you off your feet. The rest of you, watch your sight lines. After Mike stops singing and the stepsisters do theirs, do not block Marie and Jackie. They must be seen through this whole thing. As the singing starts to end, drift off stage on the side you’re on. The lights will go down on everyone except Marie and Jackie. They’ll be in a spotlight, which will tighten to a dot.” He finally took a breath. “Okay, let’s sing this through. Not full voice, though, because I want you to be aware of what’s happening. I’ll be yelling changes and corrections as we go along.

  He motioned to the rehearsal pianist, and the scene started.

  The priest sang his pronouncement, Marie lifted Jackie’s veil, and wrapped her arms around Jackie.

  As the scene unfolded, Jackie whispered, “This is our big scene.”

  Marie laughed. “Yup! The big scene in the opera, and we’re the only ones who don’t have to sing!”

  Jackie laughed and hugged her tightly. “But we have the spotlight.”

  “Right. Damn it.”

  “Let’s save all the kissing until the performance,” Jackie suggested.

  Marie looked down at her. “That’s probably the best.”

  Then Kent stopped the proceedings. “Let’s take it again from the beginning of this scene. That was good, but it could be better. Marie and Jackie, make the kiss last through the entire scene.”

  “All the way?” Marie asked, surprised.

  “Sure. Why not? Can’t you do it?”

  Jackie and Marie looked at each other.

  “I’m sure we can.”

  They both nodded.

  “When you lift her veil, make sure it’s piled high on her head. Then turn her around with her back to the audience and bend down to kiss her. That way, the kiss will be hidden when this starts.”

  Marie and Jackie looked at each other, and Jackie nodded.

  “Let’s take this again from the pronouncement.”

  Everyone took their places.

  “Okay.” The director ordered. He pointed to the rehearsal pianist.

  The priest gave the sign of the cross and sang, “And now your union is confirmed.”

  Marie lifted Jackie’s veil, pulled Jackie into her arms, and kissed her. The kiss continued for the remainder of the scene; through the Kings decree that it would take his son out of harm’s way, and the girls in the town will not have to worry that the prince will try to take advantage of them. It lasted through the stepsister’s daydream about how having a relative in the palace would lead to introductions to handsome young men, while their father dreamed of the same thing: to get prospects for his daughters, as ugly as they were.

  Everyone was tied up in the elation surrounding the wedding except Marie and Jackie, still lip-locked.

  “Okay!” the director announced. “We’ll work on Act Two Monday. We probably won’t get to the end, so Marie, you
have Monday off.”

  “All right! Thanks.”

  Marie looked over at Jackie.

  That was confusing. It was almost like she really kissed me back. Part of me wants that to be true. She’s such a beautiful woman, and I’m really attracted to her. The other part says this could prove to be a problem.

  Chapter 11

  As everyone got ready to leave for the weekend, Marie looked at Jackie. Jackie just sat there, slouched back into one of the chairs.

  “Are you okay?” Marie asked her.

  “Very. We need to practice that kissing scene so we don’t look like statues.”

  “Really?” Marie responded. Jackie wanted to rehearse the kiss? Marie thought of another way to increase their time together. “Are you hungry? It’s been a long day. Let’s get something to eat first.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Jackie answered. “What are you hungry for?”

  Marie almost said, “You,” but stopped herself. That would not have been the politically correct thing to say right now. “Uh…Italian?”

  “Perfect. There’s a nice place down in The Village I’ve always liked. It’s not that expensive.”

  “Then lead on, Sweet Princess.” Marie made a stylized bow to Jackie as they grabbed their bags and walked out. “Subway or cab?” Marie asked when they got out to the sidewalk.

  “Let’s splurge and take a cab. I’ve only been able to cab it two or three times in the last few months.”

  Marie agreed, “Me, too.” She stepped out to the curb and hailed a taxi as it drove up.

  They got in, and Jackie gave their destination to the driver.

  “What did you think of the costumes?” Jackie asked as they settled back into the taxi.

  “Mine are going to be fine.” Marie smirked. “It’s all those petticoats and buttons on yours that look uncomfortable.”

  “Oh, I know. It’s a good thing we don’t have a love scene. It would take a whole act to get me out of it.”

  Both women laughed.

  The cab finally pulled up in front of a restaurant near the bottom of MacDougal St. The outside was not memorable, but once inside, the aromas emanating from the kitchen made their mouths water. They were seated at a booth along the side wall. The menus were handed out.