“What?” I repeat, my brain not following.
“Cal and the trainers want you back full-time, right?”
“How’d you know?”
“It was a given before we arrived. The two-week trial was an experiment in your agility. It’s no surprise you’re killing their expectations.”
“I wish I shared your confidence.”
“The best way to get you there is to train with your team.”
“I didn’t like the idea in November and I don’t like it now.”
“In November, it was about your rehab. This is about your training. Talk to Cal and work out a schedule.”
“He’ll want me here often.”
“I figured, that’s why we’ll need a place to live.”
“You’re okay with traipsing back and forth across the country again? My formal evaluation is in eight weeks.”
“It’s not a problem.”
“What about the construction on the building?”
“We’ll manage it. Pierce and Miller will keep up the progress.”
“What about your job?”
He sets his glass down and lifts me fully into his lap, framing my face gently. “Put aside the family, the studio, my job, and answer this question. Do you want back on stage, baby?”
I stare at the wall behind him, trying to make sense of the emotions mingling in my brain. It’s difficult to separate those factors from the equation. I peer back to him, reading the acceptance in his eyes. “This week gave me back something that was lost.”
“I know. It’s something only the idea of performing can give you.”
“At the same time, my life has changed in a way that I’m not ready to miss a thing.”
“We don’t have to be physically present to be included.”
“Regardless if my progress passes the final evaluations, it’s important to give it my all. I need to close this chapter before I can take the next steps,” I admit before losing the courage.
“Then give it your all.”
“What about—”
His lips cover mine, skimming back and forth. “Focus on you, the stage, and the rest is my job.”
My heart flutters and splinters apart into a thousand pieces overfilled with love and devotion. “I love you so much and promise to make you proud.”
“Impossible not...”
His voice drowns out when my tongue slips through his lips. I vow silently to do whatever it takes these next few months to not only get back on that stage but to make his dreams come true.
Chapter 41
Evin
“Marco knows how to throw a party.” Darby slides a fresh drink in front of me.
“Money and influence help with that. Plus, I think he dropped your name a few times.”
“Psssst, these people don’t care.”
“You’d be surprised. DG Creations’ partnership with Brasher made its way through the circuit.”
“Whatever you say. I’ll argue he pulled the Governor of Virginia card to get special treatment.”
“Most likely.” I glance around the lounge packed with family and friends.
Customarily, this would be for VIP Suite ticket holders, but Marco secured the entire area. The staff was more than happy to accommodate his request, setting up a cocktail reception and all the pre-show extras. A few of the performers are chatting with Mom, Jill, and Maya while they take advantage of the photo-op.
There’s only one performer I’m thinking about, and she’s backstage preparing for her final performance as a member of this show.
Tonight is her night. Her swan song.
She will take her final bow.
Poppy Graham beat the odds. It’s taken seven months and a grueling training routine, but she didn’t let her injuries end her career. She’s leaving on her own.
Marco joins Darby and me. He’s a jittery, nervous mess.
“I’m not sure this is a good idea. Is she truly ready?”
“She’s ready,” I confirm.
“How can you be sure? And how can you be so calm?”
“He’s not calm, he’s trying to hold it together,” Darby answers for me.
I arch my eyebrows at her and she shrugs. “It’s a twin thing. Your nerves are fluttering in my stomach.”
“That’s a stretch.”
“Do you deny it?”
“No, but she’s been doing this for two weeks now. She’s a pro.” I don’t admit that the first time she took the stage for her return, my heart stopped. I purposely sat in the back in case there was a need for a quick escape.
There wasn’t. She was perfect. The same with every performance since.
“I can’t believe we’re standing here,” Marco goes on. “She told me it wasn’t possible.”
“She wasn’t in the right mindset at that time. You being here makes me question her mindset now.” My grin is short-lived when Darby pops me in the gut.
“Play nice.”
“Don’t worry, dear Darby, I know my son-in-law has a soft spot for me.”
“Hardy,” I mutter.
“I plan to enjoy my night out as an adult. For once, I’m not pregnant and there are two sitters upstairs in the suite with my babies. I can let loose and enjoy Vegas the right way, watching my fabulous sister-in-law.”
As if on cue, Pierce is at her side with another martini. She flashes him a grateful smile, takes a sip, and groans in appreciation. “God, I forgot how much I love these.”
“Go for it, baby, Maya and Cole will help me in the morning so you can sleep in.” He kisses the side of her head.
“Thanks for arranging this, Marco. It’s very nice.”
“Anything for Poppy’s family.” There’s an underlying despondence in his tone.
Darby slices her eyes to me and jerks her head in an obvious suggestion for me to say something.
“Poppy wanted you here, Marco. That speaks for itself.” I sip the bourbon and watch his reaction.
He gives a small grin. “Like I said, anything for Poppy’s family.”
When Poppy found out they cleared her to return, she had already decided. Her boss tried to change her mind but ultimately was amenable to her proposal. With only a month left before contract renewal, she got her two weeks in shows and then will train with her replacement.
My family jumped on the news, wanting to be here for her comeback show, but she persuaded everyone to wait. Then she called Marco and invited him personally and mentioned Karen was welcome to join.
I didn’t agree with her generosity until I understood her motives. Once again, Poppy had the upper hand. The invitation wasn’t about smoothing things over with Karen—it was a crossroads.
Natasha was discharged from her rehab facility today in Virginia.
Poppy’s last show is tonight in Vegas.
It is impossible to be in two places at once.
If she was serious about trying to reconnect with Poppy, Karen had to make a choice. She came to Vegas.
Something happened to Karen that day in December. It could have been the interview, the harsh reality of her life, or the way I laid her out, but whatever it was, she changed her tune. Marco admitted she came to him with a sincere apology, taking responsibility for her actions, and asked for his forgiveness. She knew their marriage was over and accepted it. She then asked him advice on how to proceed with Poppy. Unlike Marco, she didn’t have the excuse of the injury to rely on.