“You were wonderful, Peggy,” Rita said. “I don’t think the audience noticed a thing!”
“Gosh, I’m sorry.” Gus came up apologetically. “We should have used the doorbell right away instead of tinkering with the phone. That was quick thinking, Peggy.”
“So I did have my mind on my work after all!” Peggy thought happily. “How silly of me to worry about it.”
But as the play progressed to the last act where Preston finally embraces Janet, Peggy was amazed to find that the simple scene had suddenly acquired enormous value. All she could think of was Randy out in the audience! As they took their curtain calls she looked anxiously for him, wondering what he was thinking.
“Terrific!” Randy congratulated her with a friendly hug when he came backstage. “You were funny and wonderful and perfect and you looked like a vision!”
“Why don’t you introduce me, Peggy?” Alison asked as she came by. “This must be your famous friend—”
“Randolph Clark Brewster,” Peggy said gaily, relieved that Randy had taken the play as a play. “He’s a wonderful comedian, but his heart isn’t in it. He wants to be a playwright.”
“Really!” Alison drawled. “You aren’t related to the Brewsters of Long Island by any chance?”
Randy frowned and sent an appealing look to Peggy. He hated anyone to know about his wealthy family as he was trying his best to be successful on his own. “Well, uh, yes,” he muttered reluctantly. “Look, Peggy, change your things, and let’s go out for a snack. This is my night off and I want to make the most of it!”
“I always did like that strong, silent type,” Alison said as they entered the dressing room, “and besides having that wonderful face and red hair, he comes from a very prominent family. I don’t blame you for leaving Chris in the lurch for your old friend.” The barb sank in, and Alison’s contrived innocent smile did nothing to relieve it.