“Sebastian was a mess,” Clarissa says before adding, “when the plane went down.”
“I’m sure he was.”
Her eyes fill with tears. “We all were. We . . . we were so scared that you were gone and that we didn’t get to thank you.”
“It’s me who needs to thank you guys. Thank you for letting me be your director.”
Sebastian steps forward. “I was the most upset. Don’t let them fool you.”
Leave it to him to inject some levity in the room.
“It’s because he’s getting it on with your mom.” A teenage boy sniggers while ducking down.
As much as I’d like to scold him, he’s not lying. And it would be some asshole shit I would’ve said at fifteen.
Brenna is not as accommodating as to let it slide. “Mr. Neville, I’ll see you in my office first thing in the morning to discuss that comment.”
He groans. “Yes, Mrs. Allen.”
She shrugs subtly, and I smile at her. One day, I want that name not to be hers anymore. I want her to be mine. To be Mrs. Arrowood and then we can flip off the whole world.
I know I was a fool to ask her that way. She was right to say no, as much as I wish she hadn’t. The truth is, she’s had a lot of half-hearted things in her life. An engagement with Luke that only happened because of her pregnancy. A marriage where he was gone half the time. And even after, nothing was ever how she wanted it.
That all changes now.
She is going to get every part of me, whether she wants it or not.
Clarissa takes a step forward. “We were all a mess, Jacob.”
“I’m fine, and I’m just glad I get to be here for your final show.”
“Hopefully we make you proud,” Sebastian says.
God, these kids just don’t even know. “There was never any doubt of that. Never. I knew that you didn’t need me to put on a performance this town would never forget. You are all incredibly talented, smart, and funny. It was a privilege to get to work with you all.” I turn to Neville. “You, we’re still on the fence about. You’re a clown.”
He laughs and nods. “Jacob Arrowood thinks I’m a clown.”
Clarissa rolls her eyes. “And he thinks that’s a good thing.”
Neville is a great kid and reminds me way too much of myself, which is why I think I like him so damn much. “I was also the clown of the group,” I tell them.
Brenna’s voice is low, but I hear her. “Still are.”
I give her a look and she’s unfazed. “But seriously,” I say as I turn back to the kids, “is everyone ready?”
David, who is playing Danny, bobs his head. “I’m good. I got chills.”
“Are they multiplying?” Sebastian asks with perfect timing.
They all make varying noises of amusement, and a few clap him on the back. It’s good to see this, him bonding with his castmates. He’s had a rough time fitting in and finding his people. This was why I agreed to this. To give back to the kids who are often labeled as outcasts and unable to belong somewhere.
“All right everyone, settle down,” I say with my fake authority voice. “I’d like to say a few serious things before our last show.”
They all quiet down, tossing their arms over each other’s shoulders, holding on as if to create a single unit. This is something that Noah forced us to do, and I figured it couldn’t hurt to pass it on to the younger generation. When you link together as one, you become one.
Here, on the stage, they’re a team. Each one of them needs the other in order to be good at their own part. Their energy feeds the whole, and it serves them to listen as one unit and form that connection prior to their show.
At least that’s the bullshit he fed us, and I’m imparting it onto them.
“This play has been one of the best things I’ve been a part of. You guys have no idea how proud I am of each and every one of you. Not only have you worked harder than anyone I’ve ever worked with but also you dealt with . . . I don’t even know what to call the crash . . . with maturity.” I look to Adam Neville with a raised brow. “Except for you, you’re still a turd.” They chuckle, and he smiles. “My point is, no matter what people say about the play, you should all stand tall. You are all award-winning actors and actresses in my book. Thank you for allowing me to get to know you, work with you, and I can’t wait to watch you all show your talent to the world.”
“Jacob! Jacob! Jacob!” they all start chanting. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t misting up. These kids wormed their way into my heart. I was afraid I’d let them down and they’d be disappointed, but they were just as confident in my work as I was in theirs.
“All right. I appreciate it. Let’s save the acting for the stage. You have ten minutes until curtain call. Break a leg.”
They head off in different directions, and Brenna’s arms gently wrap around my waist. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
She looks at me with her lips in a thin line. “Don’t lie to me. I saw you wince once.”
I turned a little too fast, but I thought I covered it quickly. “It’s uncomfortable, but it isn’t anything I can’t handle.”
“Are we talking about your injuries?”
“What else would we be talking about?”
She sighs. “What else could you think I’m asking about?”
“The fact that, once again, you’re answering questions with questions.”
Brenna laughs. “One day I’ll stop, but it won’t be soon. I’m talking about your heart. Your soul. I know you were worried the kids were upset. You know . . . any of those.”
“I’m good now. They mean a lot to me and disappointing them didn’t sit well.”
“I know, and as much crap as I gave you about coming tonight, I am a smidge happy you didn’t listen. I think they needed to see you just as much as you needed to see and be here for them.”
I kiss the top of her head. “Anyone ever tell you how amazing you are?”
“A few times.”
“Get used to it because I plan to tell you as often as I can.”
“Good. I plan to keep you around, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities.” Brenna lifts up on her toes, softly pressing her lips to mine. “Come on, let’s get you to your seat so you can see everyone’s hard work.”
It takes me a bit longer to get there than it should have, but when I do, there is my entire family in the front row. My brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews all passing snacks, talking, and laughing. I make my way to my seat, after all of them stand, hug me, kiss my cheek, or shake my hand, feeling a pride like I have never felt before.
We did this.
We fell in love during this play, and it wouldn’t matter if the kids came out on the stage and just stood there making faces. I am proud of what we did here.
The lights go down, and I watch the best rendition of Grease ever made.
Chapter Forty-Two
Jacob
~Four Months Later~
“Stop fidgeting, you look beautiful.”