Ten Minutes Ago // Ben Tyler Cook

Part Two / Chapter Twelve

Finally, I'm granted a second chance. Later that week, I get a text from Marlee.

MJ

<< You up for
breakfast this morning?
I'm tired of hotel breakfasts lol >>

<< Yeah, sure. What time? >>

<< The lobby, 10 minutes >>

I meet Marlee downstairs, and she looks tired. She visibly brightens when she sees me. "Okay, I found this cute little cafe not far from here."

"Are you okay?" I laugh softly. "You look like you haven't slept."

She shakes her head. "I just need coffee, then I'll be okay."

This time, Marlee leads me to our destination instead of the other way around. We walk inside a small coffee shop and sit down at a table. After we order our drinks, I once again stick my hand in my pocket. It's becoming a nervous habit, apparently. Minutes later, we recieve coffee.

"I have news!" Marlee cheers once the waitress leaves. "Well, good news and bad news. Which one do you want first?"

I shrug. "Which one do you want to tell me first?"

She hesitates. "I think I can do both at the same time. Okay. So, yesterday afternoon, I got a call. The producers of Wicked on Broadway want me in their show!" Her eyes light up with excitement. "They saw me as Katherine, and they want me to play Glinda in the production in New York!"

I smile. "Marlee, that's amazing! I'm so proud of you!"

"Here's the bad news. They want me in New York soon. Like, in two weeks. They're paying for my flight."

My smile falls. "That means you'll have to leave tour."

"Right. That was the bad news. I haven't accepted the role yet. I wanted to talk it over with you first," she explains.

Today would not be the time to propose. "Well," I say slowly. "You're going to accept, right? They want you in a lead role. On Broadway, for crying out loud. This is a huge opportunity. You'd be crazy not to take it."

"I know." She nods. "So, you're on board, then?"

"If it's what you want to do, absolutely. Yes, go do it." My heart breaks as I speak. The next two weeks would be too busy to ask, and she'll probably be busy with learning lines and music. I've missed my opportunity.

~~~~~
short chapter...
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