TOYL

just have blanked him?’
    ‘No, not really – it’s not your style, Em. You’re far too nice. And you shouldn’t let bad experiences in the past change you for the worse.’
    ‘You’re right.’
    ‘But surely he must be a little crazy to have watched Up My Street every day,’ Lizzy added. ‘I mean, it was a terrible show, wasn’t it?’
    ‘Yes, I guess it was,’ Emma smiled.
    ‘Those wobbling sets were a classic.’ Lizzy laughed. ‘And when that character got mauled by the bear that escaped from the zoo? You could tell it was just a man in a suit – you could see the zip running up its back!’
    ‘I forget how bad it was.’ Emma also laughed.
    ‘It’s good to see you smile again. It really is. I know it’s not going to be easy for the next few months – maybe longer – but I’m going to help get you through this.’
    ‘Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you, Lizzy.’
    ‘Ah, don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for – it’s just part of my job description.’ She glanced over her shoulder. ‘We’ll be getting the call to go back any minute. Herr Fuhrer doesn’t like us to get too comfortable.’
    ‘I thought you were fantastic up there,’ Emma enthused. ‘Absolutely brilliant.’
    ‘Well, thank you.’ Lizzy smiled. ‘I try my best.’
    ‘Seriously, Lizzy, you’ll be great. You’ll wow the crowd with your…’
    ‘Ample cleavage?’
    ‘Well, I was going to say your voice, but now that you mention it, that outfit is quite revealing! Isn’t this supposed to be a family show?’
    ‘Most families will be up in the Gods,’ Lizzy said. ‘From that distance, they’d need binoculars to see anything. Actually, there might be binoculars available up there… just for the dads… I can’t remember.’
    ‘I know it sounds horrible,’ Emma said, ‘but that leading lady breaking her leg might just be the big break you needed.’
    ‘Boom, boom,’ Lizzy replied. ‘Actually, you’re right. I like Jessica, and I wish she hadn’t broken her leg, but it did work out well for me. That’s if I can remember all my lines. It’s much harder than I imagined.’
    ‘You’ll be fine. I didn’t notice any fluffed lines when I was watching.’
    ‘That’s because I hide it well. I’m a professional,’ joked Lizzy. ‘Unfortunately I can’t hide it well enough from the boss, and he gave me a bit of a roasting earlier. Said if I didn’t get my act together, I’d be lucky to be singing in the chorus line.’
    ‘Ouch.’
    ‘Ouch indeed.’
    ‘Is that my fault? You know, dragging you off to Stephen’s parents, and getting in your way at home?’
    ‘Don’t be silly. Anyway, we’re supposed to be thinking about the future.’
    ‘Yes,’ Emma said, ‘you’re right.’
    Just then the call went out for cast members to return.
    ‘Better go.’ Lizzy jumped to her feet. ‘And pray I can remember all those lines this time. You can stay and watch for as long as you want.’
    ‘Thanks.’
    Lizzy went to move away, then stopped. ‘Oh, yeah. Do you fancy going out tonight? A few of the cast are going off to a salsa club in town. I wasn’t sure if I was going, but I’ll come if you will.’
    ‘I’m not sure.’
    ‘C’mon,’ Lizzy encouraged. ‘It’ll do you good. You don’t want to be hanging around the apartment, just thinking about things.’
    ‘It’s just that I was thinking of spending the night with Will. I don’t know how long he’s going to be away for. And I don’t like the thought of leaving him alone on his last night in the country, especially the way he’s feeling right now. I feel terrible already for not noticing he was suffering so much.’
    ‘See if he wants to come along,’ Lizzy suggested. ‘The more the merrier.’
    ‘Okay,’ Emma said. ‘If he says yes, count me in.’

    ***

    Emma sat at the back of the theatre, hundreds of empty seats ahead of and above her. In two weeks’ time, when Lizzy debuted in the musical, all those seats would be filled. The musical had sold out for its first few months from advance bookings, and the press were already talking about it as the possible saviour of the West End. This really was Lizzy’s big break. And she deserved it. She had worked so hard to get to this point.
    Emma watched her friend belting out one of the show’s closing numbers, a cast of dozens moving around her with military-like precision. Even without the full set and costumes it was impressive.
    Lizzy was just coming to