As the applause died down, she walked up to where a mic would pick up her words. “I want to thank all of you for coming tonight. For supporting our efforts to open the theater again and experience the magic of a live performance. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Applause started up, and she heard someone call out from the back of the theater. “Way to go, Tori. You did it.”
Someone else called out, “Yay, Tori. Bravo!”
Happiness swelled through her at their support and appreciation. She waved warmly to the audience and headed off stage with the cast, her eyes glistening. Backstage, the cast milled around, trading hugs and laughter. Someone popped open a bottle of champagne.
Her happiness was only dimmed by not being able to share the opening with Gavin. She had hoped he’d be here at her side, sharing the moment, seeing the result of all their hard work. They were no longer together, but a part of her still yearned for his support on this momentous night.
“Aunt Victoria?”
She whirled around at the sound of Chloe’s voice, breaking her from her wistful thoughts. A smile spread across her face as she hurried over to embrace her niece.
“Chloe.” She hugged her tightly. And then, looking over Chloe’s shoulder, she saw him. Gavin. Standing there watching her. A bouquet of flowers in his hands.
She stepped back, surprise flashing through her, but turned her gaze back to Chloe. “You’re here,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
“I wouldn’t have missed it. I think it’s a lovely thing you’ve done restoring the theater.”
Pride swept through her at her niece’s compliment. Shehadrestored the theater back to its glory. It was alive again, just like it should be.
“And Aunt Victoria, I found out.”
She tensed, and a trill of panic started rising inside her. “Found out what?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady and calm.
“I know why you left. The theater community is a tight-knit group. I know the producers of your last show stole the script from Christopher Snow. Everyone knows by now, I imagine, because I leaked the news to the media this morning.”
She gasped. “Oh, no, you shouldn’t have done that.” All her efforts to protect her niece, and now Chloe did this, risking everything.
“Well, I also heard you kept it a secret because they threatened to blacklist me from the stage if you told anyone.”
“But now… don’t you see? They will. You shouldn’t have said anything. I feel guilty enough that I kept it quiet. But I had to. You have a brilliant future on the stage.”
Chloe set her jaw stubbornly. “I’m not going to be the reason that you leave the stage or a young playwright gets screwed over. And I heard that Christopher Snow had an anonymous donor who backed his new play. You wouldn’t have any idea who that was, would you?” Chloe’s eyes twinkled knowingly. “I bet I do.”
Despite herself, she smiled slightly. “I was just trying to make things right.”
“Now that the story is breaking, I’ve heard that your former producer will be forced to pay Christopher what he’s due. And I heard that very same producer is being removed from his current production.”
“Really?” Relief washed over her. Christopher was finally getting what he was owed. He’d get justice.
Chloe hugged her again, her eyes shining with affection. “And don’t you see? Now you can come back to Broadway. Act again. I’ve missed having you in New York City.”
Tori looked long at her niece. Chloe was right. She could easily go back to Broadway now. She was sure she could get another acting part. But she might have to dye her hair back to red, she thought wryly.
Gavin was still staring at her, flowers in hand.
She reached out and took Chloe’s hand. “No, sweetie. I’m not coming back. Not now. Not in the future. I’m done with stage life. I’ve found a new life here on Magnolia Key. One I love. A charming little town I love.” She glanced over at Gavin. “And people I… I care about.”
Her niece threw her arms around her, hugging her tightly. “Then this is where you should stay. I will say, I’ve never seen you happier, more glowing than when you came out after the show and thanked the audience.”
“I promise I’ll come catch your show soon.”
“I’d like that.” Chloe turned to Gavin. “I know I butted in right when you were getting ready to give those flowers to Aunt Victoria. And if you’re the one she was saying she cares about? Don’t mess it up. She’s a special lady.”
Chloe turned back to her and kissed her cheek. “Got to run. Have to get back to New York for tomorrow’s performance. I love you.”
“Love you too, sweetheart.”
