Backstage Romance: An Austen-Inspired Romantic Comedy Box Set by Gigi Blume (ebook reader with highlighter txt) 📕

Jaxson sprang into action, relieving her of that and another, larger suitcase at her feet but not before planting a welcome kiss.

“Hello, Mrs Woods.”

She took in the sight of him from head to toe, squinting suspiciously. “What are you doing here, Jaxson?”

“Checking in on our Emma.” He took the bags into the house, and she followed behind him, passing right by me as I held the door open. She reached up to Jaxson and pinched his cheek.

“Good chap.”

I turned to look outside to make sure there were no more surprises and saw the taxi drive away. She came alone.

“Mum… what’s going on?”

She turned, finally acknowledging me, and inclined her head, hyper-extending her arms dramatically toward me.

“Oh, darling Emma. Come give your mother a hug.”

I obeyed. She was my mother, after all, and I loved her dearly. She offered me a sweet pat on the head then gave me a discriminating once over. “We’ll talk about this later.” She pointed her finger up and down, indicating that ‘this’ meant whatever she saw in me she didn’t like. As in the whole thing. “I’ll take my usual room, Jaxson dear.”

It took a second for Jaxson to take in the tornado that was my mother, but after staring at her for a moment, he took her bags upstairs like a confused bellboy.

“Where’s Dad?” I asked a tad salty. “What happened? Did you get in a fight?”

“Jump to conclusions much?” My mother. Always trying on youth slang for size a year after it goes out of style. She still thought lit meant too much time sun tanning.

“You could have given me some notice.” I didn’t add so I could hide all the biscuits. In addition to being tragically trendy, Mom was a health nut and thoroughly disapproved of anyone of her acquaintance eating normal food. Nothing sweet, nothing fried, and heaven forbid you mix starch with protein.

“Emma, everything is fine with your dad. I just wanted some spa time. Besides, he didn’t want to leave his aquarium. I’m so looking forward to seaside tai chi in the morning. It’s so bloody dreary in Chelsea.”

“You’re here for the weather.”

“And to visit my favourite daughter.” She tapped my shoulder and got comfortable on my sofa.

“Don’t let Bella hear you say that.”

“Of course not. When she’s in the room, I tell her she’s my favourite.”

And that, my friends, was my entire childhood.

“All set,” said Jaxson, entering the living room.

Mum smiled admiringly. “Thank you, Jaxson. I’d love a cuppa if you have oolong.”

He’d barely slowed down to join us when he turned on his heel and changed course toward the kitchen.

“He’s not the butler, you know.”

She giggled. “I know. But it’s adorable to see him try to please me.”

I wondered whether Mum meant to be a mini terrorist, or if it just came naturally. Note to self: A long as Mum was in town, hide the cheese-flavoured snacks, hide the sweets, and for heaven’s sake, hide Jaxson Knightly.

Frank Churchill was M.I.A. His ‘missed the plane’ excuse for ghosting Monday’s rehearsal turned into ‘lost his passport’ on Tuesday. It would take all week to get it sorted with the embassy.

Suuuuure.

Meanwhile, rehearsals went on as scheduled with Elton quite equal to filling in. He seemed to enjoy showcasing his talents. When I asked Elton if he ever considered acting, Morris barked a laugh and told me a few anecdotes about their college days.

“We’d audition for all the shows,” Morris explained. “But when we’d get cut, Elton and I would write vaudeville skits and perform them in the girls’ dorms. His idea. That’s kind of how we got our start in showbiz.”

“Oh, brilliant,” I said, feigning a pout. “You should have performed one of those at the Tonys. I would have infinitely preferred anything you guys do over Sharknado the Musical.”

“That’s debatable. Sharknado’s a cult classic.” Morris winked and flashed a bright smile. He was too adorable for words. No wonder his wife snatched him up in high school.

Harriet, however, was far too shy. I did my best to include her in every conversation I had with Elton, but when he’d address her, she’d smile and blush. She needed a tad more confidence.

“Have you met Beth?” I asked her while Jaxson worked in the corner with the composers. Only the soloists were called that day, so we were a cosy group.

“I have,” she said with a nod. “The other day, I think.”

Oh, yes. How could I forget the image of Harriet fangirling over Will Darcy while Beth graciously snapped photos? Why couldn’t Harriet be that bold with Elton? She was probably too struck with romantic ambitions to voice them. She could use a role model. Someone who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind to the most intimidating man in Hollywood to win his heart.

Harriet seemed to open up considerably around Beth, although she still was too eager to please. She was sickeningly agreeable to the point of liking everything Beth liked.

I like this brand of water.

So do I.

Cloud Atlas is my favourite movie.

Oh, me too.

I doubted she’d even seen it. At one point, I noticed a glimmer of amusement in Beth’s eye. I ticked my brow as if to say, “I know Harriet’s a piece of work, but we like her anyway.” Beth winked back all, “I’m right there with you, sister. She’s adorable.”

Beth hugged Harriet, all warmth and friendliness.

“How are things with your new beau?” I asked Beth, hoping it would spark something in Harriet—something like asking for Elton’s number.

“It’s all so new and yet… ancient at the same time. Does that make sense?”

I nodded. “Absolutely. Like you were made for each other since the beginning of time.”

“That’s so romantic,” chirped Harriet. “I’d like to find a love like that.”

“You don’t feel that way straight off,” I said. “It takes time. Right, Beth?”

She laughed. “It certainly did for me. I couldn’t stand Will for a good three months.”

Harriet’s jaw dropped, and her eyes shone like high beams. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” Beth confirmed with