Chapter 26 #3
I found them in the courtyard and tried to gauge the vibes between them. It wasn’t possible, though, because the second Aisha spotted me she shoved a bouquet of roses into my arms and pulled me into a hug.
“You were amazing.” She kissed my cheek. “Tess! I had no idea you were holding the entire show together. You’re in almost the entire thing.”
“No one sitting near us knew who we are,” Andy said, “obviously. Anyway, this whole time, everyone’s all, Tess Gardner is actually so talented.”
“Though we already knew that,” Aisha said. “How do you feel?”
“I feel good,” I said, nodding. “I know there’s still some work to do—probably a ton tomorrow before the first preview—but I’m really proud.”
I waited for something else to hit me, but it felt uncomplicated.
And it still did the next night, a sold-out theatre for the first preview.
That morning Stephanie had shown up with some light script changes and Rebecca had a small pile of notes, so I’d worried that the old version would step on the new one.
We got through it, though. Theatre crowds always gave standing ovations these days, but I still marveled at it, that energy coming right back to us.
It shocked me, really. I’d spent so much of my life running away from finding out who I was or what I wanted. And still somehow I’d found my way to the right place at the exact right time.
We had a weekday morning off after the first preview with nowhere to be for hours. I’d toyed with the idea of sleeping in, taking Rosie to the dog park, eating lunch in my backyard. Instead, I called a meeting.
At Exemplar Talent Agency, in that sleek spaceship of a building, I walked in like I had nothing to lose, dressed in the exact outfit Rebecca had once put together for me, minus the thin gold chain I could still feel like a phantom kiss at my neck.
“Thanks, everyone, for meeting,” I said from my seat at the head of the table, looking at the team I’d assembled.
They were kind of like the Vindicators, with a less important mission than saving the world.
“I’m genuinely thrilled to work with all of you, but I am looking for some changes moving forward. So let’s discuss.”
“First of all,” Riley said, “I’d like to extend an apology, Tess. I had no idea that—if you felt any pressure from any of us that you couldn’t be open about your identity …”
I shook my head. “If I felt pressure from anyone on my team about that, they’re no longer on my team. And I don’t blame anyone in this room for huge societal issues, I promise.”
“Still,” Max said. “I feel like we all let you down.”
“Yes,” Joyce said, slowly. “Please remember that we are your team. We’re here as your advocates.”
“Respectfully,” I said, smiling to show that I was still nice, “sometimes it feels like you’re more Pantheon’s advocates. I signed for 4, so we can put that to bed. I’m ready to talk about what comes after.”
“Of course,” Joyce said. “All of the projects we’ve discussed so far—”
“Let’s forget about all of those projects for now,” I said. “My biggest goal is getting Hometown to Broadway with me attached. That’s why I asked Lauren to be here today.”
Joyce, Riley, and Max looked around as if they’d just realized their weaker theatrical counterpart was there as well.
“I’m not interested in doing a new production a few years down the road with Geoffrey Gordan,” I said.
“Or sooner! So it would be easiest if it was a transfer of this production, with as much of the creative team intact as possible. And as long as it times out with Vindicators 4’s filming and press schedule, I don’t care when it is.
My only demand is pet-friendly housing in New York so Rosie can come with me.
If the team wants me, I want to stay with the show.
If you can use me as a push to make the transfer happen in the first place, please do. ”
No one but Lauren and my new publicist looked happy about that, but no one pushed back, either.
“Next, Max and I have been discussing producing something ourselves along with Ari Fox,” I said. “So that’ll be another nonnegotiable in my upcoming slate.”
“Timing’s very up in the air on that project,” Max said. “We’ll plan it around 4 and the potential Broadway production of Hometown.”
“All right,” Joyce said, with what I knew she thought was a subtle side-eye at Max. “Can we assume that an Oscar is still your big-picture goal?”
“No,” I said. “Well—not no, just … I want to have fun. Vindicators 4 is enough money for the rest of my life, really. I’m ready to do things I’m excited about, even if it’s not going to make me richer or get me an award.
I don’t want to keep fighting about all of that with everyone here.
And I think that’s all I have to say. Will I see you all opening night of Hometown? ”
Max texted me after the meeting, before I’d even gotten into my car. Everyone is terrified of you now and I am living for it!!!!
I cracked up as the valet swung my Porsche around, tapping out a reply as I handed him a tip and got into my car. Yeah, at least Joyce is terrified of you too. I am trying desperately not to ask you if I came off as too much of a bitch.
Max ran into the parking garage as I buckled my seat belt, and I rolled down the window.
“I hoped I could catch you. Anyway, no. You’re a fucking boss. Own it.”
I grinned at her. “I’m going to try.”