We knew it was sold out, but we didn’t expect four standing ovations. Looks like we’ll be missed. It bodes well for the reception New York will give us. That’s the prognosis.

Backstage is packed with family and friends congratulating us on a successful preview run. Approximately half of the singers and background dancers are not coming with us. Some look depressed even as they accept roses from those who came to see them.

But there are a few others who don’t seem to mind, who are riding high after a great ride, even if it was a little short. My sister, Hope, shrugs, “I don’t see what the big deal is.”

Mom ignores her, “You were amazing, Logan. I didn’t realize what a great voice you’ve grown into!”

But Dad isn’t as kind to Hope. “I don’t know why we gave you that name. Because you certainly never have any, or give any.”

“Dad!” I snap, protective of her by instinct. He’s never lost it that severely before. It must be the ghost of his dancer-past. Seeing me onstage like this has got to give him and Mom memories.

She’s rubbing her face, and says nothing.

He claps a hand on my shoulder, struggling to contain his unprecedented rage at Hope. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud.” He looks at his hand, stretching it. “Your mother kept squeezing my fingers every time you hit one of those high notes. I know you got the dance skills from us, but that voice! Where did you get that from?”

I shake my head once, not great at accepting compliments. Over their shoulders I see Samantha with her family further down, taking up the biggest area onstage. The techs opened the curtains once the house cleared to give this farewell some room. Down below are empty rows of seats with a few stragglers around them. The orchestra has gone home, the pit silent.

“It really is the end, isn’t it? I might not ever come back here.”

Hope frowns, and my mom bursts into my arms. “Oh Logan!” Dad huffs through his nose, gaze dropping as she says, “You’re coming to our place for dinner one more night before you leave, promise me! You’re all packed?”

We separate and I rake my hair. “Yes to both. Since we have a lot of new cast members that have to be trained, rehearsals start day after tomorrow.”

“Oh no! We know how it is, but please don’t go out with the rest of the cast tonight! Can’t you come and spend one last night with us, since you’ll be with them from now on, every day, every night—”

“—Yeah, Mom. I don’t want to go out with the cast tonight.” My gaze cuts to Samantha’s smile. “I’d rather be with you guys.”

Dad asks, “You already buy your ticket? Because I wouldn’t mind—”

“I bought it. I’m all set. Hope, you coming for dinner?”

She grumbles, “I have plans.”

“Okay, but can I talk to you a second alone, then?”

Her blue eyes flicker. “Sure, yeah. I have a second.”

Mom and Dad say their temporary goodbyes, the awkwardness palpable as they walk off and she whispers something to him. He swats her away.

Hope watches them and warily turns to me. “This is new.”

“I have to ask you something. You’ll give it to me straight.”

With interest, she slowly nods, “I’m listening.”

I jump off the stage motioning for her to follow. She’s not used to this environment so she climbs down slowly and sets her loafers on the carpeted floor like she wants to make sure the ground isn’t going to move on her. We walk up the center aisle, vacant seats on either side. At a good distance away from any potential eavesdroppers, I lower my voice. “I found out that Asher might have dropped the girl that Samantha replaced, on purpose. I want to tell Sam. Problem is she’s dating him.”

“Really? Why do you think he dropped that girl?”

“So that Samantha would rise up in the ranks.”

Hope waves her hand. “No, I meant what makes you think that?”

“A few people think it.”

“Why didn’t you tell her tonight? When did you find out? I’m assuming this was recently?”

“There was no way he was going to drop her in front of our last audience. I don’t think he’s going to drop her at all, because I think he’s falling in love with her.”

Hope takes a step closer. “Logan, what happens when he falls out of love with her?” Her eyebrows go up as she stares at me with meaning. “You wanted it straight. You got it straight. I have never liked Samantha, you know that. But if there’s a chance of her…”

I growl, “Don’t even say it,” the image unbearable.

Zipping up her coat, my grumpy sister walks away. “Enjoy New York. I hear it’s a shit hole.”

Scanning the stage for Asher, I don’t see him anywhere. But Samantha and I lock eyes. She’s watching me as her family members are in animated conversations around her. She’s so lucky to have so many of them, and that she gets along with all of them, too.

I mouth, “Can I talk to you?”

She nods and holds my look for a second before turning to her mom and forcing a smile.

Fellow cast members congratulate me as I head to my dressing room. Alfredo is clearing his stuff. “I wish I were going with you, Logan. If I were younger and didn’t have a family here…” He trails off, the rest of the sentence not needed.

“I’m going to miss you, Dad.”

He laughs, hugs me, slaps my back once and squeezes me really hard. “Thanks, son, I needed that.” Pulling away, he wipes his cheek. “It sure was fun while it lasted.”

Frowning, I watch him lift the roses his wife had sent. He read the card to me before we went on tonight. It read, Thank you for staying here with us. Have an amazing last night. Love, Judy, Ryan, Cecily, and Leon. He told me Leon was the dog, and showed me a picture of their big-tongued black Lab.

All packed up, he grabs my arm. “You have fun up there for me.”

“I will. Take care of yourself, Alfredo.”

He disappears and Samantha takes his place, smiling as she tentatively knocks on my door. “Hey stranger.”