See You Later Broadway (Broadway Series Book 2)

by Melissa Baldwin

  I open my mouth to say something when my mother screams in excitement.

  “Trevor. Yoo-hoo. Hello.”

  My heart completely sinks, and I immediately feel nauseous. Maybe Cassie and I can go to the restroom together. We all turn to see Trevor looking very dashing in his black tuxedo. He’s holding a rocks glass full of some kind of brown alcohol. I’m thinking about grabbing it out of his hand and chugging it.

  Cassie raises her eyebrows at me.

  My mother rushes over to give Trevor a hug and drags him toward us. He shakes hands with my father, Mark, and Cassie.

  “I was going to ask Maris if you would be here tonight. I’ve been meaning to call your mother. How are you all doing?”

  I haven’t given my parents an update on my personal life, so as far as they know Trevor and I are still . . . whatever we were before.

  “We’re all doing okay. Thank you for asking.”

  My mother begins talking a mile a minute, and I’m silently wishing I could hide somewhere. I’m not surprised that Trevor’s here, but I guess I didn’t really think about how it would be to have him along with my family all here together.

  “Hello, everyone,” Georgie says cheerfully. Her eyes grow wide as she looks around. I wish I had a video camera to film her expression when she sees my mother’s dress, and then notices Trevor.

  Dr. Scott is always friendly, so he goes out of his way to greet everyone, including Trevor. In fact, Dr. Scott is the one who invited me to Liv’s charity event, so he’ll probably know quite a few people here tonight.

  “This is like a big family reunion,” my mother exclaims happily. “We’re all sitting at the same table, right, Maris?”

  I’m completely frozen in my Jimmy Choos, and I feel like I could be sick. Liv would probably kill me if I vomited all over her cocktail party. Thankfully, Trevor speaks up right at that moment.

  “I have to say hello to a friend, please excuse me for a moment.”

  My body relaxes slightly while everyone else stands around awkwardly. I notice Georgie whispering something to Dr. Scott. And him being the good fiancé, he invites my father and Mark to join him for a drink at the bar leaving my mother, Cassie, Georgie, and me.

  “Mom, Maris and Trevor are not seeing each other. He’s not sitting at our table,” Cassie says calmly.

  My mother’s face falls.

  “That’s ridiculous. They just spent all that time together when Beatrice passed. What’s happened since then?”

  “We’re not together, and we never will be,” I whisper loudly. I can feel my blood pressure rise. Now would be a good time for some of Cassie’s meditation breathing. I need to be focused on my performances tonight, not all of this. Georgie and Cassie glance at each other.

  “I actually met someone else and I really like him,” I say softly.

  My mother blinks a few times. “Is he here?”

  “He’s on his way,” Georgie interjects. “He owns a restaurant, and they had a huge crisis this morning, so he got delayed.”

  My mother still looks confused. I can only imagine what she’s thinking. My parents loved Kyle, and then of course I ended that relationship. Then, there was the whole thing with Trevor being a family friend so that pleased them as well. Now, there’s someone new. It may seem like I go through men very quickly but I really haven’t seriously dated someone in almost a year.

  “When did you meet this new mystery man?” she asks.

  A server walks over with a tray of hors d’oeuvres. I grab two and shove them in my mouth.

  “He’s my new roommate’s brother. He lives upstate, he’s a chef, and like Georgie said, he has a restaurant.”

  Her expression softens.

  “He sounds nice, Mom,” Cassie says, trying to reassure her.

  “He sounds more than nice,” Georgie insists. “Something in his restaurant blew up this morning and he’s still coming tonight.”

  “Maris, is this your family?” Liv asks, interrupting our conversation.

  She couldn’t have better timing. The men rejoin our group, and I introduce Liv to everyone. She tells my parents how much she adores me, which is very sweet. Of course, I want to die when my mother asks if they can take a photo together because they are twinsies in their red gowns. Retirement has definitely had an effect on my parents, my mother especially. I should have known when she got that first spray tan that things were going to be different. She’s definitely come out of her shell. I do notice that my parents seem very loving with each other, not that they weren’t before, but I know relationships change over time. It’s nice to see them being more affectionate.

  I lead everyone toward the front of the room to our reserved table. Mark and my parents are fussing over Cassie, making sure she’s feeling okay and bringing her ginger ale. I feel kind of bad because I’m sure she’d rather be at home resting than here, but she insists she’s feeling okay.

  I take a look around the room to see what’s going on. Dr. Scott is chatting with Liv’s husband Tom. Tom is a really fun and boisterous guy, and he certainly adores Liv. He and Trevor were fraternity brothers, so they’ve all known each other for a while even though he’s a bit older than Trevor.

  I see Ash sitting at her table with an older woman, another couple, and a cute guy who I think is her boyfriend. He totally reminds me of AC Slater from Saved by the Bell.

  I check my phone again. Zack sent a text about thirty minutes ago, letting me know he’s in horrible traffic. I sigh. I know there’s nothing I can do about it, and I’m not going to let it ruin my night. I do really appreciate him making the effort.

  I’m putting my phone back in my bag when I notice Trevor and Giselle standing near the bar. I had a feeling they would be here together. They’re both smiling, so maybe they ended up back together after all. Either way, it’s no longer my business.

  Georgie catches me watching them. “You okay?”

  I smile. “Believe it or not, I am. I want Trevor to be happy, and if that means he and Giselle are together, then good for him.”

  She gives me a hug. “I’m proud of you. And can I just say, this is one hell of a party.”

  I nod. “It’s nice, but it’s not a cruise ship wedding.”

  She throws her head back in laughter.

  “You got that right. And you’re not wearing a fabulous sailor dress tonight.”

  I grit my teeth. “That’s true.”

  A few minutes later, Tom gets up on the microphone and invites everyone to find their tables for dinner. My family and friends sit down and I glance at the empty seat next to me. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. He’ll make it here. I know it.

  ~*~*~

  The food is so good I could lick my plate. I realize I haven’t eaten one thing today other than those two hors d’oeuvres I shoved down my throat during the cocktail hour.

  I’m having a really good time until my mother asks who Trevor’s date is.

  “That’s Giselle Le Bon, she’s Liv’s partner. So technically, I work for her, too.”

  My mom continues to stare in their direction. “She looks so familiar. Where have I seen her before?”

  “Mom, please stop staring.”

  I look at Georgie who’s siting on one side of me. She’s trying not to laugh.

  “Shut up,” I whisper.

  “Hello, my wonderful friends,” Liv says into the microphone. Once again, she has perfect timing. I adore her right now.

  “Thank you all for being here on such a special evening. At this time, I would like to officially introduce LivElle Performing Arts Company.”

  The crowd erupts into loud applause and people begin to stand up.

  “Giselle Le Bon, Maris Forrester, Ash Winston, and Miranda Adams, please join me on stage.”

  My family begins to clap and cheer loudly. My mother starts jumping up and down, and I swear I will die if she has a wardrobe malfunction in front of the entire room.

  We all make our way to the stage and stand there while t
he crowd continues to cheer. I smile proudly as I look out into the room.

  “I would like to briefly introduce you to this group of incredible individuals who have agreed to take this wild and crazy journey with me. And later, we have a few special performances planned for you tonight.”

  I glance at Ash who gives me a faint smile. I guess this is really happening.

  I admit I zone out while Liv is talking about the company. I can’t help but look toward the back of the room and back at my table to see if Zack has shown up.

  “I met Maris Forrester about a year ago, right, Maris?” Oh crap, she’s talking to me. I smile and nod my head. “When we met, we learned we shared a love of music, and I learned that she had dreams of moving here to New York to follow in her beloved grandmother’s footsteps of performing. Maris has been sharing her gift by teaching and cultivating music in the hearts of others for years. I’m beyond excited to be working with her.”

  The room breaks out into applause.

  “In addition, I learned that Maris is an aspiring songwriter, and later tonight you will all be privileged to hear one of her new original songs.”

  I smile and wave. She then moves on to introduce Miranda. I really appreciate the glowing introduction she gave. It’s a great feeling to know that Liv appreciates each of us and our individual talents and strengths.

  “Last, but certainly not least, I want to introduce my dear friend and partner, the other half of LivElle . . . Giselle Le Bon.”

  There are several whistles along with the applause.

  “I’ve asked Giselle to say a few words,” she says, handing the microphone to her.

  I’m really interested to hear what she has to say.

  “Thank you, everyone. I can tell you that I wouldn’t be here if my friend didn’t take a chance on me. Trust me when I tell you I’m not an easy person to deal with.”

  I bite my lip to keep from laughing.

  “Liv saw something in me that most people don’t. It’s a privilege to be working with all of you.”

  Well, it looks like Ash isn’t the only one on her best behavior tonight. I’m impressed that Giselle used her time to thank Liv instead of promoting herself.

  Following the introductions, Liv asks us all to head to the dressing room to chat and prepare for performances.

  “Thank you for everything you said,” Ash says sincerely. “I’m very happy to be here.”

  I observe Ash and I really can see a change in her. You never know, we may actually end up friends. Now that’s a crazy thought.

  Miranda takes out a bottle of champagne. She pours each of us a glass and holds up her glass to make a toast.

  “Ladies, I have a feeling this partnership is going to be legendary. To LivElle.”

  “To LivElle,” we all say in unison.

  “Now the fun part,” Liv says, clapping excitedly. “Take a few minutes with your families, and then we will begin.”

  I practically run back to my table. I’m expecting to see Zack waiting for me but he’s still a no-show. I sit down and I check my phone again to see another text from Zack.

  Trying to get there. I’m so sorry.

  “Giselle sure seems like a different person,” Georgie whispers. I put my phone away.

  “I know.”

  The server puts a plate of mini desserts in front of me. They look divine, and I will be devouring these after my performances. Thankfully, my mother is too busy fawning all over Cassie that she hasn’t asked about Zack or Trevor.

  A few minutes later, Liv and Giselle are back at the microphone. I take a deep breath as Giselle calls Ash and me back to the stage. Here goes nothing.

  Ash and I meet each other at the top of the stairs.

  “Are you ready, Glinda?” I ask with a wink.

  “I sure am, Elphaba.”

  Chapter 30

  I have to give Ash credit for suggesting we sing “For Good” from Wicked. Not only is it a song from one of my most favorite Broadway musicals, but the theme also ties into my own song. The irony of us singing that song is interesting, considering the complicated relationship of Elphaba and Glinda from the show parallels our own relationship.

  The room is completely silent immediately after we sing the last note, and then once again it erupts. Ash and I bow to the audience, and then give each other a hug. I don’t usually get emotional during my performances but for some reason I do after this one.

  “That was amazing,” she shouts once we’re backstage. “We need to perform together more often.”

  Giselle and Liv join us backstage.

  “Unbelievable,” Giselle says.

  “I knew it when I saw you sitting together this morning,” Liv adds.

  I feel like I’m in a daze. I guess I didn’t expect that performance to have such an emotional effect on me. Ash is getting ready for her solo, so I head back to my table to join my family.

  Cassie, Georgie, and my parents all have tears in their eyes. I join them at the table and wait for Ash’s performance. Zack is still nowhere to be seen, and I’ve accepted that he probably won’t make it after all.

  At first the room goes dark, with a faint sound of someone playing the piano. Then suddenly a spotlight shines on the piano. The sound of Ash playing the piano begins to flood the room, and in typical Ash fashion, it’s all very dramatic. Her performance is an eclectic mix of haunting and enchanting tunes. She once again delivers a performance that showcases how talented she is.

  “Bravo,” I cheer.

  I take a deep breath because I’m up next. Here I go.

  ~*~*~

  “Ash, that was absolutely brilliant,” Liv says into the microphone. “Our next performance is our very own Maris Forrester. As I said in my introduction, Maris is an aspiring songwriter. She’s going to perform her new original song for you today.”

  I take a few deep breaths and take the microphone from her.

  “Thank you, Liv.” I look out into the ballroom. I see my family and I see Trevor. “Recently, a very dear friend passed away. She was my grandmother’s best friend many years ago. Both of these women were strong and beautiful, and I feel so blessed to have had them as examples to me. I was given some sheet music that my grandmother began writing, so I took what she had started and I completed it. Inspired by their friendship, I dedicate this song to them. It’s titled ‘Follow Your Heart.’”

  I glance at Trevor who is now standing against the wall on the side of the room.

  I close my eyes and count to three. When I open my eyes, I see Zack rushing across the ballroom toward our table. He’s carrying a huge bouquet of roses. I watch as he sits down next to Georgie and gives me a wave. Everyone at my table is staring at him.

  A huge smile spreads across my face and I begin to sing.

  ~*~*~

  When I first performed a song I wrote at the Do-Re-Mi Studios’ end of year performance, I thought that nothing could top that moment. Well, I was wrong. “Follow Your Heart” is a song that means so much on a personal level. I feel like every cell in my body performed this song tonight.

  I start to make my way off the stage in a hurry to greet Zack. Before I go anywhere, Liv and Miranda call me back on stage.

  “Now you know why we handpicked these ladies. I can’t tell you how lucky LivElle is to have both Ash and Maris on our team.” The crowd is on their feet.

  When the applause dies down, Liv begins talking again.

  “I do have some exciting news I wanted to share with Maris.”

  My eyes grow wide and I stand awkwardly on the stage. I have no idea what news she has to share with me.

  “As I said earlier in the night, I already had the pleasure of receiving the music for ‘Follow Your Heart.’ Maris was also kind enough to perform it for me prior to tonight. Well, after hearing the song, I got with Miranda and we discussed Maris’s songs, this one in particular.”

  What’s happening right now? I glance at my family and shrug my shoulders.

  “Miranda, why d
on’t you give her the exciting news?”

  Miranda takes the microphone. “Well, Maris, you may have given up your dream to perform on Broadway for now, but that doesn’t mean your song won’t be there.”

  This can’t be happening.

  “We’re thrilled to announce that ‘Follow Your Heart’ is now in the hands of some of the top producers and creators in the industry.”