a dream that you wish | kasey winslow |

Chapter 33

Kasey walked home from rehearsal after comforting the four younger girls. Everyone else had cleared out pretty quickly. No one really wanted to stay after Gary's outburst. 

Jacob caught up with her when she was a block away from rehearsal. 

"Kasey, wait up," he said. She reluctantly halted and waited for him to meet up with her. "Where are you headed?"

"Home."

"Let me walk you there," Jacob offered instantly. 

"I'm fine, thanks."

"My apartment is only a few blocks away from yours," he insisted.

"It's fine, Jacob. I don't need you to walk me home," Kasey said more firmly. "Thank you, though."

She sped up to try and prevent him from following her.

"Really, I insist." Jacob said, blocking her way. "I'd hate for something to happen to you."

Kasey knew that nothing she said was going to deter Jacob from walking her home. He probably thought he was being generous and suave. She, on the other hand, was fostering a growing dislike for Jacob.

"So, how was your vacation?" Jacob asked. 

"It was fine."

"I saw the pictures of you on Carleigh's Instagram," Jacob told her. "Are you two dating?"

Kasey stopped walking, stunned. "What?"

"Are you two dating?" Jacob repeated. "You're always together, and you broke up with Jace, so I'm assuming it was over her. Plus, you had access to her Instagram and Snapchat, and 'just friends' don't do that kind of thing."

"No, Carleigh and I aren't dating," Kasey said stiffly. "We're friends."

"What about the Instagram thing, then?"

"We accidentally had each other's phones, and so we just agreed to turn it into a joke. We had fun. It was fine."

Kasey walked even faster. Jacob kept stride easily. 

"Well, if you're not dating, then you should date me," he said.

"No, thanks."

"Come on, Kasey. I know you want to. I've seen the way you've been looking at me, don't try to deny it. We could be the best couple on Broadway. You'd be surprised at the influence I have over people."

"I don't date assholes, sorry," Kasey snapped. 

"Take it down a few notches, sweetheart. I know you're just trying to play hard to get. It doesn't work on me," Jacob said, grabbing her arm.

"I'm not playing hard to get, and there's no one in their right mind who would date you. Let me be crystal clear- I do not plan on dating you now or anytime sooner."

"Probably because you're still seeing someone on the side. That's what caused your breakup with Jace, isn't it? No one likes a cheater, Kasey Winslow."

"You're right, they don't, so maybe you should realize that no one likes you."

"Come on, take a little joke, Kasey. But seriously. I know you want me. We would make an amazing couple," Jacob continued, taking her hand.

Kasey wrenched her hand out of Jacob's and walked even faster, turning the corner near her apartment. Just as she did so, she ran into someone. 

"Whoa, there, Kasey, slow down!" 

"Thayne?"

"Who's this?" Jacob demanded. 

"Who's this?! Who are you?" Thayne countered. "What are you doing? Kasey, are you okay?"

"Thank god," Kasey breathed. "I'm okay now. I'm glad you're here, Thayne."

"I bet this is who you cheated on Jace with," Jacob hissed behind her. Thayne spun around instantly.

"You know, what, back off. Kasey's relationships are none of your business. You have no right to accuse her of anything. In fact, it looks like you're trying to take advantage of her, which makes you the one who's at fault here."

"You're just saying that because you want to hide the fact that you two slept together-"

"That's ridiculous. You should leave before I call the police," Thayne snapped. "Go on."

"Kasey and I were just having a pleasant little stroll. Make sure you think about my offer, babe," Jacob said, before sauntering away.

"You sure you're okay?" Thayne asked once Jacob vanished from sight.

Kasey sighed deeply. "Yeah, he's just being a creep. I'm glad you showed up. Why are you over here, anyway?"

"I was having dinner," Thayne said. "With Carleigh."

"Aw, I would have wanted to have dinner with you, too," Kasey said. 

"Maybe some other time. I hadn't talked to Carleigh for a while, so it was nice to catch up. Plus, she said you're super busy. Frozen is in its pre-Broadway rehearsals, right?"

"Yeah, it's going pretty well. Except for Jacob, and our director is also super picky. He sat listening to the show today with a tuner in his hand. A freaking tuner."

"That's ridiculous," Thayne snorted. "Come on, I'll walk you back home. I don't want Jacob ambushing you again."

"Thanks," Kasey said gratefully. "How's the Hamilton life?"

"It's fun. The atmosphere is a lot different now that most of the originals have left. I miss everyone, but the new ensemble and principle cast members are super chill, so it's okay. They're so entertaining, too."

"That's good. Sometimes I really miss it," Kasey admitted.

"Yeah, I miss you, too. All of our backstage antics were the best."

They started walking back to the apartment. 

"I was happy to hear you've gotten a lead," Thayne said. "I'm so excited. I'm thinking about coming to opening night, or one of the first official shows. Maybe even Broadway previews."

"If you do decide to come, you have to text me. I want to make sure that you can come backstage," Kasey told him instantly. 

"I will," Thayne laughed. They reached Kasey's apartment building. "Well, this is your stop. If James ever bothers you again, just call me, okay? I'll try and get over to your theatre to walk you home."

"Thanks, Thayne. It was nice seeing you again."

"Yeah, you too. Have a good night."