Miss Jefferson

Chapter 28

Two Days Later

"We've got something planned for you after the show." Sky said, helping me tape my mic.

I was hardly paying attention. "Oh?"

"Yeah." He finished with my mic. "You'll like it."

I straightened my hat, taking a slow and deep breath.

He looked up at me. "Jada."

"Hmm?"

"Calm down." He shook my shoulder slightly. "You've got this."

I managed a weak smile as he left the room.

My phone began vibrating. I picked it up to check the caller before answering.

"Hey," I said.

Oak laughed. "You sound nervous."

"I am."

"Don't be. How's Chicago?"

I shrugged. "It's okay. Is Great Comet going alright?"

"Yes it is, and it ends early enough that I can take you somewhere for your birthday when you come home."

I smiled. "I'd like that."

"Five minutes." A voice over the intercom said.

"Five minute call." I exhaled slowly. "I gotta go."

"Say hi to Sky for me, and break a leg. I love you, and I miss you a little too much."

"I will. I love and miss you too."

"Text me after it's over and let me know how it goes. Bye."

"Bye." I hung up and slid my phone into my backpack.

I walked out into the hallway, stopping at the water fountain before heading up to wait backstage.

"Miss Jefferson?" A voice called down the hallway. I looked up.

There was nobody there. I made to turn and look the other way before I was crushed in a tight embrace.

"I missed you!" A familiar voice boomed.

"I can't breathe, Diggs!" I laughed.

"Sorry!" He releases me and gripped my face in his hands. "You look good! Well, as good as an 1899 newsboy can."

"Shut up. How've you been?"

"Good. Really good. You?"

"I've been great, actually. Left Hamilton last month, and Lin got me into Newsies Tour here in Chicago. Tonight's my first night."

He painted a look of shock on his face. "What? Your first night? I had no idea! I mean, it's not like Lin told me when and where you'd be performing, and I flew up here to see you."

"Daveed!" I smiled. "Did you really?"

He shrugged. "I had to check up on my little sister, didn't I? Plus, I've never seen you do choreography like this before."

"I'm glad you came. Oak's been freaking out about me being in Chicago with only one person I know."

He nodded, his smile dropping. "How are you and Oak?"

"Really good." My smile faded as well. "Why do you ask?"

He reconstructed his cheerful expression. "Just...asking,"

"Places."

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion and suspicion, very much wanting to continue the conversation. "Daveed?"