‘Thoughts, Roe? Feelings? Any last words for the viewers?’
‘If I open my mouth, I might be sick on your shoes,’ Roe muttered through gritted teeth. It was true: her queasy nerves were hitting a crescendo.
Gavin barrelled on, unfazed. ‘C’mon, Roe, we’re gathering soundbites for the emotional climax. No inspirational messages for the kids at home?’
Roe just rolled her eyes as, with Ailbhe lining her lips, she couldn’t speak.
‘OK, Roe.’ Gavin was obviously not giving up today. He fixed her in the camera’s sights. ‘If you could see anyone in the whole world right now, who would it be?’
Roe wasn’t sure she liked where this was going … who had they dragged into this? Ailbhe finished her lips. ‘What are you at?’ Roe asked suspiciously.
‘That’s right!’ He beamed, ignoring her. ‘We have your boyfriend and your parents here to wish you luck and tell you how proud they are!’
Roe stood and whipped around, nearly taking out Gavin and the camera in the process. There was Eddie, hands hanging, looking wary, and beyond him Pat and Maura being shunted into position by Gavin’s production assistant.
‘Hi,’ Eddie said.
‘Hi,’ Roe said. She leaned around to see her parents. ‘Hi, Mum, hi, Dad.’
‘He asked me to come back here,’ Eddie clarified, nodding at Gavin.
‘Yes, us too,’ Maura supplied quickly, as if to dispel any notion Roe might get that they wanted to be there.
‘Well, I appreciate you all coming.’ Roe was measured but she wanted to scream at Gavin. How could he bring them here right before she had to walk out on stage and sing the first song of the show? ‘I know none of you are that thrilled with me right now—’
‘Ahem,’ behind her Gavin cleared his throat, ‘can you guys … ya know …’ Gavin waved a hand encouragingly. ‘We’re looking for that big emotional payoff – a feelings orgasm, if you will. Remember, this will be theGlee Mefinale.’
Roe pressed her lips together.
‘Big moment,’ Eddie said.
‘Yeah.’ Roe nodded.
‘Was it worth it?’ His eyes were dull, his tone lifeless.
For days, Roe had tried to picture this moment; she had tried to imagine what she might possibly say to him. Up until this second, she’d struggled to know how she felt, but now it was coming into focus.
Was it worth it?
‘Yes, Eddie. It was worth it but I’m sorry it had to be this way.’
‘It didn’t have to be this way!’ He exploded. ‘You made it this way. I am not the asshole here.’
‘I … I know you’re not …’ Roe struggled to remain composed. She hadn’t meant for any of this to happen. For the last two months, she’d just been stumbling from decision to decision, dodging any thoughts of the future or the potential fallout.
‘Hey!Hey!’ Out of nowhere, Seb came in between them. ‘Man, I don’t know who you are but you have to calm down.’
‘I’m going.’ Eddie backed off immediately. ‘He brought me into this.’ He pointed at Gavin.
Roe checked her watch – she had less than five minutes. She couldn’t let this be their end. She darted past her parents and after Eddie, who was already nearly at the door that led out into the back corridor.
‘Eddie, wait, please. I am so sorry. Will you please stay? You came here to watch the show. Please do and we can talk after.’
‘What’ll you say then that’s different to now?’
‘I don’t know! It’s just that I’m about to walk out on stage,’ Roe pleaded. ‘I can’t get my words right. I’m under pressure.’
‘So going out there and doing this show is more important than us?’
