He studies me for a moment then places his finger under my jaw and gently lifts it, a grin spreading across his face. “Chin up. Gotcha covered.”
Rob is a seriously good-looking guy and I can see why so many girls fall all over themselves to go out with him. He looks like a surfer dude with his blond hair, unseasonal tan, and playful eyes. Still, I’m not his type at all. He seems interested in girls who have fluff for brains and Victoria Secret pushup bras. I’m barely a B-cup.
Before I can ask what he has planned, the curtain lowers and the cast begins to line up for their curtain call. Since I’m an extra with a line, I’m in the first group to take a bow. The crowd applauds and by the time Rob and the actress who plays his love interest take their bows, there’s a standing ovation. Rob backs up and grabs my arm, pulling me to the front of the stage. He announces, “This wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the amazing efforts of Lexi Pendergraft.”
The cast and crew point to me as the cheers in the audience grow louder.
He grins. “Like I told you,” he said in an undertone. “Gotcha covered.”
Heat rise to my cheeks.
Rob leans into my ear and whispers, “You’re adorable when you blush.”
I cast a quizzical look in his direction, wondering if I’ve pegged him wrong. When the applause dies down, the curtain lowers and I follow the cast into the lobby. Dozens of people offer me their congratulations, and the cast members with buckets seem to be surrounded by people, particularly Rob, who’s attracted the attention of quite a few younger women. His container seems to be fuller than any of the others.
I speak with several small business owners who seem genuinely interested in sponsoring the program, especially when I describe the expanded scope to them. Three businesses agree to set up meetings with me. None of them are solid agreements, but this is a huge step.
Once I have a breather, Reed and Caroline walk over. I can tell Reed is less than thrilled with my costume, but surprisingly enough, he doesn’t say a word. Instead he hugs me. “I’m so proud of you, Lexi. What you did tonight is nothing short of amazing.”
“My part was very, very small, Reed.”
“Not the part. The coordination of this whole event. I know it was a huge undertaking that came together in a matter of weeks.”
I squirm. “I didn’t do it on my own.”
“No, but it wouldn’t have happened without you.”
Caroline grabs my arm. “Lexi, will you just admit that you worked your ass off to make this happen and that it was a huge success?”
“Well, we still have a performance tomorrow night. Things might still go wrong.”
“Lexi.” Her voice takes on a threatening note.
“Okay. I worked hard and it turned out well.” I tilt my head. “Happy now?”
Her grin lights up her face. “Yes.”
I grin back. “Thank you.”
“So what do you need to do before you head home?” Reed asks.
Sylvia sneaks up behind me and wraps her arm around my shoulders. “She’s going out with the cast and crew to celebrate a successful opening night.”
Reed’s eyes dart to my costume. “You’re going to change first, aren’t you?”
“Reed!” Caroline protests.
“Yes,” I say to keep the peace. “I’m going to change. This is my costume and I have to wear it for tomorrow night’s performance.”
“What do you plan on doing?” Reed asks.
“Reed.” Caroline glares at him.
“We’re going to walk down to the bar down the street and have a drink,” Sylvia says, dropping her hold on me.
I shake my head. “Don’t worry, big brother. We won’t be out late because we have another performance tomorrow night.”
Reed doesn’t look convinced, but he just frowns and says, “Just be careful, Lexi.”
“You know that I will.”
His struggle is obvious, and though a part of me bristles, his protectiveness makes me love him even more.
“Don’t worry,” Sylvia says. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”
Not surprisingly, Reed doesn’t look reassured by this.
Caroline gives me a hug. “Have fun.”
She drags my brother away and Sylvia releases a low whistle. “How in the world do you deal with him? He’s a bigger hard-ass than my dad, and that’s saying something.”
“He means well.”
“He’s stifling.”
I could argue with her, but it’s pointless, especially when there’s some truth to her statement.
The cast is already in the back changing while the crew counts the buckets of money. When we’re ready to leave, they’ve finished tallying it up. “Four thousand, three hundred and fifty six dollars in addition to the two thousand in preshow ticket sales,” Leo, the guy in charge of the light crew, announces. “And that’s just for the first night.”
We all cheer our success and someone shouts, “To the bar!”
Sylvia links her arm through mine. “Let’s go have some fun.”
Chapter Four
Lexi
The cool air hits us in the face. Februaries in middle Tennessee are typically mild, and tonight is no exception, but the sun is down and there’s a wind from the north. I may still be wearing my wig, but I’ve changed out of my sequined shirt and leather skirt. I’m wearing the dress I wore to address the audience before the play, and the breeze chills my bare legs. Despite my freezing limbs, I’m happy with my appearance. I’d intended to look professional while addressing the audience, and the collar helped with that, but the V-neck and flouncy skirt of the soft blue fabric will help me look less boardroom and more up for a night of fun.