CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Max’s opening night was a triumph. He was amazing as Carrie had known he would be but more than that, the entire cast pulled together and made her believe that this world existed right in the here and now. Like everyone else, she stood and applauded, blinking back tears of happiness as the crowd went wild. It wasn’t even her accomplishment but the pride she felt for Max overwhelmed her, clogging her throat and making her chest hurt.
Damn, he’s utterly fantastic.
As he took another bow he caught her eye, giving her a smile that promised so much. Later. When the audience went home, the partying was done, and the champagne all gone, Carrie would be there for him. She wanted to be the one constant in his life, by his side whether it was a happy occasion or a sad one. Her loyalty didn’t hinge on his success or failure.
Nate and Paige had made it back from Los Angeles for the event and Carrie couldn’t help but notice how happy her friend looked. Radiant but tired, perhaps Paige was slightly jetlagged. Carrie couldn’t wait to spend some quality time with her friend even if it was only a few days. Nate had to get back on set by the end of the week.
The afterparty was a rowdy one. Lots of booze, lots of dancing, and lots of loud and boisterous people celebrating what was a triumphant opening night. Thankfully Max’s parents didn’t stay but she’d felt their gazes on her during the performance. Once again they weren’t openly nasty but they did look slightly annoyed as if they’d expected her to be dumped and gone by now.
The group found a corner that while not all that much quieter, at least was out of the main center of frivolity. At one point, the partiers were pouring beer on each other’s heads and that was something that Carrie didn’t want to happen to her.
Instead she sat next to Paige while on the opposite side of the table the actors – Amy, Mike, Max, Nate, and Tyler dissected the play scene by scene and line by line.
Paige’s gaze flickered over to Max who was huddled with the other men. “He looks happy.”
“He ought to,” Carrie laughed. “He’s the toast of London tonight.”
“I think it’s because of you. I saw the way he looked at you from the stage. He’s smitten and so are you. Admit it.”
Paige knew Carrie better than anyone on the planet so there was no reason to deny it.
“I…like him. A lot. I see now what you were saying about his kind heart.”
“He keeps it hidden.”
“Massive understatement,” Carrie giggled, reaching for one of the appetizers in the middle of the table. “But we’ve made real progress. I think he might even trust me.”
Paige gave her a smug smile. “The real question is do you trust him? Is he someone you could have a future with?”
The short answer was yes, but the long answer was much more complicated and involved.
“I’m taking things one day at a time. He wants to reevaluate at the end of the contract.”
It still stung a little.
Wrinkling her nose, Paige shook her head. “He’s not the type to throw caution to the wind and do something spontaneous.”
Carrie nodded to where Nate was sitting. “You cornered the market on spontaneity. Your handsome husband could be the poster child.”
“I love it,” Paige confessed, her gaze loving as she caught Nate’s eye. “But it can be exhausting never knowing what he’s going to do next. He’s full of surprises.”
“You love it.”
“I love him.”
Paige and Nate were made for each other. If anyone had a chance at happily ever after it was those two.
“When do you come back to London?” Carrie asked. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too and it should be soon. I think. I’ll have to check the schedule. After shooting’s finished Nate has some voiceover work that has to be done in LA but it should only last a week or so. Personally I’m ready to get back home.”
“Did I mention that I’m headed back to Florida later this month? Greg made partner and they’re throwing him a party. I’m the surprise.”
Paige lifted her drink so they could toast. “That’s awesome. Tell him congratulations from me. He must be thrilled.”
“I’m sure he is although I didn’t talk to him, just Jeannie. I can tell she’s proud of him.”
Nudging Carrie with her elbow, Paige glanced at Max. “You should always be proud of your man.”
“I am proud but I’m not sure I can classify Max as mine.”
“There are worse things he could be.”
Tyler signaled the waitress for another round and then turned to Paige and Carrie. “Our manners are terrible. We’ve been ignoring you beautiful ladies all evening.”
Max’s cheeks were red. “I apologize also. I think we got a little carried away with the play.”
Carrie waved it off. “It’s all good. You deserve to bask in the glory.”
Paige nodded in agreement. “Bask away. Just don’t forget to eat something to go with that alcohol. Trust me on this. Nate has a lovely story of me falling on my ass when I had too many hard ciders. It was humiliating.”
Nate gave his wife a look of pure worship. “You were adorable.”
Paige blew a small raspberry. “I was drunk but since you’re married to me I guess you have to say things like that. I’m being restrained tonight. No getting drunk, but I make no promises for the movie wrap party. I’m going to be so happy when you’re done making this film I’m definitely celebrating.”
Laughing, Nate brushed Paige’s temple with his lips. “I’ll be right there with you, love. I’m ready to be back in London.” He turned to Tyler. “When does shooting begin for your new movie? That has to be coming up soon.”
“We start filming in New York City right after Labor Day. I’m looking forward to this one. It’s a great script and the director is top notch.” Tyler grinned and waggled his brows at Carrie. “And if this one would just say the word I could get her a small part in the movie. I know the director hasn’t cast it yet and I’ve already told him about her.”
Heat rose in Carrie’s face and she inwardly groaned. Tyler wasn’t going to let this go and the last thing she needed was more people piling on and putting her under pressure. She knew what she wanted out of life and being an actress wasn’t it. It was a perfectly good profession and she had a great deal of respect for them as a whole – Alana not withstanding – but it wasn’t the career for her. Still Tyler thought he was helping so she couldn’t be mad.
“You can just un-tell him,” Carrie playfully shook her finger at him. “I am not doing the movie.”
“Really?” Max wore the strangest expression, those blue eyes almost silver. “A part, you say? I’m sure you’d be wonderful, love. Tyler has an eye for talent.”
What the fuck was Max up to? He didn’t want her to take the damn role any more than she wanted it. It only took a moment for her to realize what he was upset about.
He thought she’d used him to get a part in a big budget movie.
So much for trust. That wall she’d torn down was not only rebuilt magically but he was in the process of fortifying it. She had to cut him off at the pass. Quickly.
“I am not under any circumstances doing the film,” Carrie said as firmly as possible. “I am not an actress nor do I have any interest in becoming one. I am having far too much fun with my own career to think about getting a new one so banish it from your thoughts, Tyler. It ain’t gonna happen, my friend. However, it is sweet that you thought of me. Terribly misguided, but sweet.”
Shrugging, Tyler accepted a fresh beer from the waitress. “I think you’d be great, Red, but I understand. If you ever change your mind…”
“You’ll know that I’ve had a severe blow to the head,” she finished for him, noticing that Max looked much more relaxed than he had just minutes ago. “Really and truly. I’m happy with my career. In fact, I’m thrilled. I’m having a ball.”
Paige had been nursing her hard cider all night but she finished it off with a flourish. “That’s right. Keep your hands off Carrie. I need her.”
Aww, that was sweet. Carrie was looking forward to being a producer on Nate and Paige’s film. She wanted nothing to do with being in front of the camera but behind it? It was an exciting new challenge. One she was looking forward to. All they needed was for the studio to sign off on the final deal. Until then the plan for her to be part of the production team was hush-hush. She didn’t want to jinx it by announcing it before it was official.
Max’s warm gaze landed on Carrie and she squirmed in her seat, the blood singing through her veins. He was looking at her with a combination of lust and admiration.
I can’t wait until I get him home.
“She is special, isn’t she?” Max said, his deep voice sending tingles straight to the most intimate parts of her. If they had been alone, she would have reached out and let her fingertips trace his lips. But with all of these people around them she had to be content with smiling back, hoping he got the message.
You are getting so lucky tonight, Hamlet.