“I love you too,” I told him before hanging up. I hurried back to the dressing room and slid my dress and wig on. When I was satisfied with my appearance I held back and chatted with the other four. Once Thomas came out of the dressing room before he seemed to leave his relationship problems behind him, for now. He had been in a great mood like he always was. Erin came in and announced that they would be opening the doors in ten minutes, so Stacie wanted us all out on stage.
Everyone involved in the show gathered together. Stacie stood in the middle and thanked everyone for all the hard work and gave us a quick pep talk. “Okay, now let’s make a circle and all put our hands in. On the count of three we shout “Yes!” You know, because of the title of the show,” We rolled our eyes, but did it anyways. The huddle was customary, but Stacie was a goofball.
When we were done, we rushed off stage and into our places. The doors were opened and we could hear people coming in. Genie, the stage manager came over to Joyce and I and whispered that we had sold out.
“All weekend. And next weekend is filling up quickly already. They are talking about adding shows.” Joyce reached over and squeezed my hand, we both had to keep ourselves from screaming out of excitement.
The lights began flashing and Stacie stepped onto the stage to introduce the show. I took the opportunity to sneak a peak at the audience. Sure enough, my amazing husband was front and center. He was smiling wide, looking handsome in his navy suit. My heart melted when I saw he was holding a bouquet of red roses in his lap. I glanced over and saw the rest of the band and their spouses. Stacie ended her speech and excited the stage. The lights lowered and the curtains went up, starting the show.
The moment I stepped onto the stage I was Jackie-O. I didn’t miss a single step or screw up a line. I was in the zone. Everything was going perfect. When I excited the scenes, I would let out the breath I had been holding on stage. I would relax and regain composure for the next scene. Thomas came up behind me right before the shooting re-enactment. He leaned down and whispered directly into my ear.
“You ready for this?” I gulped and nodded. He squeezed my hand quickly and let go.
I hadn’t realized that I was so nervous, but when he moved away, I realized my palms were clammy. I could do this, I reminded myself. Mark told me just last night that he was comfortable now with it. With one last long, deep, breath I stepped back onto the stage and seduced my brother.
There were gasps from the audience. I could feel Thomas trying not to smile as we kissed. I closed my eyes and let myself be in the moment. I wasn’t Renee Lacey, I was Jackie-O Pascal, and I was about to make love to my brother Marty. When the lights started dimming on the two of us, he pushed me down onto the couch and threw his shirt into the crowd. Someone let out a hoot as they presumably caught it.
My heart was racing furiously. As we lay together in the dark, Marty lazily ran his hands up and down my body and planted kisses on my mouth, neck, and shoulders. I could feel myself starting to sweat. I moved my hands along his chest and felt his abs hiding under his undershirt.
When the lights came up on us and we were confronted I felt a sense of relief as Marty moved away from me. I pulled my dress back on and began to run my fingers through my hair, acting as if nothing dirty had happened. Despite that scene always being so painstakingly long, the rest of the play flew by and what felt like mere moments later I was holding hands with Thomas and Gabby to bow.
Once the curtains were closed and then raised again to greet the audience my husband was the first one to the stage. He jumped up in one giant leap and picked me up. He squeezed me tight and twirled me around. I swatted him on the chest to let me down.
“Mark, your shoulder!” I exclaimed. He laughed and kissed me quickly.
“You were amazing baby! That was so good!” He told me. Quickly we were surrounded by the other patrons congratulating the cast. My friends surrounded me with hugs and bouquets.
“You really liked it?” I asked my husband and he rolled his eyes.
“Well, watching you practically screw someone right in front of me wasn’t the greatest, but the rest of the show was great. You really were a different person. I almost didn’t recognize you with the hair.”
I hugged him tightly and looked around. Thomas was surrounded by people just like the rest of us. I excused myself and hurried over to him. He saw me and waved. When I reached him, we hugged and I grabbed his hand and pulled him over to my group. He chuckled and greeted everyone. Mark was the first one to congratulate him.
He slapped him on the back, then extended his hand to him. Thomas looked down at it for a moment, and then shook it.
“You’re a good actor. I really thought I was watching a brother and sister up there.”
Thomas burst into laughter and thanked him.
Once the volume started to die down and guests started to leave Stacie announced that the small reception was to start in the lobby. I gave my bouquets to Mark and told my friends that I had to change. I quickly hurried backstage and got into my street clothes. Just as I was grabbing my bag to head back, I noticed Thomas with Cassandra.
I paused for only a moment. She had her back towards me, so only he could see me. He glanced up and I shot him a thumbs up, but he didn’t respond. He looked back at his girlfriend and then she turned slightly. She had tears running down her face. Seeing that, I hurried off to leave them to it.
I went into the lobby to find Mark waiting for me with a giant smile on his face. Seeing him smile made everything better. I leaned over and kissed him again.
“I sent everyone away. They are going to drop off all of your flowers at the house. We’ll need to get like ten vases,” he chuckled and reached for my hand.
I motioned to the food that had been set out.
“You want to get something to eat? Or maybe some punch. I think they are going to cut the cake. Did you see it?”
“I’m good on the sandwiches, but I do want to try the cake. I don’t want to rush you, but how long are we staying?” I looked at him curiously.
“Probably another half hour or so. Why?” He didn’t answer me, but instead pulled me towards the center of the room where everyone was admiring Cassandra’s cake.
“Wow, she really is good,” he commented. Suddenly the doors from the theatre burst open. Everyone turned and stared at the two storming in. Cassandra came in first, followed by Thomas, still in costume.
She was furious. He looked frantic.
