Chapter 21

* Daniel *Things went as well as or better than expected at Wednesday's rehearsal, but you could still feel the tension among the cast and crew. Even Scott, who had been our unfailing cheerleader throughout hell week, was a little brusque. We would all be coming back from our food comas into one final day of rehearsal and a Saturday preview before opening night. Ironically, the problematic scene seven was working like a dream now; it was the opening and closing scenes—the only ones that involved the entire cast onstage at once—that had everyone nervous. Scott's clever, complicated blocking still had the potential to turn into a traffic jam if someone got their timing wrong. Christina—who despite her heritage ordinarily spoke without a trace of an accent—broke into an impressive round of cursing in fluent Spanish when she flubbed a line and had to start her entrance over.At the end of the day I was huddled in conversation with Mark when I

Last Updated : 2025-11-17

Chapter 22 (Part one)

* Jeff *Mom was all packed and ready to go when I arrived at her sprawling ranch house on the outskirts of town. I greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "Where are your things?" I asked."Already waiting in the Explorer. Come on, let's get your stuff loaded," she answered."I thought I was driving...""You? Behind the wheel in the snow? In a sports car? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?""It's going to snow?""Don't you watch the news?""I've been in rehearsal...""Jeff, I'm your mother, and I love you, and I'm very proud of you, but I do wish you'd plan ahead a bit more often." Remembering my first night with Daniel, I internally conceded she might have a point."Your father would have already checked the weather report three times, double-checked the tires, and planned an alternate route in case of delays," Mom continued."You divorced Dad.""Just because my marriage to Gary

Last Updated : 2025-11-19

Chapter 23 (part 2)

* Jeff *Snowflakes began to patter sporadically against the windshield. The traffic was moving slowly, but at least it was moving. Aretha was off the radio, replaced by The Turtles singing "Happy Together." Was it me, or was all the music they were playing on this station older than I was?Finally, Mom cleared her throat. "So... anyone special I should be aware of?"God, no, not this conversation."Mom, can we not go there?""What? You're thirty-six, Jeff, you can't expect me to believe you're not interested in some kind of a relationship.""You sound like Scott. He said his whole goal in directing this play was to get me laid." I winced all over again remembering that particular conversation."Not to be crude, babe, but I think Scott has the right idea. If he's worried about you, then I know it's serious. Ever since you came back from Hollywood you haven't been yourself. Before then, really. When's the last time you we

Last Updated : 2025-11-22

Chapter 24

* Daniel *I was standing on the terrace of the university theater again, looking out over the snow-dusted quad. The winter sun was hanging low and pale in the sky. Jeff stood beside me, holding my gloved hand in his. The breeze was chilly, but his body was warm next to mine. I pressed closer to him, drinking it in. He waved his free hand toward the view."It's all for you, Danny Boy. All for you. I'd give you the world if I could. You know that, babe, don't you? You're the one I've been waiting for. You deserve it all."My breath caught in my throat at the passion and sincerity in his words. Mark was wrong, he had to be, all he knew was the actor, not the man. He didn't know this side of Jeff, the side that cherished and protected and thought the world of me, little as I deserved it."I want you so much," I told him, the words coming more freely than I ever thought possible. "I don't need the world, I just need you. Don't ever leave me, Jeff."

Last Updated : 2025-11-24

All Chapters of BACKSTAGE ROMANCE.: Chapter 21 - Chapter 24

Chapter 21

Chapter 22 (Part one)

Chapter 23 (part 2)

Chapter 24