“That’s a wrap—well, not for you two,” said Em, nodding to AJ andNoah, who still had to film Ana and Rho’s final stand the next day. “But for the ensemble, that’s it. You did it.”
For a moment, they all stood dazed. It was over.
Then applause and cheers broke out and the entire cast embraced outside the crale set. Amid the huddle, AJ felt a hand on her back and knew without looking that it was Noah’s.
As the hug disbanded, they casually sidled up to each other.
“Wrap party at mine tonight,” said Em magnanimously.
“Woo, party at the big man’s house!” cried Dave. “Time to let loose!”
As the cast headed for wardrobe in ones and twos, Em pulled AJ aside. “You’ll be there, right?” he said, touching her shoulder.
“Of course,” said AJ. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good,” he said, giving her a squeeze. “We should talk.”
“Sure,” said AJ. She waited for him to remove his hand, aware that Noah was nearby. She didn’t want any more confusion over this. Not now. When Em finally released her, she said a very perfunctory “See ya,” and left.
Getting ready that night, AJ thought only of Noah. She chose an ivory tank top she’d pilfered from Libby in college. It was a rare color that made her look more golden than pink, with lace details revealing just enough cleavage. Her good jeans were a no-brainer. She left her hair down.
She felt almost tired with adrenaline; something was going to happen tonight. She just knew it.
The party was already in full swing by the time AJ arrived. She quickly spotted Ian drinking beside a neon fresco of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. As AJ inched closer, she recognized a few actors from Em’s other shows out on the dance floor, Dave and Toni among them.
“Fancy seeing you at this WB mixer,” said AJ, landing beside Ian.
“A taste of things to come,” he said. “You did good, Age. Really good.” He handed her a ruby cocktail, and it felt like a gold star. Like no matter what else had happened, they were okay.
“What is this?” she asked, sniffing the drink to hide her relief.
“Persephone’s Fall, according to Em’s artisanal bar chalkboard, but Ithink it’s just vodka and pomegranate juice.” AJ took a sip. The concoction bit back.
At that moment, “Jay Jay” boomed over the DJ’s sound system, which could mean only one thing: Anjalee was in the house. AJ looked up to see her striding in on five-inch stilettos, her immaculate body wrapped in another minute dress. Behind her, Noah reluctantly followed, the long flow of Anjalee’s hair billowing across his dark oxford shirt and jeans.
“She definitely knows how to make an entrance,” said Ian.
Anjalee was now attempting to pull Noah out onto the dance floor, but he was digging in his heels like a dog outside the vet. AJ felt sick as she glanced down at her own ensemble, which, she now recalled, had been entirely purchased from Old Navy.
On the dance floor, Drunk Dave piped up. “Show some gallantry, Noah!”
“Why don’t you?” said Xiaobo, pulling Dave into a full dip. As everyone cheered, Noah relented, taking Anjalee into his arms. They looked good together. Good and famous.
AJ cringed. What the fuck had she been thinking? Noah was a professional actor; he was accustomed to his body reacting during shoots. That moment kneeling together had meant nothing to him. It was just part of the show. Ohfuck.That shotcould notend up in the show.
“E,” said AJ quietly. “Can I ask you a favor?”
Ian saw the concern in her eyes and nodded. “Of course.”
AJ’s cheeks burned. “There is one specific thing I…really don’t want in the final.” In a few words, she told him of how she’d broken character.
As she finished, Toni marched off the dance floor, heading straight for them. “Let’s go, Farnum,” she said, reaching right past AJ to give Ian’s collar a tug.
“Leave it with me,” he told AJ. Then he let himself be led away, taking that gold star with him.
AJ watched helplessly from the shadows as Toni claimed Ian for herself. Within minutes, she, Ian, Xiaobo, and Dave were dancing in a group. And AJ—AJ was not missed. She emptied her drink, droppingthe used glass on a passing tray. So much for Dave and Xiaobo’s fireside pep talk. Was this a preview of how life would be back in New York?
Fuck.None of this had been remotely worth it.
