confidential. Janine, first rehearsal

Molly looked up from the breakfast table, where Jeremy was sitting opposite, pretending to read the Guardian.
‘The…The new girl starts today, doesn’t she?’
Jeremy noded. He knew what was in her mind. He too was apprehensive. Moly knew without him having to tell her anything for which he was much relieved. It was probably due to Lionel who reported faithfully everything that happened at the theatre.
Jeremy didn’t mind Molly checking up on him; it made him feel secure. Happy that he can tell her anything that she wanted to hear. And he knew that she loved him unconditionally and she would forgive him no matter what he did.
Only in the case of Janine had she been worried and upset. She wanted to be the only woman in his life. He hadn’t told her anything about Janine, but she eventually forgave him. The subject never came up again. Lionel had also told her about the recent meeting at the pub, but she had taken one look at his sunken face and let it go. Now she was worried that working so closely with the girl might start something all over again. He had been a good husband,he spent more time with her than did any husbands of her friends. He had also spent much time with the boys when they were young. She couldn’t be happier and was always grateful that she had taken a chance on him twenty-two years ago.
As he left the house, she kissed and wished him a good day. Then with merest trace of a plea, she whispered ‘Be good’. He hugged her and laughed. She laughed with him, although there was no real mirth in their laughter – just nervousness.

Molly looked up from the breakfast table, where Jeremy was sitting opposite, pretending to read the Guardian.
‘The…The new girl starts today, doesn’t she?’
Jeremy noded. He knew what was in her mind. He too was apprehensive. Moly knew without him having to tell her anything for which he was much relieved. It was probably due to Lionel who reported faithfully everything that happened at the theatre.
Jeremy didn’t mind Molly checking up on him; it made him feel secure. Happy that he can tell her anything that she wanted to hear. And he knew that she loved him unconditionally and she would forgive him no matter what he did.
Only in the case of Janine had she been worried and upset. She wanted to be the only woman in his life. He hadn’t told her anything about Janine, but she eventually forgave him. The subject never came up again. Lionel had also told her about the recent meeting at the pub, but she had taken one look at his sunken face and let it go. Now she was worried that working so closely with the girl might start something all over again. He had been a good husband,he spent more time with her than did any husbands of her friends. He had also spent much time with the boys when they were young. She couldn’t be happier and was always grateful that she had taken a chance on him twenty-two years ago.
As he left the house, she kissed and wished him a good day. Then with merest trace of a plea, she whispered ‘Be good’. He hugged her and laughed. She laughed with him, although there was no real mirth in their laughter – just nervousness.

Also nervous was |Marianne when she arrived half an hour early at the theatre. The cleaners were still busy in the stalls and on stage, and she was forbidden under pain of something worse than death if she should interrupt. She went up to the circle bar, where she discovered Sally the ASM. Sally went off to get coffee, and Jason arrived. He was grumpy and alert as if he was expecting World War three to break out
Since the row in the dressing room the other evening, He and Marriane had exchanged nothing but a cool politeness.
The wished each other Good morning and sat down silently with the coffee Sally had brought for them.
They looked up when Janine arrived. Marianne offered her coffee and said ‘Good Morning’. Jason gave a sort of grunt. She wished them both ‘Good morning’ and sat quietly in a corner and began studying her script.
Sally came into the bar to tell them the theatre was now clear.
“I’m going to set up for Act one – is that OK? . The others will be arriving soon. They have another ten minutes.”
Jason muttered a ‘Thanks Sal’ and went to the stairs. Marianne picked up her belongings and called Janine who was so far into her script she was oblivious of everything else that was going on.
They all three descended the stairs, still not talking. Marianne’s heart was a beating like a drum and she suspected the others had the same problem. Jeremy came in early
“Good morning lovelies” he said. He kissed Marianne and gave her a hug, squeezed Jason on the shoulder and pecked Janine cooly on her cheek.
“Glad to have you with us.” he said
“I’m happy and proud to be here” she replied in a small voice, hardly louder than a whisper.
“I’ve a feeling you’ll be very good’ he said.
The other actors arrived in a laughing chattering bunch and the rehearsal began.