“That she is,” Kirk said. “She never lets me get away with anything.”
“So,” I said, looking between them, “We should discuss tomorrow. Like I told your uncle, you can either take the bus or meet us there. I have your passes here.” I reached into my purse and pulled out two laminated passes that hung on lanyards. “These will get you into the VIP area. I’ve been assured that once you’re there, finding accommodating seating won’t be a problem.”
“Will you get to join us?” Kirk asked.
“Once my part is over, I will hang out with you. I’ll warn you, though. Right after the parade ends, Midtown is crazy. In all honesty, it might be easier to walk home at that point. But again, let me know what’s easiest for you.”
“I think we’ll stick with you…if you don’t mind?” Kirk asked.
“I wouldn’t offer if I minded. In that case, I’ll knock on your door at 7:00 a.m. I know it’s early—“
“Remember who you’re talking to. I’m out of here at that time most mornings, and Carissra isn’t usually far behind me.”
“That’s right. I forget you live on a non-show business schedule.”
“Around this building, I know that’s something unique,” Kirk joked.
I hung out for a while longer and watched as Kirk worked around the kitchen. I finished my glass of wine. Once I was wined-up, I went back to my apartment and was greeted by a none-to-happy Mr. Bootsy. I fed him and gave him lots of love and attention before crashing.
“Okay, cast ofThe Naughty List,“ our old friend Director Doug yelled at us from our staging area. Right after the cast ofThe Hallow Men, you’ll get ready. The commercial break should be about 45 seconds, then the announcers will chit-chat for another minute. That gives you under two minutes to get into position.“ With that, Doug left the staging area and went back to a control tent where he was calling the shots for the Broadway performances.
“This thing itches,” Katherine said next to me.
“Mine too,” I admitted.
That morning, our costume designer surprised us with brand-new costumes for the parade. This was great, except that we’d never worn the costumes or rehearsed in them. I glanced around, and everyone looked uncomfortable.
“Just remember, scratching yourself on national television is not very elf-like,” Peeter said. He was dressed like he was about to make a trek across Antarctica.
“You’re going to freeze once you take off that parka,” I said.
“I’m hoping the adrenaline of the performance will be enough to prevent me from turning into an elf-cicle.”
The music for one of the few good songs inThe Hallow Menstarted, so I turned my head to watch the cast perform. Honestly, their performance on the street looked better than it had during previews. I’d already heard rumors that the show was tanking at the box office, so this performance could boost their ticket sales and prevent the show from closing. Despite how much the show sucked, I didn’t want to see anyone in their cast or crew out of work.
“The Naughty List,“ Doug, the director, yelled. “You’re up.”
The whole group ran out into the middle of the street in front of Macy’s and got into our opening positions. We stood waiting forever before we heard the opening chords of music. Thankfully, Peeter was right. Adrenaline took over, and our short performance went off without a hitch. When the song ended, we all raced to the center of the road to wave at the camera. I let out a sigh of relief.
We walked back to the staging area to pick up our coats, scarves, hats, and gloves. I bundled up. Some of the cast were already making their way back to the bus area to be taken back to the theater. A few of us planned on lingering and catching the bus after the parade.
“Are you actually staying?” Peeter asked. “My jingle bells have practically shrunken to the size of chestnuts.”
“I’m from Iowa originally. This isn’t cold.”
“Whatever,” Peter said dismissively. “You enjoy your cold. I’m going to go home where it’s warm. See you tomorrow.”
“What about you?” I asked Katherine.
“Me, I’m going to hang out for a while. Never seen the parade up close, so this should be fun.”
“You can sit with my friends and me.”
“I’m actually meeting someone here.”
“Really?” I asked, with a flash of my eyebrow suggestively.
“Yes,” she said with a smile. “I invited Rafael to be my plus one.”
