I’ve finally done something I’ve always dreamed of, and I’m never going to forget it.
Twenty minutes later, the cast is backstage trading hugs and congratulations. I’m barely done hugging the woman who played my mother in the play when I spot Silver making his way through the crowd, Jack and Tabby in tow.
He’s carrying a huge bouquet of flowers, a beautiful arrangement of roses, lilies, and baby’s breath, wrapped in pink paper.
“There’s my star,” he says fondly. He cups my face and drops a quick, sweet kiss on my lips, his thumb brushing my cheek. “You were incredible, baby.”
My face flushes hot, and I murmur a thank you.
“Oh my god, Solana, you were amazing!” Tabby gushes, practically vibrating with excitement. “Like, actually amazing. When you did that scene where you were crying as Moonshine left for war? I literally got chills. You’re going to be famous someday, I just know it!”
I laugh, warmth flooding my chest. “Thank you, Tabby. That means a lot.”
Jack tugs at Silver’s sleeve, then looks up at me with a shrug. “Yeah, it was pretty cool, I guess. You didn’t mess up or anything. And you made some of the old ladies in the audience cry, so... good job.”
I snort, ruffling his hair. “High praise from a tough critic.”
He ducks away, scowling, but I catch the hint of a grin on his face. Which is his version of approval.
“Who’s hungry?” Silver asks. “Let’s get out of here.”
Tony’s Pizza and Arcade is exactly like I remember it. It’s been a while since I’ve been, but it’s one of Jack’s favorites, so we all conceded and decided it was the spot for dinner.
The place is the exact opposite of a hushed library, with music blaring from speakers and kids screaming and running everywhere. There’s the constant ding and buzz of arcade games competing for attention. Bright lights flash from every direction, the smell of parmesan cheese and pepperoni fragrant in the air.
It’s…perfect.
After what I’ve been through tonight, it’s exactly what I need to let loose.
We pile into a booth near the back, Silver sliding in beside me while Tabby and Jack take the opposite side. Within minutes, we’ve got two large pizzas on the table—pepperoni anda supreme veggie lovers—and we’re digging in like we haven’t eaten in days.
Jack is on his third slice when he looks up at me, cheese stretching from his mouth to the pizza in his hand. “So, are you gonna win an Oscar now?”
I nearly choke on my Cherry Coke. “Not anytime soon, buddy.”
“But you should,” he insists, completely serious. “You were pretty good. I’d vote for you if I could.”
Tabby rolls her eyes. “Don’t be dumb, Jack. You can’t vote for an Oscar. That’s not how it works.”
“I know that!” Jack protests, his ears turning red. “I just meant?—”
“You don’t know anything?—”
“I know you’re crushing on some dude named Maxton. I heard you telling Britney about him?—”
“You’ve been eavesdropping on our conversations again? How could you? Dad!”
“Hey,” Silver says firmly, though there’s a hint of amusement behind it. “Enough. We’re having a nice night. Get along or no arcade games.”
Both kids fall silent immediately, though they shoot each other one last begrudging glare before returning to their pizza. I hide my smile behind my napkin, catching Silver’s eye. He winks at me as if he’s aware how amusing they can be.
After we’ve demolished the pizzas, we hit the arcade floor.
Jack immediately drags Silver to the basketball hoop game, and he goes along with it despite his limited mobility from his thigh injury. Thankfully it doesn’t deter him, and within seconds the two are in a heated competition.
As he eventually gains a lead, Silver purposely misses a couple shots just to let Jack catch up before sinking three in a row and ruffling his hair.
“No fair! You hustled me!” Jack protests.
