A drink with the stars

5.

The next Saturday came around quickly, and it was probably because Kate and I were busy almost every day, not busy doing our own things, but busy doing things together.
We had enjoyed lunch together on numerous occasions, I'd spent evenings with her on the couch, eating take out and chatting, learning more about each other's lives and becoming more comfortable together. I had wanted to lean in and kiss her in so many occasions, there had been opportunities, so many opportunities but I held back, wondering why Kate hadn't taken any of those opportunities either, so I left it; not wanting to ruin the friendship that had blossomed.

Kate met me in the evening outside NBC studios and she whisked me inside, taking me through the halls and into the depths of the studio. I felt a little lost and nervous, and as people I recognised passed us, my stomach began to do little nervous flips and Kate looked back to me, pausing and stopping to face me. We were alone in a corridor and she reached down and took my hand, raising it to her lips, kissing my knuckle, it was so soft, her kiss was just like the brush of a feather, and she tilted her head down and planted two more kisses. I was frozen, planted to my spot and I stared at her, my throat dry and I licked my equally dry lips softly. "Don't be nervous," she whispered, my hand still in hers and in front of her lips, she turned her hand in mine, her fingers entwining mine and she squeezed softly, pulling me towards her, and dropped our linked hands down between us. She pulled me along and I rubbed the side of her palm with my thumb as we walked quickly, the corridor began to fill with more people, and there was a vibe of excitement in the air. A tall woman bounded towards us and I recognised her as Leslie Jones, and I tightened my grip a little on Kate's hand. Leslie smiled at us, bellowing a huge hello, noting that Kate and I's hands were linked and she smiled. "Leslie," Kate said excitedly, and tuned to me, "this is Morgan, Morgan this is Leslie." I nodded and smiled saying hello. "I'm eager to watch the rehearsal," I said, my smile big as I suddenly felt comfort and ease wash over me, and I felt Kate step even closer to me, her other hand tugging on my jacket, as she absentmindedly played with a button. "You staying for the actual show too?" Leslie asked, turning to Kate, "Morgan can stay backstage with me if you want." "Oh Les," Kate said, "that would be great." The blonde turned to me, "You don't have to stay if you get too tired but I'd love for you to watch the live show too." I nodded, too excited to be part of Kate's life and in this moment so I kept nodding as Kate laughed. "Okay," I'll take you to the audience now so you have a good seat and people will start coming in within the next thirty or so." I nodded, my hand still linked with Kate and Leslie leaned in to give Kate a hug, and a peck on the cheek, so I let go of her hand as they shared a long hug. "See you soon Morgan," Leslie said, waving as she jogged slowly down the corridor. Kate slid her arm around my waist and snuggled into me, and I reached around with my arm, pulling her close and tight to me and then without thinking I planted a kiss to her head, my lips touching the softness of her curls and a mix of vanilla and lemon too maybe, filled my nose. My breath caught in my throat as I panicked but Kate only snuggled in closer and I knew the kiss was okay, and I knew that what was developing was more than just a friendship. Kate pulled away slowly as we reached a set of large heavy doors, the kind you'd find as an emergency exit and Kate pushed through them, and we walked out into the set of SNL. I was speechless, "Incredible," I hoarsely whispered, looking around, the stage was set with chairs for the musicians and opposite to the stage all the chairs had been set up for the audience. "I'm on the left in most scenes," Kate said, pointing to the chairs opposite, "pick one of these." I sat down on a chair in the front row, and Kate sat down next to me, we smiled at each other but then I looked away quickly, feeling that staring any longer would result in me leaning forward to kiss her pink lips, and I wasn't sure if she was ready. I wasn't even sure if I was ready.

The rehearsal show started within the hour and it was pretty amazing to watch all the scene changes, laugh along with the audience and watch Kate perform in front of me. She met my gaze a couple of times and smiled directly at me, and my heart jumped in my chest, my cheeks aching from all the smiling. It was wonderful to see all the comedians I knew from watching SNL on television and I was eager for the the next part of the night to start, backstage with Leslie, and seeing how the live taping was to go.