“I don’t have that bleedin’ paper hanging over my head anymore, so I’m content to stay right here, actually,” Eamon mutters as he nuzzles my neck some more. “And I’m guessing the next two weeks you’ll be tied up with the play. Not sure I can go that long without you, love.”
“You make a very valid point,” I agree. “I like your plan.”
And that’s exactly what we do.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Norah
It’s the final showing of Beauty and the Beast, and I am utterly exhausted. The cast put on two performances a day for four straight days. It’s been a massive success, and I have never been more proud of my work. Not only did my costumes catch the eye of critics around the state, but the actors went above and beyond portraying their characters. Dr. Andrews received no less than fifteen requests for interviews from local and national news outlets and he’s been adamant that the entire cast and crew be present for all of them. I hate being in the spotlight, but I can’t deny I’m excited about my designs being publicized. My own phone has been blowing up with calls and text messages begging me to create costumesfor productions ranging from high school plays to accredited dance and theater academies statewide.
“Norah! Belle has a petal coming off!” I hear Macie yell from behind me.
I race over with my sewing kit and quickly begin stitching the petal overlay back to the bodice of Belle’s dress. With as much as this gown has been worn over the last weeks, it’s not too surprising that it’s starting to show some wear and tear.
“All set, Leah,” I say, smiling up at the actress playing Belle. “This should hold through the final curtain. You’re doing amazing!”
“I still can’t get over the garden scene,” Macie says, coming to stand beside me. “You’d think I’d be sick of looking at people in flower dresses after dressing them for months, but no, it’s still just as stunning as when you first showed us your designs.”
“Thanks, Macie,” I say, squeezing her arm. “I couldn’t have done it without you and the rest of the team.”
I mean every word. They all worked tirelessly to get proper measurements and help with alterations this week. Macie, especially, has been a godsend. Whenever I struggle with a design, Macie is the one that helps me figure it out. Plus, she’s brilliant with headpieces.
“You know, I’d like to be humble, but we do make a pretty damn good team, don’t we?” Macie gushes, propping her hands on her hips.
“We absolutely do,” I agree wholeheartedly as I watch my team members hustle to and from the costume rack.
When the final curtain is called, all of the actors gather in the dressing areas to change their costumes. I’m hanging gowns up on the racks when I hear someone clear their throat behind me. Turning, I see a middle-aged woman with short, black hair and cat-eye glasses in a smart business suit standing a few feet away.
“Ms. Norah Grady?” the woman questions.
“Yes, I’m Norah Grady.”
The woman walks closer and extends her hand. “Hello, Ms. Grady. My name is Melinda Sanchez. I’m with American Theatre Magazine.”
My jaw drops in shock as I slowly grasp Melinda’s hand. “Oh! Wow, Ms.Sanchez, it’s an honor!”
“Please, call me Melinda,” she says, retracting her hand and placing it over her heart. “And the honor is all mine. I understand you’re the mind behind the incredible costumes for this production?”
“I…uh…no. I mean, yes, but it wasn’t just me,” I stammer and fidget nervously. “There’s an entire team devoted to these costumes.”
Melinda chuckles. “Of that, I have no doubt, Ms. Grady. I won’t take much of your time, but I was wondering if we could schedule an interview with you and your team soon. I’ve already spoken with Dr. Andrews, and he’s given his blessing so to speak. Would you be available tomorrow morning? We can meet back here.”
Holy shit.An interview with American Theatre Magazine ishuge.
“Yes, of course! Let me just check with the team to make sure that works for all of them.” I’m shaking with excitement.
“Sure, just gather whoever is available, and we’ll do a small interview to start. Between you and me,” Melinda lowers her voice conspiratorially, “after the holidays, ATM is exploring a television series dedicated to university theater departments across the country, and they’ve been eyeing UNCW as their primary focus.”
Completely dumbfounded, I pinch the back of my hand to make sure I’m not dreaming. I’ve lost sleep over the last two weeks between the play and Eamon’s insatiable needs, so this could all be a figment of my imagination.
“I don’t even know what to say. What an incredible honor that would be!”
Melinda stretches out a hand and squeezes my arm gently. “Remember, mum’s the word. See you tomorrow, Ms. Grady.”
I stand there in shock for several minutes before I go in search of the team. Once everyone is gathered, I fill them in on the interview for tomorrow morning and am met with shrieks of excitement and just as many frozen faces. Macie produces a bottle of champagne, seemingly out of thin air, and pops the cork immediately.
“I was saving this for the after-party, but I think this is a big enough cause to celebrate!” Macie laughs as everyone cheers and surrounds her eagerly.
