Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
There’s a nervous anticipation in the air that brings me back to our high school days and watching Micah behind the scenes. I can’t hold back my smile once my gaze lands on the lead, seeing how closely he seems to be listening to Micah’s direction. It only solidifies how much Micah is meant for this sort of thing, and I can’t fault him that, not that I ever did.
By the time the play begins, the rows of chairs are completely filled, and June joins me on the sidelines with a blanket so we can sit on the grass to watch the production.
“I’ll admit he looks happy behind the stage,” June whispers to me. “Like he’s really enjoying himself in that role.”
“He’s definitely passionate about helping the students.” As soon as he decided to help Ms. Hart, he went all in, never missing a practice and going above and beyond for the kids, even staying after rehearsal to help the lead actor go over lines.
She presses her arm against mine. “Sorry, kiddo.”
I offer a sad smile. “You haven’t called me that in a while.”
“Thought maybe you needed your big sister’s support. I know you’re hurting even if you act all diplomatic about everything.”
“Yeah…yeah, I am.” The dull throb in my chest hasn’t gone away since he showed up in town. “But it’s still right to let him go.”
She doesn’t argue, only says, “Jack told me about the divorce papers.”
Us filling them out still feels surreal. “He’ll file them when he returns.”
“And when is that?”
“He wanted to see this production through. Plus, all the paperwork for the sale of the house.” I pause to take in the headless horseman, which makes many in the audience gasp. “So likely soon.”
She frowns. “Sounds like he’s about done tying up loose ends.”
“Suppose it’s long overdue.”
She pulls me in for a hug like she did when we were kids. Except I’m way bigger now, so her arm barely fits the breadth of my shoulders.
We watch the rest of the play in awe because, outside of a couple of slip-ups, it’s entertaining and successful, given the applause at the final curtain. A couple minutes more, and the kids file out to take a bow. June and I are loud with our whoops and hollers, especially when Ms. Hart appears with Micah, and they lift their arms high before bowing as they get showered with praise.
“That’s Micah Malone,” a man behind me blurts. “What’s he doing back in town?”
“Obviously didn’t make it in Hollywood,” the woman beside him says.
I turn to glare at them, and they avert their eyes, undoubtedly embarrassed to have their comments overheard. They know nothing about Micah as an adult, and few took the time to try and understand him as a kid. Thank God for people like Ms. Hart, who put all her faith in him. My parents too.
June says her goodbyes so she can help Aunt Dina at Honeycomb, and I wait a bit longer, hoping to catch Micah’s eye.
I near the stage and wait at the bottom of the steps as Micah busies himself, helping Ms. Hart and the students clear the props as best they can so the production crew has less to clean up.
When he sees me, he grins and descends the steps two at a time. “You made it.”
“Of course I did. Great job!”
“Oh, I didn’t do anything. It was all the kids.”
“But you helped them perform better.”
He rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, maybe a little.”
“Oh, please don’t be modest,” Ms. Hart says, carrying an armload of costumes down the steps. “If I could bottle up your enthusiasm for theater, I would.”
“Where do you think I got it from?” he retorts, and she smiles.
It’s true—I haven’t seen Micah this animated since high school drama club.
I wait as many of the students hug Micah and Ms. Hart, introduce their parents, and then say their goodbyes. Fuck, that’s so good to see. He deserves that.
“All right, I’m going to head back to the high school,” Ms. Hart says.
“I’ll be right behind you,” Micah tells her.
She eyes us. “Take your time. No rush.”
I hold up my hands. “I need to get back to my bar anyway. Feel free to stop by for drinks on me.”
“We might just take you up on that,” Ms. Hart says. “Fish fry for dinner?”
“We’ll be heating up the oil and pans in a couple of hours.”
Micah nods and smiles. “See you later, then.”
I walk back to the Witching Hour, stopping to chat with townsfolk on the way. I briefly step inside Honeycomb to buss Aunt Dina’s cheek, and then I wave to Beth, who is thankfully busy with a trio of customers in her shop next door.
I walk into a hopping bar and immediately get to work, picking up any slack from Ross and Seth. Before I know it, it’s the dinner rush, and we’re serving fish and chips to most of the patrons. I help in the kitchen for a while, but thankfully, I hired the best staff, and they have it all handled. Jack and Aaron stop in with his mom, Isabel, and her friend Mae, who runs the inn and motel. When the guys see how busy we are, they offer extra hands to run food to tables, which I always appreciate. I’m so distracted I don’t even notice Ms. Hart and Micah have pulled up two stools at the bar until they wave to get my attention.