“Hey,” he says.
“Hey,” I say back.
I reach for his waist; the fake silk of his costume is slick against my palms.
“I’m sorry,” I say again, so he knows it’s me and not Olivia. “I’m so, so sorry.”
“You don’t have to—”
“I do.” I clear my throat. “I liked you from the start and I didn’t know what to do with it. I was jealous of Jasmine and then I felt bad for feeling jealous so I went along with her wanting a list. But I shouldn’t have done it. I should’ve put you first. And I shouldn’t have lied about it.”
“Jackson—”
“And I shouldn’t have been such a coward about telling her about us. You are important to me. Our relationship is important to me. I never should’ve kept it a secret. I’m sorry.”
“Will you be quiet?” he asks.
“Huh?”
“I’m trying to apologize here too.”
“What for?”
“For not telling you how I felt from the start. For dating your sister in the first place. For not giving you the chance to explain.”
“That list... Everything on it was a lie. I was trying to talk Jasmine out of being in love with you. Trying to talk myself out of it. Because I didn’t think you’d like me back.”
“But I do.”
“You do,” I say, and I can’t believe it. I’ve never quite understood the logic of musicals: how someone could have feelings so huge, so overpowering, they have to burst into song.
But now I think I could carry a whole showstopping number by myself.
“So what now?” I ask.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean... you and me?”
“Yeah. You and me.” He pulls me in close.
And then he kisses me. It’s soft and kind and sweet and over all too quickly. But he breaks it and smiles at me, so bright I feel like I’m back onstage, and it’s too much. I hide my face against his chest, and he hugs me tight, resting his chin on my head.
“Are you getting makeup in my hair?”
“Yes. Deal with it.”
“Okay.”
We stand like that, holding each other, and I think time might’ve stopped. But then the door swings open.
“Oh!” Dr. Lochley says. “Sorry. I hope I’m not interrupting.”
We break apart, but Liam keeps my hand clasped tightly.
Dr. L looks at our hands and smiles. “I should be upset with both of you for going so far off script, but that’s probably the most interesting Shakespeare has ever been. You were both terrific.”
“Thanks.” Liam jiggles my hand.
