“I just got carried away. It’s one of my favorite musicals.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” I say, laughing. “No one is mad. Everyone is…in awe, I guess.” I gesture at Shania. “That should be you.”
She shakes her head. “In a different life, maybe.” She rests against me. “But thank you for saying it.”
“Jo—”
She pulls back from me, pats my chest. “Now go do the scene for real. And nail it this time, okay? For me.”
I kiss her. “For you.”
We nail it the very next take.
I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone, though—we’re all moved and inspired by Jolene’s raw talent and pure, vulnerable connection to the music.
It’s the best scene we’ve done so far.
* * *
It’s been a long day,and it’s after midnight before we get home. Jo is half asleep, and I’m more than half carrying her through the door. Once we’re inside and I lock the door behind us, I pick her up and carry her to bed.
I help her out of her dress and strip off my own clothes, and we curl up against each other under the blankets, naked and needing and wanting nothing but to hold each other.
She’s mostly asleep. “Wes?”
“Mmm?” So am I.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
A long quiet. “Westley?”
My full name? Some part of me stirs to wakefulness. “Yeah, Jo?”
“Thank you.” A pause. “For putting so much magic into my life.”
There’s an odd, awful finality in her voice.
“Jo?”
“I feel…heavy.” A breath. “Tired.”
“Jo?” My voice cracks.
She nuzzles closer. “I’m okay. Just hold me.”
“I’m gonna make us coffee and omelets in the morning, okay?”
“’Kay.”
“You can make the bacon. I like it how you make it. Crispy, almost burnt.”
No answer.
She’s breathing slowly, deeply.
I’m half awake for a long time, just listening to her breathe.
