Another Weissman

Chapter Twelve

The next few months fly by in a blur. Every day I get up earlier than I have in years and go to work, head home after researching and watching over nuclear plants for hours, change very quickly, go watch Midge, sleep, and do it all over again the next day. I'm exhausted, to say the least, and it shows. It's worth it though because Midge has grown so much over the past few months, faster than countless comics I've seen before.

Currently, I'm supposed to be meeting up with Midge and Susie at the Stage Deli, but I'm late once again. I missed Midge's set tonight, but thankfully I have enough time for this meeting. As soon as I walk in, I spot the pair at the good booth and rush over, only to see tears running down Susie's face.

"Whoa, guys, why are we crying? More importantly, why is the first time I've seen Susie cry?" I chuckle, walking up to the table.

"Midge has a tight ten, and she's really good," Susie cries as she dabs her face with a napkin.

"Well, duh, she's good. Took you this long to realize?" Susie throws her napkin at me, which I thankfully dodge before it can hit me, and move to sit beside Midge.

"So, you know what this means, right?" Susie directs towards Midge as they focus on eating their food. I skillfully snatch a fry off of Midge's plate and allow them to talk.

"No, what's it mean?"

"It's time to leave the nest."

"You mean tour? I can't tour."

"Of course you can't tour," I mumble, snatching another fry.

"Mm, you're not ready to tour–I'm just talking about gigs at other clubs in the city, wherever Ana and I can book you. Different venues, different audiences–it's the next step. Y-You got to leave the Gaslight sometime."

"But I like the Gaslight."

"I know you do."

"It feels like home."

"We left mom and dad together, Midge. We can leave the Gaslight together, too," I promise her.

"Besides, it'll still be there after we kick big-time comedy ass across all five boroughs."

"Okay," Midge agrees. "Let's kick some big-time comedy ass across all five boroughs."

"I'm making some calls tonight," Susie says excitedly. I glare at her and let out a pointed cough. "We're making some calls tonight," she corrects.

"Yeah, I don't have work tomorrow so I have all the time in the world to be your liaison tonight," I smile at Midge, but she only gives me a confused look.

"You're working full-time now? When did this happen?"

"That's a secret," I smirk coyly and turn back to Susie. "When you say 'all five boroughs...'?" I trail off.

"I don't mean Staten Island or Queens. Or the Bronx. Not so much Brooklyn."

"So just Manhattan?" I question with a laugh.

"Yeah."

"That's not the best for publicity, is it?"

"Eh, Manhattan's enough."

"Whatever you say, you're the boss." They finish their food and we split ways, Susie and I heading back to her place to make some calls, Midge heading back to Mama and Papa after a hell of a night.

I soon begin to wake up, and take in my surroundings, but I jump suddenly and fall out of the chair I'd been sleeping in.

"Good morning, princess," Susie's brash voice rings through my ears.