New York, New York - Mike Faist

NINE

* jocelyn *

I was stood backstage at MisCast in my newsie getup with the other girls in the cast. We were practically bursting with excitement and adrenaline. I knew that the entire cast of newsies was out in the audience which made it better and worse. I was playing the part of Racetrack and knowing Ben was in the audience and he was going to watch me was wild.

"Jocelyn, you ready?" My co-star Samantha asked

"Hell yeah." I continued stretching

The worst and best part was I had to do those newsie turns where it was a million turns. Yeah, nerve wracking, I heard the host announce us and we all did our circle quickly before the first four headed on stage, which included me. I walked out on stage and to my spot as the music started.

. . .

After our number we were all completely out of breath. I mean like falling on the floor. I never knew how much stamina one needed to do this show. Luckily, everything went smoothly. And my turns were perfection! I rushed to the dressing rooms and changed back into my formal wear. My formal wear was a long dark red dress and black heels. Looked pretty spiffy. And intermission was happening when I walked back into the lobby and I saw my Newsies!

"Jocey! You guys were great!" Ben called me over

"Hey!" Ben pulled me into a side hug and introduced me into the conversation

We were all laughing and having fun for a few minutes until the lights flickered and we walked back into the auditorium.

"Alright, this is where I take my leave. I think I have to sit with the cast." I looked around the room

"No!" Multiple voices protested

"They'll live without you!" Sky pitched in

"Alright, alright!" They all moved down one and that ended up with me sitting by one empty seat on my side.

I sat down but had to get back up when a voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Excuse me? That's my seat." I looked up and saw Mike!

A smile fell onto my face as I stood up and let Mike sit in the seat beside me. With a giddy laugh I sat back down and turned toward him. His face held a soft smile.

"Hey Mikey."

"Jocelyn. You were amazing! Oh my god!" He kissed my temple

"Thank you-" My words got cut off by the host entering the stage once again

I reached around for Mikes hand and eventually found it and laced our fingers together. My smile only grew as seconds passed.

. . .

After MisCast, the newsies cast decided to go out to dinner and had graciously invited me to go with them. I accepted the invite and wondered on how I was going to get there. I alerted my cast and they all said their goodbyes to me but we all rode here together in a limo.

"Mike?"

"Yeah."

"How am I getting to the restaurant?"

"You're going in our limo with us of course!"

"You have the space?"

"We'll make it work."

And sure enough, we did. Somehow everybody that was at MisCast was fit in the limo. It wasn't the most comfortable but it sure was fun. I was sat next to Sky on one side and Ben Cook on the other. So, you can imagine how it went. It was all laughs during the entire drive. When we got to the restaurant we all walked in and Jeff gave the host the his name and they led us to a very large table in a private room. I sat down next to Mike on one side and Josh on the other. In front of me was Kara.

"Jocelyn, I'm really sorry to hear about your dad." She looked up from her menu

"Oh, yeah. Thanks." I never knew how to take apologies.

The table continued on talking and laughing even after we were done eating. We stayed for a bit after but eventually we all piled into the limo and we decided to go to Times Square for fun! This time I sat next to Sky and Mike. My arm was wrapped around his as I talked to Josh.

Once we arrived at Times Square we did who knows what.

. . .

Next thing I knew I was stumbling into Mike and Tommy's apartment holding onto Mikes arm. I was laughing, obviously drunk. Mike quietly chuckled and pulled me into the apartment. He led me to his room and I instantly flopped onto his bed.

"Hey, hey, hey no. Get up."

"No, I'm comfy."

"Let's get you out of this dress. Okay?"

"Okay."

*mikes pov*

I helped her sit up and led her to my bathroom. I gave her some sweats and a sweater she could wear and left the room. I closed the door behind me and stood next to it so I could hear her. After a minute of silence I got a bit concerned.

"You okay honey?"

"Yeah I can't get this sweater on."

I opened the door and helped her get the sweater on. She gave me a grateful smile and walked to the bed. She threw the covers back and back up when she found herself comfortable. I left the room and grabbed a glass of water and some Advil. I put the two on the nightstand by her and walked to my closet. I changed out of the suit I was wearing. I climbed into bed beside Jocelyn and pulled her to my chest. I pressed a small kiss to the top of her head and followed her into a deep slumber.