STAGESTRUCK - The Complete Series (25 page)

As I pulled the pan of biscuits out of the oven, Janette and I heard the knock at my door. “Perfect timing, as usual.” I smiled; my mother has always considered punctuality a virtue. I answered the door while Janette put the final touches on the table.

“Good morning,” I smiled as my family filled my small living room.

“Good morning,” Mom and Dad answered in unison. Mimi and Nathan were slower to respond and I could tell that they were paying for last night’s celebration.

“I have a fresh pot of coffee and we just pulled biscuits out of the oven. We can eat now if you’re all hungry.” I offered.

“I’m starving.” Mom announced. We all sat down at the table; Janette, my parents, and I all filled our plates with sausage, eggs, hashbrowns, and biscuits. Nathan and Mimi sipped coffee and avoided looking at our plates.

“I love what you’ve done with the apartment, Kate.” Dad said in between bites. “Though I must say it looks a lot smaller with furniture in it.”

“It’s plenty of space for me,” I told him, “but I actually have some news. Janette and I are going to start looking for a new place in Manhattan next week. We’d both be so much closer to work and if we go in together we can afford a place with a doorman. I know that my safety is one of your biggest concerns, Daddy.”

“I think that’s a fantastic idea.” He announced. “I know I’d sleep better if you girls had more security.”

“Kate honey, don’t you think this is a rash decision?” Mom asked critically. “I mean, you came to New York to be on Broadway and you’ve succeeded. But do you really think that you’ll be able to keep up this pace very long?”

“What do you mean Mother?” I asked impatiently.

“Well darling, I just think that you’ll get burnt out. I’m sure that this type of work is exciting in the beginning, but once the excitement wears off it will be just another job with a grueling schedule. I’ve watched documentaries about these show people and quite frankly darling, it’s an uncivilized way to live.”

I opened my mouth to retort but Mimi beat me to it.

“For God’s sake Caroline, could you just shut up and pretend to support your child? You read the same papers that I did this morning; you know what a big moment this is for Kate.”

“Well of course I’m proud of her Gloria, I’m just voicing my concerns. But I’ll keep quiet. Thank you, Kate, for making this wonderful breakfast. And I agree with your dad, I think I’d worry less if you had a doorman.”

“We’ll find something really safe.” I promised. “And just think, next time you visit we’ll have enough room to put you up. And we’ll be right in the middle of all of the best tourist spots.”

“I would like to visit again when we have more time.” Mom told me. “This trip was so last minute, Dad could only take off work for two days. We’ll plan better next time.”

“That would be nice.” I replied honestly. As much as my mother grated my nerves, it was also oddly comforting to have her around.

“Darling, we hate to eat and run but we’d better be getting back to the hotel.” Dad announced sadly. “We’ve got to grab our bags and get to the airport.”

“I hate that you couldn’t stay longer. Can you make it back to the hotel alright?” I asked as Janette and I walked them to the door.

“We made it here, didn’t we?” Nathan pointed out. “Dad’s getting pretty good at hailing taxis.”

“Alright… thank you all so much for making it.” We took turns exchanging hugs and before I knew it, they were gone.

“I love your family.” Janette said as we cleaned the kitchen.

“I love them too, but I’m kind of relieved their visit is over. I can’t shake the feeling that something bad is about to happen and I don’t want them around if I’m right.”

“Look, Kate, what you’re feeling is completely natural. It’s creepy that someone left that picture against the door last night. But honestly, I think it was a harmless prank.”

I loaded the dishes into the drying rack and prayed that she was right.

When I arrived at the theater later that day, I found Mica waiting outside of my dressing room.

“Hey Kate,” she beamed. “I wanted to come by and congratulate you again on your performance. I read all of the papers this morning; it looks like everyone loves you! I’m leaving for a little while; I have a couple of errands to run before we do your face. Want to meet me in the makeup room in an hour?”

“Sure, I’ve got some decorating to do.” I told her, slightly lifting the box in my arms.

Mica gave me a knowing smile. “You didn’t want to get comfortable until the first reviews came out, did you?”

“No, I was afraid I would jinx myself.” I sheepishly admitted.

“Well, enjoy the decorating Kate. You’ve earned it. I’ll stop at the coffee cart on my way back, want anything?”

“A caramel latte would be great. Nonfat and sugar free, or my costumes will start getting tight.”

“Got it, and it’s my treat this time. I’ll see you in about an hour.”

I unlocked my dressing room and set the box down on the vanity table. I turned to close the door behind me and found Dylan watching me from the hallway. A large, flat, rectangular package sat on the floor, propped up against his right leg. He picked it up and walked toward me.

“Good morning beautiful,” he smiled, sat the package on the sofa, and closed the door.

“Good morning,” I smiled back. “What’s in the package?”

“It’s a present for you.” He told me before bending down and planting a soft kiss on my lips. “I read all of the papers this morning and dozens of theater blogs. I figured it was time to decorate your dressing room, it looks like you’ll be here for awhile.”

“I had the same thought.” I laughed, gesturing at the box. “Are we allowed to put holes in the wall?”

“We’re allowed to do whatever we want.” He replied.

“Great, how are you with a hammer?” I grinned.

“It depends on why you’re asking.”

“I brought a couple of things to hang on the wall.” I told him. I pulled three framed photos out of the box. One was a shot of Nathan, my parents, and I after one of my high school plays. The second was the double sided frame Mimi had given me when I left for New York. A candid shot of Mark, Parker, Janette, and I sitting at Syd’s completed the group.

“As it just so happens, my gift is for your wall too.” Dylan told me.

“Can I open it?”

“Of course.”

I walked over to the couch and stripped away the brown paper packaging to reveal a much larger, fancier version of Mimi’s frame. The right side held one of the new Playbills with my name on it; the left displayed this morning’s Time’s theater review.

“Dylan, this is amazing.” I gasped. “How in the world did you have this made so fast?”

“The people at my gallery love me.” He shrugged. “And it’s been mostly ready since the Playbill came in; we just had to wait for the article.”

“You’ve been planning this for awhile… since before that night at Joe’s.” I realized out loud.

“Yes, I had the gallery start putting the frame together when you still had a boyfriend. I didn’t mean it to be a romantic gift, Kate. But I knew that you’d get fantastic reviews and I knew that you’d be too modest to do this for yourself. It was just something I thought you should have.”

I was speechless for a few moments as I studied the gift. “Dylan…” I began slowly “this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. Thank you so much.” I sat on the couch, pulled him down next to me, and curled up in his arms.

“I’m glad that you liked your present.” He said. His fingers slid under the waistband of my jeans as he spoke. I sat up and pulled away from him.

“Look Dylan, I’m not exactly clear about where things are going between us, but I’m positive that I don’t want to be a cliché. I know that the papers love the idea of us together and I honestly don’t care what types of stories they run, but I DO care about what the people here think of me. I’m finally earning their respect, Dylan. I know it may be difficult, but I think we need to act as professionally as possible when we’re here.”

“Okay…” Dylan said slowly. He stood up, moved the box, and sat on the vanity table; he was obviously upset.

“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” I said quickly. “It’s just…”

“No, I understand the last part.” He interrupted. “It was your first sentence that threw me. What did you mean, you don’t know where things are going between us? Have I not made my feelings clear? Or am I wrong about what last night meant to you?”

I blushed. “I just meant… well, you know what the press says about you. And I know that they make things up, but you can only hear a lie so many times before a part of you starts to believe it. I just meant that regardless of whether this is serious or just another fling, I want to keep it away from work.”

“What can I do to prove to you that I’m not who the tabloids say I am? I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve played up my reputation. The press invented a persona of who they want me to be, so when I’m in front of them I play the role. You’ll learn for yourself soon that it’s easier that way. But they guy they invented isn’t who I really am. YOU know who I am, Kate, because we’re the same. That’s why we’re so perfect for each other.”

He gave me a desperate, heart melting look and I was tempted to break my own rule about sex in the theater. If I hadn’t had to leave for the makeup room, I probably would have.

“I’m sorry, but I have to go get beautiful.” I told him as I stood.

“You’re already beautiful, but I know better than to keep Mica waiting. Is there a hammer in the box?”

I nodded. “Nails too. I also bought one of those single wall shelves. I thought that the smaller pictures would look better on that.”

“I’m supposed to be in the chair in an hour. I’ll get all of this taken care of and see you in the makeup room.”

“Alright baby, I’ll see you then.” I said casually as I took two bottles of water from the mini-fridge. I stood and turned towards the door; Dylan moved in front of me, wrapped his arms loosely around my waist, and pulled me towards him.

“Baby, huh?” He said, smiling down at me. “I like the way that sounds.” He leaned down and kissed me again, softly but passionately. I melted into him and he gently pulled away. “No sex at work, remember?” He smiled devilishly.

“You’re going to make me eat my words on that one, aren’t you?”

Dylan laughed. “Yes baby, but not today.”

My first week of shows went as well as my debut performance but when Monday finally arrived, I was thankful to have a day off. While I wouldn’t go so far as my mother and call my schedule uncivilized, but it was becoming painfully obvious why most stars have their understudies take the stage at least twice a week. I vowed to put in another solid week of performances, and then let Maggie take one Sunday show and the every other Monday performances.

I woke up late and spent most of the morning in my pajamas. Janette and I were scheduled to tour six new apartments this afternoon and I was looking forward to finally having a bigger place. I started my second pot of coffee to brew and heard a knock at my door.

“Good morning,” Janette chimed as she walked into the living room. “I know I’m early but I was thinking that we should just have lunch delivered here and then meet with Becca. That picture from your debut night finally showed up in the papers. The stories were good, but I doubt that you’ll be able to eat in peace if we go out in public.”

“That’s fine with me,” I agreed. “Want to just order our usual?”

Janette nodded, pulled out her phone, and ordered our food via our favorite restaurant’s website. “They’re estimating about an hour.” She told me as she stowed her phone back into her purse. Several newspapers bulged from the oversized bag. “I knew that you’d want to see these.” She told me as she pulled out the papers and passed them to me. I poured us each a mug of fresh coffee and took a seat at the kitchen table.

“The Times article is the best, as usual. They really love you guys.”

I shuffled through the papers until I found The New York Times; I flipped through the theater section and laid eyes on the photo that had caused me so much terror. It was actually a cute shot; Dylan and I looked incredibly happy, a little bit in love even. I took a deep breath and read the article.

BROADWAY’S NEWEST POWER COUPLE CELEBRATES OPENING

PERFORMANCE
—AP—Jersey Boys’ Dylan Matthews and Kate

Harper may be staying mum on the rumors that they’re a

couple, but there’s no denying the affection portrayed in this

recently found photo. The stars’ attire makes it obvious that

this shot was taken the night of Ms. Harper’s debut stage

performance, a performance that critics throughout the industry

are hailing as the most impressive display from an unknown

talent since Matthews himself took the stage almost a decade

ago.

While some people swear by the old adage that opposites

attract, Matthews and Harper are proof that sometimes like

gravitates to like. The two actors come from shockingly similar

backgrounds and both achieved industry fame very early in

their careers. And while Ms. Harper has some catching up to

do, this critic believes that we can expect great things from

Broadway’s newest ingénue.

“Well, at least it was short and sweet.” I said as I pushed the paper away. “Are they all pretty much the same?”

Janette nodded; she’d skimmed the other articles while I read the Times. “They all love the idea of the two of you together. You’re going to have to give an interview soon. If you’re going to be with Dylan, you may as well be open about it. It’s obviously good press.”

I shook my head. “I’m not going to talk to reporters and I’m not going to play my personal life out in the public eye. That would only make things harder if Dylan and I break up. It’s one thing to let them see us together; it’s another to be their puppet.”

“Alright, I guess you have a point.” Janette relented. “You know, sometimes I even think that your old fashioned upbringing may be a good influence on me.”

“My mother would be happy to hear that.” I laughed. “I talked to her yesterday, she made me promise to tell you hello and to send pictures of the new apartment as soon as we decide on one.”

“I know that your mom can be overbearing at times, but you’re lucky to have such a great family. I tried to call my parents last week and their phones have been shut off.” Janette said with a blush. It dawned on me then that she never really talked about her family. I knew that she’d graduated high school in Florida, moved to the city, and never went back.

“Do you think they’re having money troubles?” I asked. “Is there someone that you could call to check on them? Or maybe a neighbor who’d let them use their phone?”

“I’m sure they’re having money troubles, they’re both alcoholics.” Janette confessed. “My older sister started drinking with them when she was twelve and they didn’t even care. There was never anything BUT trouble in that house, which is why I left and never looked back.”

“Until last week,” I reminded her. “What made you decide to call them after all of this time?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know, I guess the little girl in me wanted to tell them about my recording contract. I wanted to hear them say that they were proud. But honestly, it’s best if I don’t get in touch with them. They’d be too blinded by dollar signs to be proud.”

“I’m so sorry you had to grow up like that.” I told her honestly. “Everyone should have a family.”

“I do have a family, just not a biological one.” She smiled sadly. “Parker, Mark, you… that’s all of the family I need.”

“Well if you change your mind, let me know and you can borrow my mom. She can try to control your life for awhile and I can have a break.” I joked.

“I take it she’s still not thrilled about our moving idea?” Janette asked.

I shook my head. “No, but she’s still covering well. She’s probably still stinging from Mimi’s ass chewing last week.” I laughed.

The doorbell rang; I retrieved our Thai food and paid the delivery man. He took a double take before walking away with a star struck smile.

“I think I just got recognized.” I told Janette as I deposited the food onto the table.

“How did it feel?” She asked with a smile.

“Pretty fantastic,” I confessed.