Page 105 of No Funny Business

“What do you mean?”

And when I can finally look into his now-honest eyes, I burst into tears. “I didn’t make it in time either. I missed my audition. I missed my one chance.”

He moves closer and sweeps a loose strand of hair away from my face. “Hey, it’s okay. There will be other auditions. Bernie will see to it.”

I cross my arms. “I don’t know. I have to go back to work now so I can support myself. Comedy’s going to have to take a back seat. Again.”

“I know it’s hard but you can’t let this little setback stop you. You have to be relentless.”

“Relentless, huh? Is that why you’re quitting?”

“I’m quitting because I don’t know that I’m getting out of it what I wanted. But you? You’re just getting started. And you’re good. You might actually make it. Headline shows I can’t even afford tickets for.”

“Like Ellen?” I say.

“Yeah, but much hotter.”

A little laugh tumbles from my lips but the levity doesn’t last long. “I have so much to figure out when I get back to New York. It’s a disaster back there.”

“Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. Tonight we have a show at The Comedy Shoppe. You and me, babe. And the bride and groom from last night.”

“Chuck and Amy.” The heroes who almost got me here on time.

“Right, those guys. Let’s just go all out. Let’s close this tour and our time together with one last killer show. Let’s get enough laughs to last us a lifetime. What do you say?”