forty-seven

“Nic, you know I love Peggy, but I don’t think I’m up for this,” Harper said to me the next day as we made our way into Eugene O’Neill Theater. “Besides, I just saw the play. Why can’t she just tell us what she changed?”

“Harper, come on,” I said. “She tweaked a scene and wants our opinion on whether it works or not. She said that it really changes the play.”

“But why us?” Harper asked. “I mean, we’re not playwrights.”

I rolled my eyes. “Because she trusts us,” I said. “She just wants our input.”

It was all a lie, of course, but it was imperative that Harper didn’t know the real reason we were watching a rehearsal of Peggy’s play. I needed to see her honest reaction.

Once we were inside the theater, Peggy ran over to us. Her color was high and she seemed to have trouble staying still. “Are you okay?” I asked, peering at her face.

“Sure, never better,” Peggy squeaked before she began to nervously chew on her thumbnail.

“Peggy, for God’s sake, calm down,” I said, giving her a hard stare. “It’s just a rehearsal.”

Peggy glared back at me. “Says you. This new scene changes the entire play. I’m still not sure if it works.”

“So if it doesn’t work, then don’t add it,” I said.

Peggy chewed her thumbnail again. “It’s not as simple as that. Mark called the theater critics and invited them to review the changes. He said that we’d get more publicity that way. For people who haven’t seen the play, it might be an inducement for them to see it.”

“That makes sense,” I said, nodding.

“But what if they hate the changes?” Peggy asked. “What if I ruin everything? I swear to God, if I can get through this rehearsal without developing an ulcer, it’ll be a medical miracle.”

“Peggy,” I soothed, “it’ll be fine.”

I glanced around the theater. A handful of seats were occupied. I spotted Julie sitting in an aisle seat near the front row. Seeing me, she gave a curt nod and then looked away. Dark purple circles stood out under her eyes. Her complexion was dull and her hair was lank. The past few days had clearly not been easy for her.

Across the aisle from Julie, Zack was hunched down in his seat, making notes on a legal pad. Next to him sat Fletcher. Glancing up, Zack caught my eye and waved. I smiled and waved back. Fletcher noticed his movement and he glanced our way as well. He stood and began to walk toward us. “I’m sure the reviewers will love what you’ve done,” I said to Peggy. “Now, why don’t we grab our seats and let you get started.” I gave her a hug and whispered, “It’ll be fine. You’re doing great.”

Peggy gave me a tight hug and nodded. “Okay, wish me luck,” she said as she hurried backstage.

I glanced over at Harper. “Are you okay?” I asked.

Harper nodded. “I’m just tired, I guess,” she said.

“Well, why don’t we find a seat then,” I said just as Fletcher joined our group.

“My dear girl,” he said looking down at Harper. “What on earth are you doing here?”

Harper managed a small smile. “I’m here to support Peggy,” she said. “She’s a bit nervous about her changes.”

Fletcher reached out and gently took her by the arm. “You look exhausted. You really should be home resting,” he said. Shooting me an annoyed look, he added, “I would have thought your friends would have better sense than to drag you out for something as inconsequential as this. And where is your daughter?” he asked.

“She’s at home with my nanny,” Harper said. “But I’m fine. Really, I am,” she said. “Besides, I want to be here for Peggy.”

Fletcher gave her a dubious look and then led her over to where he was sitting. Nigel and I trailed behind them. As we approached, Julie looked down at her phone and pretended not to see us. Zack, however, immediately stood up. “Hello, Mrs. Trados,” he said to Harper, his expression sincere. “It’s nice to see you again. How are you doing?”

Harper managed a small smile. “I’m fine, Zack. Thank you for asking. I got your card, by the way. Thank you. It was lovely.”

Zack ducked his head in embarrassment. “It was the least I could do,” he said.

“Come on, my dear,” Fletcher said as he led Harper past Zack and down the aisle a few seats. “Let’s get you seated.”

“Thank you, Fletcher,” Harper said. Nigel and I followed after them. We had just taken our seats when Peggy walked out onto the stage. “I want to thank everyone for coming to our performance this afternoon,” she said. “As you all know, I’ve made some changes to my play. I think they allow me to better illustrate some of the themes I was trying to convey—particularly how family loyalty can be a blessing and a curse.” Peggy paused and glanced at me. “Ok, then. Without further ado, here is Dealer’s Choice.”

The theater lights dimmed and Peggy quickly walked off the stage. I said a fervent prayer that my gamble would pay off.