City Of Dreams

Seventy-Four

"God..."

I cock my head.

"What?"

Darren runs a hand through his hair.

"You look like...."

I stare down at my feet.

"Like a girl?"

He steps closer and pecks my cheek.

"Like a movie star."

I put my hands over my face to hide the deep red blush.

We sit down at some fancy place down the road from the Ambassador Theater that we've never tried.

The waitress comes to our table.

Her eyes widen when she sees us.

"Oh my gosh. I absolutely LOVE your dress."

I smile and thank her.

She has her fiery red hair pulled back in a bun.

Her deep emerald eyes look into my chocolate brown ones.

I search for her name tag.

"So...Emma...what do you suggest to eat? I've never been here before."

I say with shocking confidence.

She bites her bottom lip and opens a paper.

Her eyes scan up and down the paper until she cries out.

"Aha! I suggest you get this."

She hold the paper out to me and points to an item.

I nod.

"Alright. I'll take your word for it."

Darren orders and she smiles and skips away.

"She seems fun."

I watch her as she leaves.

"She seems familiar too."

Darren nods.

We sit in comfortable silence for about five minutes before he cries out.

"Charlotte I've got it!"

I jump, almost knocking over my wine glass.

"What?!"

He smiles.

"She's from Hamilton! I saw her at rehearsal the other day. She's new. I saw them going over choreography!"

I nod.

"Maybe we should ask her when she comes back."

Emma comes back to the table.

"Everything good over here?"

She asks with a smile.

"Actually Miss...?"

She bites her lip again and holds out her hand.

"Lawson. Emma Lawson."

Darren shakes her hand.

"Bond. James Bond. And you are?"

She snorts and pulls her hand away.

"I already told you."

She says sarcastically.

I pig snort, but cover my mouth with my hand and just giggle.

Civilized humans do not snort.

"Right."

Darren says, holding back a laugh.

"I was wondering if you were at Hamilton rehearsal the other day by any chance?"

She bites her lip again and nods, beaming.

"Yes sir. I'm going to play Peggy and Maria."

My fingers suddenly grip tighter on my wine glass, but I scold myself and release it.

"Amazing! When do you start?"

She crosses her ankles, blushing a bit.

"A week from tomorrow."

Darren nods.

"I'll make sure to be there."

I cut in, nodding at the girl.

She chews on her bottom lip.

"I was in your spot once. It gets easier as you go. The shock calms down after a bit."

I laugh.

She nods.

"Yeah. I've been on a high for weeks now."

I nod.

"I feel you sister."

A man calls for her and she scurries off.

____________________

When we get the check, I write my number on the bottom.

"In case you need some advice."

She scrunches her nose and thanks me, crossing her ankles again and chewing her lip.

"Charlotte correct?"

I nod.

"Emma?"

She nods too aggressively, causing hair to fall from her bun.

"Alright, Emma, I look forward to talking with you again."