The audience erupted into delighted applause.
From that moment, Madison aced her performance. Word-perfect and on cue, she epitomized the spoiled brat she was playing. Especially after her nerve-racking crisis at the start, she was the star of the show whenever she spoke. Cassie’s heart swelled with pride.
Dylan, running on stage during the scene changes, showed more of a sense of humor than Cassie had thought he possessed, and seemed to feed off the audience’s energy to embrace his role. She could tell how delighted Ryan was, because every time the audience laughed, his hand tightened involuntarily in hers.
When the cast took their final bows and the curtain fell, Cassie was so emotional she was on the point of tears. She couldn’t have been prouder of Madison’s courage and the way she’d managed to defeat whatever demons had been tormenting her before the start.
“She was brilliant. Dylan, too. I’m so proud.”
She felt like kissing Ryan, but with everyone filing out of their seats, there wasn’t the chance.
“They were stars. We’d better go and congratulate them personally, and make sure their overnight bags get put onto the bus,” Ryan said.
When Madison saw Cassie she ran up to her and hugged her tight.
“You were a hit,” Cassie reassured her. “The superstar of the show. You can do it again, can’t you? You’ll be fine tomorrow?”
“I will,” Madison whispered to her. “You know, Cassie, I stood on stage and I looked at every single person in the audience. Then I knew it would be OK. I remembered what you told me, and I decided to be brave.”
“You were very brave,” Cassie agreed.
After Dylan had received his congratulations and back-slaps, it was time for the children to get changed before they boarded the bus, where Ryan had already stowed their overnight bags.
The drama teacher remained behind.
“A quick question, please, Mr. Ellis. We’re starting a drama club for the under-twelve students next year, and I’d like to invite Madison to be the club’s first president. She’s very talented and I think she’ll be a great role model for the younger juniors as she’s well liked. I wanted to ask your permission before we announce it. The club will probably meet twice a month and of course there’ll be rehearsals when they do a show.”
Cassie felt a surge of excitement. What an achievement for Madison. This was a feather in her cap.
She expected Ryan to agree instantly but to her surprise, he hesitated.
“Let me give it some thought,” he said. “Can I confirm with you on Monday?”
The teacher also looked surprised and rather perturbed.
“Of course. We were hoping to announce it after tomorrow’s performance, but we can wait a couple more days.”
“Thank you,” Ryan said.
As they walked to the car, Cassie wondered why Ryan hadn’t said yes immediately. She was tempted to ask him, but it felt too much like questioning his authority, especially since their relationship was in the early days. There must be a good reason, perhaps something to do with Madison’s sports commitments.
“You know what, Cassie?” he said as they climbed inside.
Cassie felt a surge of relief. He was going to share the reason with her.
“What?” she asked.
I have an idea. Let’s go away for the night. The kids are out of town. That happens once in a blue moon. We’d be crazy not to make the most of it.”
Cassie was blown away by his words. She couldn’t have imagined a more perfect suggestion. Only yesterday, while buying his travel kit, she’d dreamed of going away with Ryan and had wondered if they ever would.
“It’s a brilliant idea. Where shall we go?” she asked.
“There’s a beautiful hotel on the coast to the north of here. I was invited to its opening event last year. This morning, I received an email to say that they have a room available due to a last-minute cancellation, so I booked it. I hope that’s OK with you?”
“It’s more than OK. It’s wonderful,” Cassie said. She was floating on her cloud of happiness again. A romantic overnight getaway was the next step in their relationship, and much sooner than she’d dared hope.
“It’s the last word in luxury. Huge bathtubs, roaring log fires, sumptuous food. I can’t wait to go there with you.”
As they headed home, Cassie wondered when she should tell her friends about her incredible new relationship.
Even though she wasn’t ready to announce anything on social media, there were a few close friends who deserved to know what a fairytale her life had become.
*
When Cassie arrived home the next day, bubbling over with joy and excitement, she knew it was time to share the news.
The night at the five-star lodge had been the most incredible experience of her life. She needed to tell somebody about it, and share the fact that she and Ryan were an item now.
With a happy sigh, she collapsed onto her bed and took her phone out of her purse, smiling as she saw the thoughtful gift he’d given her on arrival at the hotel—a gorgeous silver and white leather wallet which she knew she would treasure forever.
She was home alone, because Ryan had rushed off to check the progress at work as soon as they’d arrived back. That meant she had plenty of time to compose an email and start telling her friends how her life had changed.
Cassie decided her first email should be to Jess. She owed Jess a huge debt of gratitude, because if they hadn’t met for lunch on that exact day, and if Jess hadn’t recommended Ryan and practically forced Cassie to give him a call, she would never have ended up here.
She still couldn’t believe what a lucky coincidence it had been.
“Hey, Jess,” she began, feeling warm inside as she chose the words. “I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip to London, and I wanted to say thanks a million for putting me in touch with Ryan. This job has turned out to be more than I ever thought it would—and by ‘more’
