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Lauren had taken off before either of those things could happen.

For the first time since she’d been home, she admitted one thingto herself. Carly wasn’t the only one with issues to work through. Lauren hadcome to the table with her own basket of neuroses, which surely hadn’t helped things.

Maybe I’mnot as innocent as I thought in all of this, she typed to Trip.

Later that night, she allowed herself to watch the episode ofPyramidone more timeon her laptop before bed. She gently touched Carly’s smiling face on thescreen, remembering their time together onstage and off, and wondering if therewas a chance for more memories ahead.

What if…?

It was a powerful sentiment.

* * *

“So, here’s the thing,” Alika said.

Carly held the phone to her ear and grinned from her window seatat a quaint little café just off Franklin. She had a chicken avocado salad thatwas knocking her socks off and a window seat that let her watch the world goby. Her new neighborhood was shaping up to be a true gem. “I’m listening.”

“You’re now the game show queen.”

Carly laughed and paused with a forkful of chicken. “That’s me.Still awaiting that crown, but the title will do for now. How many is it now?”

“You’ve had seven appearances air, with three more coming up.”

She shook her head, still not quite believing the trajectory ofthings lately, but truly enjoying the ride. “I’m feeling myself, Alika. Is thatcrazy?”

“You want to know thereallycrazy part?”

“Tell me.”

“The feedback has been way more than I ever expected. People thinkyou’re funny, relatable, and kind. The ratings for your episodes have beenstellar. Not only do the game shows want you, but the phone is starting to ringagain on other projects.”

“Really? And what do the people on these calls say?”

“Do you have a minute? I have a list.”

Carly set down her fork in mystification. “Shockingly, I do.”

She heard the sound of shuffling paper. “I have an indie filmscript that they’re ready to simply sign you up for. It’s an offer, and adecent sized role, too. A couple of TV guest-starring gigs, an endorsement dealfor an orange soda company, an Off-Broadway play is showing major interest, andthe new Jackson Mullens film is moving into casting. They’ve reached out aboutyour status. I left that one for last because I knew you’d flip out.”

Carly didn’t hesitate. “Tell me about the play.”

“What? The play is not high profile. Jackson Mullens is.”

“Tell me about the play,” Carly said calmly, a second time.

“You’re stubborn, you know that?”

Carly laughed. “I’m charting a new course. I have new priorities.”She liked her world, of late, and had learned that what made her happy was moreimportant than what would further her career. Status, as Fallon not so long agopointed out, was not high on her list of priorities. Since she’d acknowledgedthat, the pressure had been off. She enjoyed her days, treated people withkindness, and daydreamed about a time she’d maybe get a second shot with thewoman she loved. Yes,loved.She’d known it for a while now, but this was the first moment she’d actuallyallowed herself to accept what this was. She was gaga in love with LaurenPrescott and would follow her anywhere if she’d let her.

“Okay, let’s see here,” Alika said. She heard some clickingsounds, which meant Alika was bringing up the email. “They’re describing it asa contemporary piece by a new playwright, Heather Kim. A family drama aboutadult children coming to terms with secrets from their past.”

“I’ve heard of Heather Kim.” Several of her castmates fromStarry Nightshadgushed about her work, and recommended Carly read her stuff. She was all ears.“What are they asking for?”

A pause. “A meeting in New York.”

“Set it up for me?” Carly asked.

“Is this really what you want? More stage?”