“You should be. Without you, they have nothing!”
He wrapped his arms around her and held tight. “It’s great having you in my corner, but everyone brings something to the table. Today, the new lead brought her own insights and emotions. And that’s how she’ll make the part hers.”
“Got it. It’s interpretation. Just like me singing a song differently from another singer.”
“Exactly.” He glanced at his watch. “Ready to go?”
“Not so fast. So why is dinner turning into a business meeting?”
He stepped back and started to pace. “Two producers are joining us for the meal and to see The Broken Circle— again. They’re brothers, and they like my work.
I-I was really productive during my residency here, and they kept their eyes on some of us.” He pivoted to her and stood still. “They’ve got some strong backers
—investors— and might be coming to Boston to see The Sanctuary.”
Sucker-punched. Her brain went into overdrive, and she swallowed hard. “So we’ve been living in make-believe land.” She pulled a tissue from the dispenser and balled it in her hand. “It’s happening again. Boston, New York. It always comes back to choices. Been there, done that.” She pointed to him, then to herself.
“Not true. My home is in Boston with you. Nothing’s changed. As you like to remind me, I can write anywhere.”
But he’d said staging a play was a collaboration. And building his career seemed all about relationships. Actors, producers, directors. Producers were critical—
they brought the money people. New York City, she had to concede, was the mecca for this whole gang.
And he’d walked away from it—for her!
Now she needed the tissue to blot her face, but her face was against Doug’s shirt.
“They’re going to love The Sanctuary,” she said between hiccups.
“Not as much as I love you, Jen,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Don’t you know that?”
She did. She really did. She’d felt his love for her every day, but hadn’t trusted it. Hadn’t trusted them.
“But your career….”
“We’ll figure it out. Okay?”
Her tears rolled faster as she held him tight. “I’ve missed you so much, my love.
We have to figure it out because I can’t lose you again.” She leaned back and cupped his face with her hands. “I love you, Douglas Collins. I-I wasn’t ready back then, but now…I think you’re right. How hard can it be? After all, New York’s almost next door to home.”
##
She liked Steve Kantor immediately. She felt comfortable with him, as if they’d known each other for a long time. He sat on one side of her with Doug on the other, at the round table in a nearby Italian restaurant. Maybe it was the man’s easy manner, maybe it was because he had Doug’s best interests in mind. Or maybe it was because he’d let her know that Italian cooking was his favorite, just as it was hers. Whatever the reasons, she was glad he was Doug’s friend.
“Doug told me you’ve never met a number you didn’t like,” said Steve.
She smiled and sipped her wine. “Not quite. I don’t like those red ones on a bottom line.”
He shot a look at Doug. “Oh, she’s good. Very good.”
“One reason why I keep her around,” Doug replied, his eyes gleaming at her.
“Enough,” she said. “I think we’re getting company.”
Doug stood as the two producers joined them. Steve rose, too. Greetings were exchanged while Doug made introductions to the Silverman brothers—Alan and Jeff. The had quick smiles and outstretched hands.
“I’m looking forward to seeing your play again,” said Alan, the taller one.
“I know your work,” added Jeff. “I judged a lot of contests for Playwrights’
House—still do—and you always scored in the top 2.”
The man turned to Jen. “Are you familiar with the one-act he has running off-Broadway?”
“I know about it,” Jen replied slowly.
“Well, that started as a student project.”
Pride bubbled inside her, and she leaned forward. “And then he improved it until it got noticed. Doug’s the best,” she gushed, unable to stop herself. “His words come from his heart and his head. And the audience gets it. They walk away standing a little taller, feeling more fulfilled. They see the world in a new way.”
“Are you a lawyer?” asked Alan, seeming genuinely curious, and breaking the silence that followed Jen’s impulsive speech.
Heat rose to her face as she shook her head. “That would be my sister. She’s the smart one.”
Doug hooted. “Don’t let her fool you. The five of them—the Delaneys—were born whip-smart.” He tucked her hand in his. “But I got the best of the bunch.”
“Oh-ho! So that’s the way it is,” replied the producer.
