They made their way to Central Park, Zander insisting they take a cab to rest Rachel’s leg. She certainly didn’t need to mess things up with it this close to being cleared.
Once they were settled on a bench overlooking the serene setting and he’d purchased two coffees for them, they sat soaking in the morning sunshine.
“Beautiful,” he said, looking at Rachel. “The view, I mean.”
She grinned back. “It is.” She warmed her hands on the cup of coffee, holding it close to her face as the steam escaped from the cup.
“I have a confession,” she said after a long moment, and Zander felt a lump grow in his throat. It had been less than two weeks since Rachel had walked into his world, or fell into it, whichever way you wanted to look at it. Still, in the short amount of time she had somehow managed to navigate around his shattered heart and plant herself firmly in the midst of it.
A little over a week in, and he was already falling for the woman he, in many ways, barely knew. It was ludicrous, Zander knew. But it didn’t make it any less real or honest.
He cleared his throat, trying to shove down the hopes and fears of what confession she was about to make. Rachel reached into the tiny purse she had with her, coffee still in the other hand precariously balancing. She pulled out an envelope and handed it to Zander.
“I have something for you. I wanted to give it to you last night, but I just didn’t find the right time to bring it up, and I was worried maybe it was weird. But this morning, I thought about it, and realized I needed to give this to you. It’s just a thank you for what you’ve done.”
Zander raised an eyebrow, wondering what she could possibly be giving him—and also glad she hadn’t given it to him last night. He wondered if it had been an excuse to see him again, which was something he was completely fine with. More than fine with.
“What is it?” he asked, taking the envelope.
“Well, open it.”
He did and pulled out two tickets for an evening show the following week.
“Rachel, you didn’t have to do this,” he said, looking at two front row tickets, which would cost a fortune.
“But I did. You missed the show the first time around because you were sitting with me drinking stale hospital coffee. The least I could do is make it up to you. I didn’t want you to feel pressured to go. I didn’t want to make it seem like I was just giving them to you because I’m in the show. But next week was the soonest Michael could get you a front row seat. Don’t feel like you have to go. You can totally give them away or just toss them if you don’t want to go. But, well, I’ve just always felt bad that you missed the show because of me.”
Zander stared at the tickets, smiling. He had wanted to see the show as he was a true lover of Broadway. Now he had the chance. And, if all things went well, he’d get to see Rachel on stage. That was enough reason for him to go to the play in and of itself.
“Rachel, thank you. Of course I want to go, especially if you’re in it. It isn’t weird you gave these to me. Are you kidding? These are crazy good seats. Thank you.”
“Oh, good. I was just worried it would seem conceited that I was like here, come watch me perform. I’m glad you like them.” She smiled, and Zander could see the relief on her face. She’d clearly thought about this for some time.
“And just so you know, I do plan to be there too. On stage. I know I’m going to be cleared this week.”
“Well, there’s no use in rushing things, Rachel. The spot will be there for you when you get back. But I thought this ticket was yours?” he asked, staring at the two tickets with some confusion.
“No, it’s for you to bring someone. I didn’t know if there was someone you would want to take.” Her eyes stared at him, awaiting his answer. They hadn’t talked about this sort of thing because they didn’t really need to, not really.
But things were changing.
“No, there’s no one. Well, other than my cat, but that may be frowned upon.” Zander thought he was imagining it, but it looked like Rachel’s smile widened at the news.
“Okay, then. Well, it just felt awkward to get you one ticket. You know?”
“I do,” he grinned. “But I’m used to flying solo.”
“I hear you,” she replied, taking a sip of coffee and returning her gaze to the sight before them. Ambling tourists, frolicking children, and a little piece of nature right in the middle of the city.
“This was my favorite place when I moved here. It just made me feel like home a bit.”
“So where are you from originally?” she asked.
“Pennsylvania. A small town. You?”
“Kansas, actually.”
“Wow, that’s far way. I’m assuming you came here for Broadway?” he asked her.
“You bet. I got a little bit of a late start, but I made it here eventually, so I guess that’s all that matters.”
“What happened?” he asked. She hesitated, seemingly lost in a world of thought from a different time.
Finally, she shrugged. “I got tangled up in some stupid choices. I almost let someone else get in my way of making my dreams work out. My boyfriend in high school didn’t want me coming to the city alone, and he hated the thought of New York. He started working for his dad’s roofing company right out of high school, and he just didn’t want to do long distance. I was stupid and let my heart get in the way of my future. I decided to go to a community college in Kansas and study theater there, but it wasn’t the same, of course. I ended up getting out of college and not really knowing who I was or what I was doing. It took me a long time to realize my relationship with Seth wasn’t what I wanted. He was holding me back. He was super controlling, too. He had this vision of me raising his children, being a housewife, and just staying in Kansas forever. I wasn’t into that vision, and we realized our goals didn’t align.”
“Wow, that’s intense,” Zander announced, looking at her.
“It was. I spent a couple of years lost, working any and every job that came along. Luckily, I got my head on straight before it was way too late. I moved out here when I was twenty-six after saving up some money. I had the degree but no experience. I really lacked confidence, too. I didn’t feel worthy of the stage. It took me a while to get into the business. I spent a couple of years waitressing and just hoping I wasn’t making another mistake. Thankfully, Gigi and Beatrice never gave up on me and helped me go after my goals. This show was my big break a couple of years ago. I’m still not quite where I want to be, but I know enough about this business to know sometimes it doesn’t happen. I’m just trying to be grateful for doing what I love, even if it isn’t quite how I pictured it. And I still haven’t given up on my dream of being a lead role, even if it’s taking me much longer than I ever thought.”
Zander nodded. “Rachel, I haven’t seen you on the stage yet, but I’m willing to bet you radiate up there. You just have this quality about you that draws people in, you know? And clearly you have a true passion for the job. Most people would’ve given up, but the fact you didn’t just shows you’re meant for this. I can’t wait to see what you do next week. I can’t wait for you to get back to what you love.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you are going to come.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” he replied.
“Well, unless I take another tumble, right?”
“Just so there aren’t any balcony scenes.”
She smiled and turned the conversation to other, lighter topics. Zander didn’t mind, though. For the first time in a long time, he felt rejuvenated and reenergized. He would hang on to the feeling for as long as he could, no matter how risky.
But with Rachel, things felt different. The risk, well, it didn’t seem to be there. And later, when they parted ways, he thought about her words from earlier, about how it wasn’t too late for her to chase her dreams.
As he went home to his empty apartment save for Jon Snow, Zander thought about how maybe it wasn’t too late to find the life he didn’t even realize
he was missing.
Chapter 11
Rachel
“I ’m so sorry. I’m sure that thing is nasty,” Rachel apologized, eyeing the nail technician from her seat in the massaging chair. The woman, who had barely spoken two words the entire pedicure, just raised an eyebrow at Rachel.
Yeah, her toenails hadn’t been looking very good after the fall. And after being shoved in a boot that made her foot sweat for two weeks, things were a bit grotesque.
Still, Georgie had insisted they celebrate Rachel’s good news—her sprain had healed and she was cleared to return to the stage. She’d made time in her busy schedule to take Rachel out for a much needed but very embarrassing pedicure the same day as her doctor’s appointment.
“So, tell me what’s new,” Georgie said as Rachel gave up on apologizing, figuring she may as well just sit back and forget about the fact her feet were in terrible shape.
“Nothing. Just back to work, finally. Which makes me really happy.”
“And…,” Georgie added, looking over at Rachel.
Rachel smirked. “And what?”
“Anything or anyone else we can chat about? Maybe some handsome guy who sent those roses last week?” Georgie raised her eyebrows up and down a few times in a suggestive way.
Rachel shook her head. “Not this again.”
“Well, I’m just saying, despite your situation, you seemed to be in an awfully good mood this past week when we chatted. And when I passed Gigi and Beatrice in the hall, they let it slip they’d met your gentleman caller. Which, by the way, who the heck uses that term? Gigi and Beatrice are so hip with everything except when it comes to dating.”
“I do not have a gentleman caller. Zander and I went out for coffee this week. We’re just friends, though. He’s into theater like me, and it was just good to have someone to chat with.”
“Uh huh. Sure.”
“Georgie, come on. You know all the horrid details of my love life. And you more than anyone know I’m focused on my career, just like you.”
“I’m just saying I’ve heard he’s gorgeous, he bought you roses, and you haven’t smiled more in your life than you have in these past two weeks. I’m just asking as your best friend if there’s anything you need to get off your chest or sort out.”
“Thank you, but no. I’m all good. And now I’m back to work and back to normal.”
Georgie eyed her, and Rachel took a deep breath. But the thought of Zander brought a smile to her face, as it always did. She could feel her face turning into the over-the-top, cheesy grin.
“Busted. Look at your smile. You like him. You like him, like him,” Georgie said.
The nail technician stopped her work for a moment to look up at Rachel. She smirked at her. “She’s right. You’re totally blushing,” she said, speaking more words than she had the entire pedicure.
Rachel flung her head back against the chair’s headrest. “Well, listen. I’ll admit he’s attractive and that he caught my attention. And there’s just something about him that I like, that makes me smile. He loves theater like me, and it just feels like we have so much to talk about. But that’s it. It’s friendly, that’s it.”
“How friendly?” Georgie asked.
“Just friends kind of friendly. I’m serious. I know going down the road to love. That would just lead to all sorts of issues. I enjoy his company. Is that a crime?”
“No. But I think if you’re telling yourself that’s all it is, you’re kidding yourself.”
Rachel sighed, thinking of the other night in the restaurant, remembering how it felt to be in Zander’s arms. She thought about the moment when she was convinced Zander was about to kiss her—and how she hadn’t shied away from that.
“I don’t know, Georgie. I can’t explain it. There’s just something there. It came out of nowhere. It’s like from the moment he came into my life, it’s just been different. It’s been complicated sorting it out, but it’s also been easy, you know? Like spending time with him, being with him is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
“You’re done for,” Georgie said quietly, a smile softening her words.
“I might be,” Rachel admitted. It felt good to get her worries off her chest. “I can’t stop thinking about him.”
“You know this is going to get messy. Especially if you’re adamant about not getting involved with him. The longer you carry this out, the more you see him, the harder it’s going to be to get out of it all.”
“I know. And gosh, what would everyone else think? I’ve been so vocal in the club that I’m never letting love get in the way again. Please don’t mention anything to them.”
“You know I won’t. But Rachel, listen. I just want you to be happy. I want you to do what’s best for you. I don’t think getting in a relationship is the answer just because I’ve had personal experiences that tell me otherwise. But at the end of it all, what matters most is that you’re happy. Maybe you shouldn’t just completely write off this thing with Zander if it’s making you smile, if it feels right. Maybe you should reconsider.”
“Why is everything so difficult? Like, why is this all happening now? Things were going so well. I was just chugging along with my career and my routine. I found my groove. And now he comes along and just throws everything off.”
“That’s life, dear. But you’ll figure it out. You’re smart and sassy, and out of everyone, I know you’ll make a good decision.”
“I certainly hope so,” she said, leaning back to sink into the chair, trying to forget about Zander and all the complications that came with him as the technician finished her pedicure.
* * *
It was exactly two weeks after her fall from the balcony that Rachel finally, mercifully returned to the stage. She’d called Michael yesterday after the pedicure with Georgie to tell him the good news, insisting she could be at work before curtain call that night.
He’d told her to start back on Saturday. She’d hesitantly obliged with his request.
Walking into the theater to prepare for the afternoon show, Rachel was all smiles to be back. It felt like home to walk through the doors. Being away from her work for two weeks only underscored how important it was to who she was and her life. It was good to be back.
Clearly, her time away hadn’t been all bad. For two weeks, she got to focus on other aspects of her life—like Zander Riley. She got to see what life could be like if her heart didn’t have to compete with her work.
“Look who came back to work,” a tinny voice rattled from the hallway as Rachel prepared to tuck herself into the room to do her makeup.
She didn’t even have to turn around to see who it was.
Casey. Lead actress Casey. Overly full of herself Casey.
Rachel sighed, reminding herself to paint on her best smile. Casey managed to get the lead role. She could act a little superior if she wanted; she’d earned the right.
But Rachel still felt like she often overdid it.
“Hi, Casey. Yes, I’m glad to be back.”
Casey smirked. “Going to do any balcony dives today?”
Rachel bit her lip to hold back commentary she knew just wasn’t professional or appropriate.
“Not today,” she murmured instead, saving the eye roll for after Casey had walked away to her lush dressing room
A moment later, Rachel was working on her eyeliner when she heard another voice.
“Thank God you’re back! It’s been insufferable not having anyone to complain about Casey to,” he murmured, and this time Rachel turned and found herself in a set of strong arms.
“Jonathan, hey!” she exclaimed, squeezing her best work friend. He was her ally in the anti-Casey campaign, a secret group that complained about the costar’s insufferable ego. Currently, it was more of a complaint group and only had two members, Rachel and Jonathan.
“How are you feeling, girl? We missed you so much. I kept meaning to visit, but things got crazy with my mother and I actually missed a few days of work myself.
Are you doing okay?”
Jonathan talked a mile a minute, like he always did, but Rachel didn’t mind. She loved his enthusiasm, and the two had always hit it off. They were each other’s sanity in the day-to-day grind.
“I’m better. Glad to be back. How’s your mom doing? Everything okay?”
Jonathan’s mom was suffering from dementia, and she had been on a downward spiral as of late. Rachel knew the actor had a lot on his shoulders, as he was the only family his mom had left. His heart was in acting, but sometimes it was tough for him to be on stage knowing all of the things going on with his family.
“She’s okay. We had a few rough days in the middle of last week. She’s been going downhill, but some days are better than others.”
Rachel rubbed his arm, nodding. Her heart ached for Jonathan. She could see in his eyes that his mother’s situation was devastating, but there was really nothing she could do or say to help.
“Enough about me, though. So I ran into Gigi the other day at our yoga class, and she tells me there may be a gentleman in Rachel Winter’s life. At first, I thought she was absolutely crazy or that you did actually hit your head harder than I heard. But she assures me it’s true.”
Rachel blushed. She should’ve known that any secret sitting with Gigi or Beatrice, though, wasn’t really a secret anymore.
“I’m sure it’s not what Gigi made it seem like.”
“Like you’ve been spending a whole lot of time these past couple of weeks with some gorgeous hunk who is a teacher and also appreciates theater? That you’ve been ogling a man who sounds like the perfect match for you?”
Rachel shook her head, not sure what to say.
“You don’t have to say anything. Those red cheeks say it all. I’m happy for you, Rachel. You’ve been alone for so long. It would be nice to see you have a little fun.”
“Well, I better go get my makeup finished. I want to be all ready for my return to the stage.”
No Time for Promises (The No Brides Club Book 3) Page 8