Free Between You & Me by Marisa Calin Page B

ceiling, picturing Lily, excited and nervous. I’m caught up in imagining how I would feel when you reach your arm across my chest—to rub Holly behind her ear. I had completely forgotten she was there, still curled in a ball on the cushion on the windowsill! Not seeing my surprise, you keep your arm across me for another moment, rubbing her tummy. I watch her unfurl under your hand. Turning your attention back to the play, you ask me if I’m ready to read the next scene together. I sit up. The idea now seems somehow embarrassing. It feels more intimidating one on one than it would in front of an entire audience. Audition jitters maybe.
    ME
    You’ll read Bobby?
    YOU
    I’ll
rock
Bobby.
    You encouragingly tilt the page toward me as you start reading the next stage direction.

    THE PRICE HOUSE. MORNING.
    Whistling, Lily skips downstairs into the kitchen, buttoning her dressing gown. Exhilarated, she happily sets about making breakfast. Bobby’s head appears around the kitchen door:
    BOBBY
    How’s lover boy?
    LILY
    Bobby!
    She tightens her robe across her chest, self-conscious.
    For your information, I had a great time. He was a gentleman—it was a magical evening.
    Her mind drifts back to her night, hearing the music, a smile spreading across her face.
    And we’re going out again on Friday.
    Bobby’s face falls. He tries to hide his disappointment, and says nothing for a second.
    BOBBY
    Right. Well. Got to get to work.
    Lily looks after him as he closes the door behind him. She is surprised to see him leave, cutting their habitual banter short. The kitchen seems quiet now without him.

    I snap the play shut.
    ME
    We don’t need to do this now. I have the whole weekend to prepare.
    YOU
    Well, now I want to know what happens.
    ME
    Are you going to audition?
    YOU
    I was that good?
    Silly question, you’re not really one for the limelight.
    ME
    How about set design?
    YOU
    Or lighting!
    You swivel my bedside lamp so it shines in my eyes and I squint, dazzled by the bulb, but still giving you my best redcarpet face.
    ME
    Definitely lighting!
    Laughing, I push the lamp away, startling Holly, who jumps up and darts out the door.
    ME
    Think I’ll make a good actress?
    YOU
    The best!
    I smile. We sit in silence for a few minutes and I tip my cup to let the dregs of my hot chocolate slide down the side. These are the best evenings. I catch sight of the play and feel a pang of excitement. The clock on the landing strikes nine as I’m caught up in a renewed desire to make sure I get this part.
    ME
    Then there’s work to do.
    YOU
    I can take a hint!
    You roll off the bed and pick up your sweater.
    ME
    Night, then.
    You stop at the door and smile—
    YOU
    Night, Lily.

SCHOOL THEATER DRESSING ROOM. MONDAY AFTERNOON.
    Auditions today, and there are a lot of people here! Crammed into the dressing room backstage, I’m more nervous than I expected, sitting on a makeup table, pulse racing. I’ve been onstage before. I can do this. There’s nervous expectation in the air—maybe it’s all mine. Mia comes in and everyone falls quiet.
    MIA
    Thanks, everyone, for coming. Just give it your best and commit to the moment.
    She says that like it’s her mantra, and then pins up the sheet of paper she’s holding. She glances in my direction as she reaches the door. I meet her eyes and know I’m up first.
    MIA
    The first pair when you’re ready.
    Less time to get nervous I rationalize as I stand up. Everyone’s vying for a look at the list. She’s paired me with Zach, a senior. I recognize him from the play last year. I smile in his direction as we head together into the theater.

THEATER. MOMENTS LATER.
    Standing onstage next to Zach, I look out at the theater, empty except for Mia in the third row. She asks for the first scene. I head upstage, evoking every emotion I’ve ever felt for a guy, coupled with this strange need I have to please Mia. The