“She’s very drunk,” Claire said. “Sorry, I think she’d already downed like two glasses by the time we got here.”
“Sorry?” Iris said, brows shoved together. “I’m a grown-ass woman, Claire. I can get drunk if I want.”
“I know, honey, but—”
“No,” Iris waved a finger. “Iam nearly orgasmic.Seattle Timessays so.”
Claire and Astrid shared a look over Iris’s head, clearly befuddled by that proclamation.
“Baby, let’s get you some water,” Stevie said, trying to lead Iris to the table full of sparkling water in crystal glasses.
“Baby,” Iris said, narrowing her eyes at Stevie. “I bet you call all the girlsbaby.”
“What girls?” Stevie asked.
“All of them. The ones in New York,” Iris said. She swayed a little on her feet. “I need another drink.”
“Yes, water,” Stevie said, then pulled Iris toward the table. Iris went, but only because Stevie yanked her pretty firmly. They were halfway across the room, Stevie’s heart pounding, when she saw her.
Thayer Calloway.
Right there, smiling at Stevie from five feet away, resplendent in a black suit and silver tie.
“Stevie,” Thayer said. “I was hoping to catch you.”
Stevie swallowed, glanced at Iris, who regarded Thayer with a mixture of swaying curiosity and suspicion.
And she was right to be suspicious. Stevie could at least admit that, even if she was terrified to face every other truth she hadn’t said yet. This morning, after Iris had asked her about her next steps, Stevie had lied. She’d told Iris she didn’t know, and she felt horrible about it. Because just the night before, after Iris had fallen asleep, she’d sent Thayer Calloway an email.
Thank you so much for your offer. I can’t tell you how honored I am that you’d think of me for this role. I’m thrilledto accept. Please let me know next steps when you get a chance.
It had taken her six weeks to get to this point, to get to thisyes, then another ten minutes to hit send on the email that would seal it. And all the while, Iris slept next to her, oblivious. Stevie had wanted to talk to her about it, but her courage only went so far. In truth, part of Stevie had always known she was going to accept Thayer’s offer—she’d known it the moment Thayer had asked her to be Rosalind. There was no way she could ever say no, no way she could ever live with herself if she passed up this chance. She was scared shitless, but she felt strong too. She knew she was good, knew she needed to take a chance if she was ever going to turn acting into a lasting career.
And being with Iris these last several weeks... she felt even stronger. More capable. More ready.
But she also had even more to lose. Her decision affected Iris too, she knew, but she also knew Ren was right—she couldn’t make her choice based on this relationship.
She had to choose herself and hope to god Iris understood.
This morning, she’d had every chance to tell Iris about the role, that she’d accepted it, but she chickened out. She told herself she was simply waiting until the play was done, the final night, so they could both enjoy it without New York hanging over their heads. She’d been determined to tell Iris tonight, once everything at the Empress was done, and she and Iris were tucked into bed together, close and intimate and safe.
But now, with Thayer right here and Iris drunk and acting so strange even before the play, Stevie was questioning every decision she’d made since hitting send on that email.
“Dr. Calloway,” Stevie said, her heart fully in her throat now. She had no idea that her professor would be here, but now that she thought about it, she should’ve prepared for this. Thayer was a bigsupporter of the Empress, financially speaking, and she wouldn’t miss a chance to bolster a queer theater in her own hometown.
“Excellent performance, as always,” Thayer said, then her eyes flitted to Iris. “And this must be Iris Kelly. I greatly enjoyed your Beatrice.”
Iris pursed her mouth, eyes glassy, and panic crowded into Stevie’s chest.
“IamIris Kelly,” Iris said, words a little slurred. “Andyouare Thayer Calloway. You’re Stevie’s favorite professor.”
Thayer smiled brightly at Stevie, but Stevie frowned. She’d never told Iris that. She’d never told Iris anything about Dr. Calloway.
“A high compliment,” Thayer said.
“And you’re directingAs You Like Itnext summer,” Iris said, jutting a wobbly finger toward Thayer.
Stevie froze.
