The car door opens and Suze climbs into the front passenger seat. “Everything OK?” she asks breathlessly.
“Fine!” I say brightly, and after a moment Alicia echoes, “Fine.” She looks a bit shell-shocked. Well, good. I don’t care about me—she’s already hurt me enough. But I’m not having her hurt Suze.
Luke gets into the driver’s seat, slams the door, and turns to make a comical face at me. “Ready, Betty?”
“Ha-ha.” I make a face back at him. “Funny. Let’s head home.”
He starts the engine, and as we move off I look back through the rear window, craning my neck, slightly blinded by the streetlamps. We’re driving away from the TV cameras, the bright lights, the celebrities. We’re driving away from everything I was so excited about. I may never get to walk on a red carpet again, it hits me. That could have been my last chance. Maybe this is farewell to Hollywood.
But I don’t care. I’m heading the right way. And I’ve never felt better in my life.
FROM THE OFFICE OF DIX DONAHUE
To Graham Bloomwood
With greatest appreciation for you and your wonderful daughter, Rebecca.
You’re welcome to come to a show and visit me backstage anytime.
With very best wishes,
Your pal
Dix Donahue
PS: Thank Jeff for this!
PPS: I heard you went missing. Hope you’re back safe and sound by now??
BECKY WILL RETURN SOON!