Joey

Don’t get excited just yet

 

Surprisingly, the bachelorette bruncheon was a nice event. It was cozy and intimate, held at this little Italian place, Twin Anchors off Sedgewick Street. It’s the place where the movie, Return to Me, was filmed back in the day. One of those movies that makes me cry every single time.

I’d always wished I had a family like Minnie Driver does in the movie. Even though they meddle, it’s sweet. Unlike my mother’s pesky meddling.

The luncheon was a great way to get my mind off Theo. It did the trick for a good portion of the afternoon, too, until April asked me how the play was going and then launched into who I was going to bring to the wedding.

Shit.

Once again, I’ll be attending another wedding as a single girl. Unless maybe there’s a chance that Charlie Hunnam is available and he can come as my date.

Or maybe I can get my two favorite Cub players to join me – together. I could be the middle in a Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo sandwich. I consider the chances of that happening, picturing myself in a short skirt with a red pair of heels, both men at my side, torsos bare.

Sighing wistfully, I respond to her question.

“Acting isn’t something I ever thought I’d do,” I explain, as April and her maid of honor, Camille, lean in to hear me over the noise of the restaurant and the table chatter. “It’s kind of liberating being up on stage and pretending to be someone you’re not. I’ve learned a lot about myself. Although, I have no doubt I’ll stumble a few times during the live performance.”

Knowing my luck, I’ll forget my lines or trip over my own feet. Or maybe I’ll just stare into the stage lights like a deer in the headlights and Theo will have to slap me silly to get me to respond.

That is, if I’m still in the play at all.

I fear that he could easily throw his weight around as director and playwright to have me removed from the principle role altogether. Not that he would do it out of spite. He’s not like that.

Camille’s enthusiastic inquiry brings me back.

“That is so cool. I bet you’ll do great. Who knows, maybe this could be your big break and you can make it to Broadway or Hollywood someday.”

Fat chance of that happening, but I admire her ‘atta girl confidence in me.

I wave her off and lift an eyebrow. “Don’t get excited yet. You haven’t seen me act. I’d hate to disappoint you.”

April smiles, dabbing her lips with her napkin in that proper, ladylike manner of hers.

“I think it’s terrific and I know you’ll be great,” April chimes in, placing the napkin back into her lap. “In fact, I’ve already bought tickets for me and Tanner to attend. Our last date night before we’re married.”

Everyone gives a collective sigh and I kind of want to gag. But I can’t because I’m happy she’s found a guy who treats her well and makes her happy. It’s not every day you’ll find someone perfect for you who will love not only your best characteristics, but also your imperfections and quirks.

I think of Theo and how good we felt together. How even on the worst day, being with him seemed right. He made all my problems disappear just by being there with me. Being such a good listener and making me laugh when things seemed so bleak.

While I’d love nothing more than to run back into his arms after seeing him this morning looking so disheveled, I know there’s stuff he has to work through.

His response to seeing Alyssa was alarming. When I’m around Theo, he’s funny and confident. Not overly cocky, but sure of himself.

But upon being confronted with Alyssa’s presence, he turned into a guy whom I’d never seen before. I never knew him when they were together, but it was easy to see that she’s someone who could snap her fingers and he’d do her bidding. Not a healthy relationship by any means.

Whether he still has feelings for her or it was just the awkward encounter, he needs time to figure that out. Jumping into a relationship with me would only create problems down the line. I’m smart enough about relationships to know that.

Even if it does hurt.

I let out a nervous giggle. “Ugh. Now I’m really going to be nervous knowing you’re out in the audience. Ack!”

Burying my face in my hands, I begin to feel the nerves taking over. How the hell am I going to do this?

Wine. Lots and lots of wine.

April grabs a wrist and pulls my hand away from my face and gives it a motherly pat.

“So, I shouldn’t tell you that I sent out a message to all the teachers with the ticket links?”

I gulp. “Oh my God! Are you trying to kill me?”

April cocks her head and gives me a big smile, her hands clapping together like one of those toy monkeys with the cymbals. “It’s not every day we have a star among us. And I know without a doubt you’ll be great. I can’t wait.”

I slink down into my seat and hope to God she’s right.

Regardless of how it goes, it has lead me to one very big life decision. And I’ll never hear the end of it from my mother.

I’ve decided to quit teaching. In fact, I sent an email with my resignation to the Principle just yesterday.

I’m going to give my hand a crack at writing.

And I guess if that never comes to fruition, maybe I’ll make my mother happy and pack my bags and move back to South Bend.

Unfulfilled dreams in hand.