Showtimecametooquicklyfor Lilian.She left the store in Margo’s care and made a beeline to the theater.They would be starting exactly an hour after opening.It was plenty of time, but her nerves compelled her to be at the theater well before to make sure everything was in place.
She was surprised to see Alex and Logan already standing by the small wooden stage.For once, the two weren’t scowling like they’d accidentally swallowed something.They were talking quietly while staring at the script.Logan sat on the edge of the stage, dressed in his usual black silk shirt and loose black trousers that mostly hid his leg brace.Alex wore an extraordinary purple cloth hat decorated with large ostrich feathers.A light purple corset cinched her waist above a sea of flowing skirts.
She was the first to notice Lilian’s approach.“Lilian!Ready for your debut?”
“Honestly?”Lilian took a deep breath and looked at the stage.
The prop department had been busy working to make their scene complete.It wasn’t much, but a large pink painted divider now separated the stage, with stools for each participant.
“Don’t be nervous,” Logan assured, eyes still on the script in his hands.He seemed to be studying it intently while stroking his beard.Once he finished the page, his bright blue eyes swept over the benches surrounding them.“There likely won’t be anyone in the crowd.Consider this a light dress rehearsal.”
Alex sent him a withering look.“Thanks for that.”
“What?”He shrugged.“This is nothing to be nervous about.”
Maybe it was nothing to Logan, the pirate king.But to Ms.Bodice, the bookshop owner, it was everything.She closed her eyes, mentally running through her lines again for the hundredth time that morning.
David and Ian walked up soon after, followed by Mr.Berscotta.Then it was only fifteen minutes until the show.
“Time to get backstage,” Alex said, squeezing her arm reassuringly.“You’ll do great.”
“Thanks.”Lilian pulled her in for a quick hug and added, “And thanks for everything.For setting this up and for making it happen.”
Alex squeezed back.“It wasn’t just me,” she said, looking as if there was more to that statement before one of the stagehands called for her attention.
Lilian stepped back and followed the group of men to the back of the stage.It was more crowded than expected.With the leg injury, it was agreed that the pirate band would help carry their captain on stage.No one thought about the logistical issue until they were all crammed into the small space.
Luckily, it wasn’t for long.Lilian hugged the door frame.She would be the first on after Logan.Her heart was racing, banging loud enough that she was sure the entire room could hear it.
Behind her, the men were silent, waiting for their cue.She peeked through the curtain and watched as Logan took the stage, his men singing a jaunty song to grab the crowd’s attention.
No one was seated in the small theater yet.
Good… no, not good.
She wanted people to come to her shop.She wanted people to enjoy this thing she was trying so hard to make work.
A few passing guests stopped and listened as Logan lured them in.One couple.And a small group of women.
It wasn’t much, but it was something.
After the pirate gang stalled for as long as possible, Logan began the show.
“And now, without further ado, let’s meet our bachelor-wench!”
Silence stretched across the benches; not even polite applause echoed back.Logan held his pose, one hand extended toward the curtain, ready for Lilian to appear.She took a deep breath and stepped out before she could second guess herself.The sun felt too bright as she took the stage, but her feet knew exactly where to go.She walked, half blind with anxiety, to her stool and climbed on.
Her cheeks ached from the bright smile she wore.One that was too wide and probably too fake.Oh god, she couldn’t do this.The nerves tingled through her, making everything numb.
“Ms.Bodice,” Logan said, emphasizing theMs.“I hear you own a bookshop at this faire.”
“Aye, I do,” she said, though her voice cracked on the accent.Lilian took a moment to swallow her nerves.She used the pause to channel the next lines with emotion, a trick Alex had taught her.“But it's hard to run a shop by myself.I need someone to help me… and I would like to have a partner in this lonely life.”
“Arr, you are looking for a Mr.Bodice?”Logan asked.
“That would be nice.”
“Well, it just so happens I found three brawny men who are looking for the right bodice to rip.”
