A/N: Flashbacks are italicized and woven in throughout this chapter. Enjoy!
Seven years ago, New York City
As soon as she got to the top of the subway stairs, Shelby pulled her jacket close to her chest and mentally prepared herself for the cold and the crowds.
Typically, her routine was to always stop for a moment and soak in the sights and sounds of Times Square, to take in the buzz and the energy of the people and the lights around her. It was a daily reminder to herself to live in the present, appreciate the now, and bask in the fact that her dreams had come true. That she had made it. It was electrifying, and it always gave her that little bit of extra fuel to get through that evening's performance.
But she wasn't interested in partaking in her ritual right now. Especially not today.
Not when it just reminded her of the cost.
Today, she was only concerned with getting to the theater as fast as possible, doing her job to the best of her abilities, and going back home to be alone. She just wanted today to be over.
Picking up her pace, she expertly wove her way through the streets filled with families, tourists, and holiday shoppers alike. Even with a distracted mind, she made it to the Gershwin stage door in record time.
"Woah there Corcoran, where's the fire?" The burly security guard greeted in his thick Jersey accent as he watched the Tony-winner approach in haste.
"Just want to get out of the cold, Joe," Shelby replied curtly.
"Alright, well come on in then," he offered, a bit taken aback by the short response from the usually sweet and polite actress. He pushed open the backstage door and beckoned the woman in.
"But just so you know… those two over there have been waiting for you for more than an hour? Do you want to go and say hi?" He lowered his voice and pointed with his eyes towards the small crowd beginning to form behind the guardrail.
Following his gaze, Shelby landed her sight on an older woman and a little girl distractedly having conversation. Normally, she would've stopped and talked with them without hesitation. She loved meeting her fans, and she was always gracious with her time. But she wasn't in the right headspace to indulge anyone, let alone strangers. And she's also made a promise to herself that she would never be anything less than genuine or kind to her fans.
"No," she decided and sighed heavily. "But I'll sign a Playbill as soon as I get to my dressing room and send it over for you to give to them."
"You sure, SC?" He questioned, tilting his head in confusion. Shelby rarely, if ever, said no to meeting fans. She was always the last actress around the stage door at the end of the night. "You still have twenty minutes before call time?"
"Yeah sorry, not right now, and can you let them know I'm going straight home after the show. Thanks Joe," Shelby walked away without waiting for a response.
She made her way to the call board and scanned the sign-in sheet for her name. Taking a deep breath, she scribbled her initials and felt a pull in her heart as she marked down the date: 12/18.
Present time, Lima
Opening the door quietly, Shelby tiptoed across Rachel's room and paused momentarily to look over her daughter who was deep in a peaceful slumber. Her heart swelled taking in the sight of her child clutching a stuffed gold star to her chest, her brown head pressed firmly, deeply into her soft, plush pillow. Rachel may be fourteen now, but she'll always be her little girl. Her baby.
Perching herself at the edge of the bed, the mother rubbed her daughter's back gently to get her to wake up.
"Rach?" Shelby whispered, trying to coax the girl to open her eyes. "Honey, it's time to wake up."
Hearing her mom's voice cut through her sleep, Rachel stirred slowly then flipped over a couple seconds later but refused to open her eyes. Even in this state, she knew that it was way too early for her to be waking up.
"Mommy?" She replied, her voice thick with sleep, and effectively turning Shelby into a pile of mush. Rachel called her mom, sometimes mama, but this was a first. "Wh-what's going on?"
Shelby brushed the long, brunette locks away with gentle fingers then pressed loving lips on her forehead.
"Happy birthday, baby," she greeted, fulfilling a fourteen-year-long dream. She grazed her fingers through silky brown locks then peppered her daughter's beautiful face with kisses, completely overwhelmed with pure adoration for her child. "I love you so much, Rach."
Chuckling softly at the affection, Rachel's eyes finally fluttered open and she gave her mom a sleepy smile in response.
"Thanks mom, I love you too," she responded, breaking out into a jaw-cracking yawn. "What time is it?"
"It's only a little after five. But it's time for you to get up, baby. We have somewhere to be."
"Mom," Rachel whined, snuggling down under the duvet. As much as she loved her birthday, she was not at all interested in being up at this hour. Not when she stayed up so late from her surprise pre-birthday celebration with her mom, Aunt Kim, Frannie, and Quinn the night before. "It's too early and it's Saturday, mommy. Please let me sleep."
"I know, honey. I promise you can sleep in the car," Shelby offered, feeling guilty for disrupting the teenager's rest. "But I need you to wash up, change, and meet me downstairs in ten minutes."
"Mhmm, wash, change, downstairs," Rachel parroted back but didn't make any move to get up, already drifting back to dreamland.
"Alright then," Shelby patted her daughter's leg then rose to her feet, sighing in the process as if she was in great sadness. "Guess I'm just going to have to go to Chicago without you today."
By the time her mother's words registered, Shelby was already walking out the door with a smirk plastered on her face.
"Chicago?!" Rachel exclaimed, throwing the covers off and jumping out of bed in a flash. "We're going to Chicago today?"
"Oh, now the sleeping beauty is awake," Shelby joked as she picked up the two overnight bags she just finished packing. "Good morning, birthday girl."
"What did you say about Chicago, mom?" Rachel questioned, raising a fist to rub the sleep out of her eyes as she stepped out into the hallway.
"Surprise!" Shelby grinned both from the adorable gesture and the excitement bubbling up inside her. "Already got everything you need packed and we can leave as soon as you're ready. Thought we could go on a little road trip and spend the night. What do you think, Rach?"
"What? Really?" Rachel questioned, her face contorting into the perfect mixture of shock and glee. She's been dying to go back for a visit, but her dads have been reluctant, claiming that she needed time to adjust in Lima first before going back and forth. "But what about—"
"Your dad is going to hit the road as soon as he finishes up in the office this morning, and he'll get in right in time for dinner with us and your daddy," Shelby explained, reading her daughter's mind. "We all thought you'd like to visit this weekend, and we figured you'd like to spend some time with your Nana and Gramps tomorrow. But for today, we have brunch plans with your friends, and then I thought that we could just hang out afterwards, maybe you can show me around? I'd love to see the places you've been telling me about or—"
"This is the best surprise ever," Rachel interrupted, immediately closing the distance between them and wrapping her arms around Shelby's neck. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, mom! I'm so excited!"
"Of course," Shelby smiled, dropping the bags in her hands so she can hug her daughter back properly. "Anything for my fourteen-year-old."
"Mooom, you're squeezing me too tight," laughed Rachel.
"Sorry kiddo. I'm just so happy to be with you on your birthday," she released her from the embrace and touched her cheek. "I've missed out on so many of them already, but I am very glad we get to celebrate together now."
"I'm really happy we're together too," Rachel agreed with a full heart. "And I can't wait for us to be together in Chicago! I can't believe it! You're going to love it, mom. I know we're only there for the weekend but I'm going to show you everything. And it's also the best time of the year to visit, I love winter and the holidays in the city!"
"Shelly-girl. Tell me there's nothing better than New York City during this time of the year," April Rhodes demanded, barging into Shelby's dressing room without knocking then plopped down dramatically on the couch. "The lights! The snow! It's a winter wonderland out there, and it is magical, let me tell ya."
"There's nothing better than New York during this time of the year," Shelby confirmed distractedly while she rummaged through her tote bag. "You're here early today."
"I know! Proud of me? Even pipin' hot Cup-of-Joe was shocked," the actress laughed as she shed her jacket and made herself comfortable. "He really is a handsome fella, isn't he?"
"Can you just ask him out already?" Shelby replied impatiently with her back still turned to the blonde, not breaking from her search.
April's forehead creased and lips frowned at the brunette's clipped tone. "What are you looking for? Joe said you were in a hurry earlier?"
"Well, Joe should mind his own business," Shelby mumbled under her breath, running a hand through her hair in frustration. She needed to find it. "Hey, have you seen a package for me? It's a manila envelope and I got it yesterday. I was certain I left it here and now I can't find it."
"No my lady, I have not, sorry," April said, blue eyes scanning the room quickly. "What's up?"
Shifting in her seat, April felt paper crumple underneath her. She reached down below the pillow she was sitting on and pulled out the missing package triumphantly.
"Wait, is this it?" She asked, examining the envelope in her hands. "It's from Chicago? Is this from a fan? Let's open it!"
"No!" Shelby cried, prying the envelope from the other woman, clutching it to her chest as if it was about to be ripped out of her hands any second, as if anybody who tried would be in the fight of their lives. "It's not from a fan, it's from—old friends."
"Okay… sorry. What's going on? And don't tell me it's nothing cause I know you, Shelby," April prompted, sitting up straight to show that she means business. "You've been preoccupied and a little down lately, and it's breakin' my heart cause you know what they say, a happy work wife is a happy life."
"I think it's just happy wife, happy life," Shelby chuckled dryly. "But it's nothing AJ, I'm perfectly fine."
"Nuh-uh, no ma'am, you're doing it again," April replied sternly, wagging a perfectly manicured finger at the brunette. "And I'm not buying it for a second, Shel. What are best friends for if you can't even tell me what's bothering you? And you better start now because you have exactly eight minutes until Miss Joyce comes in here to turn you green and I am going to turn red unless you start talking."
Taking in the woman's no-nonsense look of steel in her eyes, Shelby sank down next to her in defeat. There weren't that many people in the world that she would concede to, but April Jane Rhodes was definitely one of them. She may be small, but feisty would be an understatement to describe her.
A reporter once wrote that April's larger than life personality perfectly balanced Shelby's cool and level headed one, and it's what made them so good at their roles. Shelby had to agree.
They had instant chemistry from their first "Wicked" read-through and they've been friends on and off the stage ever since, forming a deep and genuine connection, an unbreakable bond. They were both two small-town girls who made it big and learned how to survive in the city and on the Big White Way. They grew up together. They looked after one another. And they kept each other grounded since their explosive rise to fame and success.
Shelby didn't let a lot of people in, it's been difficult for her to, especially after everything, but April and her big heart climbed over all of her walls and sauntered her way in. April was family.
"It's from Hiram and Leroy," Shelby sighed, handing off the large envelope.
"What? It's your letter?" April accepted, inspecting the package more closely, weighing it in her hands. "When did you get this? Why haven't you opened it?"
"Yesterday, but I forgot it here. I came in early to read it but now I don't know if I can," Shelby admitted, finding herself toeing the line she rarely allowed herself to cross. "It's—today's her birthday."
"Oh, Shel," April felt her heart plummet to her stomach, mentally berating herself in the process for forgetting. "I'm so sorry. I didn't realize. How are you doing? Sorry, stupid question. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Shelby was quick to answer, robotically nodding her head. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to make you feel bad. I am okay. It's not like this is the first birthday I'm missing, it's just, I don't know AJ, she's turning seven today. She's growing up so fast."
"And you miss her," April added, placing her arm over Shelby's shoulder and squeezing gently.
"Every day," Shelby whispered. "More than usual recently."
"Why do you think that is?" She prodded cautiously. Shelby seldom brought up the surrogacy and never instigated a conversation about her daughter. April can't comprehend how she's bottling it all inside.
"I don't know," Shelby answered pensively. She wasn't trying to be cryptic. It's been years. For the most part, she's worked through the guilt and the regret as best as she could. She's taught herself how to survive, how to keep going. But sometimes it just consumed her. Sometimes it just pulled her under, forcing her to confront the hurt that she's buried deep.
"Shel—"
"I don't know," Shelby repeated, turning to face the inquiring woman with a lost and broken expression that instantly made April's heart twist. "I mean, don't get me wrong, AJ. I'm happy. I know I am. I had the best, the most incredible year of my life so far. We're living the dream, right? I'm grateful. I don't take that for granted. But it's just that at every turn, I-I see her. And I just—sometimes I can't breathe because I miss her so much."
A firm believer that hugs are a cure-all, April wrapped her arms around her friend and held her tight protectively before pulling away to make eye contact, her gaze gentle and understanding.
"I know, Shel. I can't even imagine what that must feel like. I'm sorry," she sympathized. "But Rachel—she's doing great, right? That's what you told me. That she's in a loving home with amazing parents, who give her everything that she needs and more. That's she's happy and thriving. And that's because of you. It's because of you that the Berry's get to be a family, and there has to be some comfort in that, right? Just try to remember that. You don't have to open it now, but I think hearing about how Rachel's doing will help remind you of that. I'll remind you of that. Every day if I have to."
"What would I do without you?" Shelby replied after allowing the woman's reassurances to sink in. With a teary smile, she threw her arms around the small woman and sent a silent thank you to the Broadway gods that brought them together.
"Lord only knows," April laughed, rubbing Shelby's back comfortingly in response. "It'll be okay, Shel. Everything will work out and I truly believe deep in my heart that you and Rachel will be together again one day. But in the meanwhile, you and I are going to do what we do best and put on an extra special show tonight in honor of your little girl's birthday."
"Ladies, let's please leave all the drama for the stage," the show's makeup artist, interrupted as she walked into Shelby's dressing room, finding the two stars in a fierce embrace. "And like I tell you every day, Miss Rhodes, I don't see your name on that door. Time for work, you better run along and get your pins in."
April chuckled lightly at the orders then mouthed 'Are you okay?' to Shelby. Eliciting a nod in the affirmative from the brunette, the blonde rose to her feet, "Sorry, Miss Joyce. I'll let ya work your magic and greenify our lady now."
"Alright, baby," Miss Joyce waved her off. "You have a good show now."
"See you out there, Shelly-girl," April beamed at her co-star, grabbing her hand reassuringly.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, AJ," Shelby responded, squeezing the hand back, completing their ritual.
"Ready whenever you are Shelby," Miss Joyce said while she puttered by the mirror, preparing the makeup to begin the greenifying process.
Watching April walk out the door, Shelby inhaled a deep, centering breath and stood to her feet. The show must go on. But eyeing the package on the couch, she picked it up and opened it without another thought. She grabbed the first thing her hand touched and pulled out a printed 4x6 photograph of a six-year-old Rachel sitting on a bench in between two girls who looked her age, all three were in mid-laugher holding ice cream cones in their hands.
Her lips curling into a smile, Shelby flipped the picture over and read the expected caption written on the back: June - Rachel enjoying a treat with her best friends Kitty and Marley.
Examining the photo one more time, Shelby ingrained the picture of Rachel's bright and carefree expression into her memory.
Her baby is happy, and for now, that would be enough.
"Now I'm ready," Shelby finally replied.
"Mom, you ready to go?" Rachel turned her attention back to the older woman after breaking from the three-way hug with her childhood friends Kitty Wilde and Marley Rose.
"Whenever you are," Shelby answered while she buttoned up her wool peacoat then adjusted her scarf, sorely wishing that she had dressed warmer for the crisp Chicago weather. "Honey, please zip up, it's freezing out here."
"Mom, I'm fine," Rachel singsonged, flushing red as Shelby stepped in front of her and zipped up her jacket before she could begin to protest.
"I just don't want you to get sick, Rach," Shelby remarked, taking the winter hat the girl asked her to hold on to earlier and pulled it down her head and over her ears. "There."
Kitty and Marley both looked at each other and smirked in amusement at the interaction between the newly reunited mother and daughter. They've both been there with their moms.
"It was so great to finally meet you girls," Shelby smiled kindly at the two teenagers.
"Thank you for the invite and for taking us to breakfast," Marley replied, completely won over by the woman. "Also thanks for answering the millions of questions I had about songwriting and music."
"And all the selfies," Kitty added, still in utter disbelief that her best friend's mom ended up being Broadway royalty. "It was awesome meeting you, Shelby."
"Oh of course, it was my absolute pleasure," Shelby said honestly, thrilled that she seemed to have made a good impression on Rachel's oldest friends. She loved being able to check things off her mom-bucket-list.
"I'm so happy I got to see you guys, I've missed you so much," Rachel cut into the conversation. "But I'm really excited for you both to come visit over winter break!"
"I know girl, same," Kitty replied. "My mom was actually in so much shock when Shelby called to set it up. I think my dad had to restrain her from calling TMZ or something."
"Yeah Rach, I can't wait for you to show us around Lima," Marley agreed. "Still can't believe you had to move there."
"You're telling me, but it's not too bad anymore. It's actually quite charming. My mom and I have been trying local restaurants and shopping at these boutiques. And you'll get to see my dad and my mom's house. Wait until I show you mom's study, it's incredible. Maybe we can also hang out with some of my friends from glee or you can meet my Aunt Kim. You'll love her," Rachel rattled off animatedly.
A rush of warmth surged through Shelby as she listened to her daughter describe her life in Lima in a positive manner. Their life together.
It's only been a short while since they've made amends, but Rachel's seemed to have leapt faithfully into a fresh start, Shelby right along with her. And hearing unprompted validation of their progress made the mother feel like she was on top of the world.
"Why are you smiling like that, mom?" Rachel questioned blithely.
"No reason, babe," Shelby couldn't stop herself from beaming if she tried. "Just happy to be with you, that's all."
"You're so sentimental," Rachel teased with a playful roll of her eyes, but secretly loved her mom's unyielding affection. "You guys didn't hear it from me, but Shelby Corcoran—in reality, just one huge softie."
"Okay, hush now you, unless you want me to show your friends the photos I have of you sleeping with my To—"
"No! Mom!" Rachel squealed, laughing as she covered the woman's mouth with her hand. "Can we not do that please?"
"That's what I thought," Shelby gloated as Rachel removed her hand then turned to face the two thoroughly entertained teenagers. "Alright ladies, it was great meeting you again. And please text Rachel whenever you get home, so we know you got back safe. I'll see you soon."
Accepting another round of thanks and quick hugs from the two girls, she strolled a few feet away to give the tight-knit friends some privacy to say their goodbyes.
Rachel walked over to Shelby a few moments later and linked her arm with her mother's, "Thanks for making that happen, mom. I really needed to see them."
"Anytime, Rach. I know what it's like to be away from and miss your friends," Shelby empathized, thinking of one person in particular. "I'll always do whatever I can to help you keep in touch with them."
Rachel nodded gratefully and gave her mom a sunny smile in response that automatically filled every fiber of Shelby's being with unadulterated love for her kid. She allowed herself a moment to take in the wonder that is her Rachel and couldn't help herself from pulling her close. Sometimes she still couldn't believe that this was her reality now.
"Why are you smiling like that?"
"Just happy to be with you," Rachel mimicked good heartedly, gravitating towards her mother's warmth. "That's all."
Per Rachel's request, they spent the rest of the afternoon exploring her old neighborhood, the girl determined to show her mother every corner of where she spent almost a decade of her life.
They visited the park where Rachel dislocated her shoulder after accepting little Ben Cohen's dare to climb the tallest tree; the community rec center where she took every dance class available, twice; the local library that still had a photo of an elated nine-year-old Rachel displayed as one of the Top Readers; and the candy shop she used to frequent with her dads that allegedly had the best strawberry ice cream on Earth.
Rachel's tour was the ultimate crash course in her daughter's history, and it filled some of the gaps during their years apart. Memory after memory was shared, one right after the other. Memories that were random, embarrassing, silly, some even painful, but above all, happy. Shelby hung onto every word her daughter spoke of her past, causing her heart to wrench in pain and happiness at the same time.
Hearing about Rachel's childhood was always bittersweet, a mixed blessing. There's nothing that Shelby wanted more than to learn every single minute detail of Rachel's life, to know all that's happened to her during the almost fourteen years they were apart; however, doing so meant also being reminded of everything that she's missed. It was a double-edged sword that Shelby often found herself afflicted by.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Rachel asked, concerned after noticing the woman's expression. Shelby's feelings must've somehow filtered onto her face.
"Nothing," Shelby assured, breaking out of her trance. She wanted to be honest with Rachel, but she also needed to find a way to do so without burdening her. The last thing she wanted was to pass her muddled emotions about the surrogacy on to her daughter for her to internalize. It wouldn't be fair.
"Sorry, I just spaced out for a second, but hey. Thank you for showing me around, kiddo. I loved it."
"Did you?" Rachel cracked a small smile. "I'm really glad I got to take you around. I thought you'd like it because you said before you missed so much, and I just wanted to show you."
Shelby halted mid-step, struck again by how thoughtful her daughter was, "Baby, you did all this for me?"
"Yeah," Rachel shrugged nonchalantly. "But also for me too. It was honestly fun visiting all those places, even though it made me miss being here a lot."
"Well thank you for sharing all of that with me, Rach," Shelby said with all the gratitude that she could muster. "It means a lot to me. However it is your birthday, so we should be doing whatever you want to do, kid."
"I did want to do that," Rachel replied truthfully but paused to gather her thoughts. "But also mom? Can I talk to you about something?"
Shelby nodded in confirmation then resumed their trek to the train, she needed to get her kid out of the cold, "Yes, always."
"I was talking to dad the other day, and you know him, he's an even bigger softie than you are," Rachel teased then picked up her pace to match her mom's long strides. "We were talking about my birthday and then he was telling me about when I was born and how you met them and more about the surrogacy."
"Yeah?" Shelby questioned, puzzled where her daughter's rambling thoughts were leading, but didn't break her brisk walk.
"Yeah, and anyway, he was telling me how he and daddy had an extremely difficult time trying to start a family and how you were the only one who answered their ad in the paper and that you didn't judge them but only wanted to help. And he also said that you even paid them back the money they paid you initially? Is that true, mom?"
"Um—yes, that is true," Shelby responded. She's always meant to discuss all of this with her daughter but given everything that's happened recently, the need to dissect the past has taken a backseat.
Spotting the CTA station a block away, she picked up her speed, unaware that Rachel was struggling to keep up.
"Wait mom," Rachel said breathlessly, reaching for her arm then yanked the older brunette back. "Sorry, you're walking too fast. Can you just listen to me for a second, please?"
"Oh, I'm sorry Rach, I didn't realize," Shelby apologized, stopping immediately then turning to give the girl her undivided attention.
"It's okay," Rachel said once they made eye contact. "Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you."
"Hm? For what?"
"For everything," Rachel replied, her voice suddenly soft. This is something that's been weighing on her for the past couple of days and she was anxious now bringing it up, unsure if Shelby even wanted to hear this. But she needed her mom to know that she understood now, that she gets it now, more than ever before.
"For giving me to my dads."
"What? Rach—"
"I sort of get it now," Rachel explained. "Talking to dad about all of that helped me realize something. They gave me a great childhood, which means that you did too, right? Because they wouldn't have me and I wouldn't have them, if it weren't for you. Even walking around earlier made me realize that it was all possible because of you, so I just—I don't know, but I never want you to feel like you missed all those years mom because everything I did and everywhere I went, you did and you went with me."
Shelby's gaze was locked with Rachel's, her heart thundering in her chest throughout the entire monologue. Once it ended, she just stared at her daughter intensely, completely speechless, tears pooling in her emerald eyes hearing the validation that she's craved for so long for the decisions that she's made. Validation from the only person that truly mattered.
"Come here," Shelby urged, pulling her daughter in for a bone-crushing hug. "You don't have to thank me, Rachel. Ever. For you, I'd do it a thousand times over."
"I love you mom, I really do," Rachel responded, hugging her mother back with matching strength. "You're the best."
"I know," Shelby winked as she pulled away, earning a laugh from the teenager. "I really love you too. But you help make all of this easy too, Rach. You, my not so little girl anymore, are the best daughter I could've ever asked for."
"Shelby!" Marty Walker called after the singer, zigzagging his way through the post-show rush backstage of the Gershwin to catch up with her. "God you walk too fast, but hey. Great show, you make that look so easy. You're the best. Truly."
"You have to say that Marty, you're my agent," Shelby replied, hyper-focused on getting back to her dressing room so she can shower and head home as soon as possible. She was exhausted, physically and mentally. Tonight was a taxing show for her, one of those performances where it seemed like she literally left everything she had on the stage.
"But your friend first," Marty said to his old NYU classmate. "I'm serious though, Shelby. I've seen you do the play like a dozen times now, but you were in top form tonight. I was seriously transported, who were you singing to?"
"What's up, Marty?" Shelby diverted as she entered her dressing room. "What do you need?"
"Why do you always assume that I need something from you? Maybe I just wanted to enjoy a Saturday night on Broadway? Maybe I just wanted to hang out with my old friend?"
Shelby turned around and her eyebrows quirked up with her lips as she responded suspiciously, "You drag me to the bar whenever you want to hang out, not visit me at work. What do you need?"
"Alright, fine," Marty yielded. He can never win against Shelby Corcoran's HBIC glare. "By the way, you do owe me a night out, I still want to introduce you to that guy I've been telling you about. But I did want to talk to you about a few things."
"Fine, but you have ten minutes before I get in the shower," Shelby acquiesced while she began the arduous process of getting her makeup and costume off. "Sorry Marty, I've just had a long day and want to get home to rest."
"Noted," Marty accepted then handed her a rolled up official "Wicked" show poster and a black sharpie. "I just need you to autograph this. It's for that online charity auction for Broadway Cares. And it's going to someone whose kid wants to be on Broadway too, so can you also write a short message?"
"Yeah, of course," Shelby nodded, taking the pen in her hand and a moment to think about what to write. One of the best parts of her job has been the opportunity to be a role model, and she doesn't take it lightly. In fact, recently, she's been thinking more and more about finding opportunities to mentor and maybe even teach aspiring young actors and musicians.
"Thanks and the second thing is—are you sure you don't want to do that interview with the Lima Chronicle? It's your hometown paper, Shelby. And you're big-time now. They just want to brag a little, and I think we should let them. It'll be good press."
"Marty, I already said no to that," Shelby said with an exasperated sigh, not willing to budge on this. Maybe she was being overly cautious but she made a decision early in her career not to take part in any publicity or accept any interview that could jeopardize the Berry men's privacy, Rachel's privacy. And the local reporter from Lima, digging into her background, presumably asking her questions about the past, was just too close for comfort. "I'm sorry, I am not going to change my mind on this. I'm not interested."
"Fine, you're the boss," Marty mumbled in equal frustration. His client was blowing up and offers were coming left and right, but Shelby showed no interest in taking advantage of her meteoric rise. Instead, she was always so deliberate and prudent with her career moves, as if she was making decisions with someone else in mind, which confused him endlessly because as far as he knows, she doesn't have a husband or kids, no one to answer to but herself. The budding star was truly an enigma to him.
"And I still don't know why you won't do that concert in Chicago next month either. Do you have a vendetta against the Midwest or something?"
"Yeah, all the corn and the insanely nice people really grind my gears," Shelby retorted, smiling at the man to ease the tension. "But hey, how about this, I'll do that master class at NYU that you've been asking me about. For the freshmen? I don't know if I'll be a great teacher, but I'll try."
"Deal!" Marty's face lit up at the offer. He'll take what he can get. "I'll talk to Professor Foster and set it up. And we'll get the student paper to cover it. But thanks Shel, that's all I needed, so I'll let you get ready to go home. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Knock-knock," Joe interrupted from out the hallway. "May I come in?"
"Sure Joe, Marty was just leaving," Shelby said, waving goodbye to her manager as he walked out the door. "And I'm about to head into the shower, but what's up?"
"Okay SC, so don't kill me, but this was April's idea," Joe entered the room with his hands up. He was six foot four and full of muscle but he wasn't going to lie, sometimes Shelby Corcoran intimidated him. "You remember the woman with the little girl waiting for you earlier?"
"Joe," Shelby groaned, her patience running dangerously thin. She was drained and her emotions were getting the better of her. "I already told you—"
"I know," the security guard interjected. "But before you say anything else, they're right outside. April talked to them before the show and invited them back. She just got done meeting with them and said to swing them by here. I'm sorry Shelby, but they're literally waiting for you. It'll take maybe five minutes? April was pretty adamant about me bringing them over here, and you know how she gets."
Making a mental note to murder the far-too extroverted woman later, Shelby nodded her head begrudgingly, "Fine. But five minutes Joe and then you have to make up some excuse to get them out of here."
Leaving before the woman can change her mind, Joe returned a few seconds later with the two fans in tow, both looking around excitedly at the star's dressing room.
"Hi! I'm Kate," the older woman greeted and pushed a young girl forward, placing her hands on her shoulders. "And this is my daughter."
"Hello, I'm Rachel," the little girl said, waving her hand and offering a smile as bright as the lights on Broadway. "You were so, so, so, so, sooo good!"
"Sorry, she's just a little excited," Kate laughed, ruffling the girl's hair playfully. "This was her first show and we've been up since 6 a.m. and waiting around until 5 p.m. because this little one just couldn't wait. But you were terrific. Thank you so much for the Playbill and for taking the time to meet with us. We know you must be busy."
"That's alright, it's nice to meet you both," Shelby chuckled softly, endeared by the little girl. She knelt down so she could be at eye level. "So your name's Rachel? How old are you?"
"I'm seven."
"Yeah?" Shelby replied, swallowing the lump in her throat and blinking away unbidden tears. "That's a fun age. Where are you from?"
"Oklahoma," Rachel smiled proudly. "Just like Miss April!"
"This is our first trip to New York too," Kate added. "We found out that we actually live in the neighboring town where April Rhodes is from and I think that's why she invited us back. Showing us some good old small town hospitality."
"That's great," Shelby said. "I'm from a small town too. I'm from Lima, Ohio. Ever heard of it, Rachel?"
"No," Rachel answered, her nose scrunched up in distaste. "But I bet it's not as cool as New York. This city is the best! I can't wait to live here when I'm older or Tulsa! That's a big city too."
"Definitely, I hear Tulsa's a booming metropolis," Shelby laughed in response, the tension in her body melting away. Maybe she won't kill April after all. "I see you have some pink glitter on your cheeks. Did Miss April give you some?"
"Oh yes!" Rachel nodded excitedly. "And she let me try her tiara on but it was too big on me."
"Can I show you something?" Shelby asked, reaching over to grab makeup off the table then turned back to the seven-year-old. "Wanna see how I turn green?"
"Yes please!"
Kate and Joe shared a look with each other and smiled watching the interaction between the two. Shelby gently grabbed one of Rachel's hands and held it with the palm faced down then picked up a brush and began applying a light coat of the specially-created green makeup paint very delicately on the girl's skin.
"There," Shelby said once she covered every inch of the tiny hand and held it up next to her face. "See, pink does look good with green."
"I love it!" Rachel exclaimed, completely astonished by the mini-transformation then unexpectedly looped her arms around the singer's neck for a powerful hug. "Thank you sooo much!"
"You're very welcome," Shelby said with matching enthusiasm and wrapped her arms around the girl in response. Catching Joe's gaze as she pulled away, he raised his eyebrows and sent her an 'Are you done?' look. Shaking her head no, she stood back up to her full height, "Are you both in a rush? Do you have somewhere to be?"
"No, we were just going to head back to our hotel room but I think this one's a little riled up now," Kate replied, trying to keep her jumpy child still.
"Yeah, it's that theater high," Shelby joked. "But if you give me maybe fifteen minutes to shower and get changed, I can give you guys a tour, show you the stage? Would you be interested?"
"Mama, can we?! Please, please, please!" Rachel looked up at her mom with pleading eyes.
"Yeah that would be incredible," Kate nodded, entirely surprised by the kind and generous offer. "If you're sure you don't mind, we wouldn't want to impose."
"No, not at all. I insist," Shelby said honestly, suddenly remembering how good it felt to pay it forward and share the magic of the stage with others. "Joe, maybe you can grab them some passes while I take a quick shower?"
"You got it, SC," Joe grinned at the positive turn of events. He knew that Shelby was just off earlier.
After the security guard shepherded the mother and daughter out, Shelby paused for a few moments to gather herself. Letting the stress of the day wash away, she rolled her neck and stretched her limbs languidly while releasing a long, drawn out exhale.
"Feel better?" April crept up from behind, clasping her arms around the brunette.
Turning around, Shelby nodded honestly, catching on to her best friend's not-so-hidden agenda, "I do, actually." Her spirit felt lifted, lighter somehow.
"I know she's not your Rachel," April said, giving her a small smile. "But you are still making a little girl out there very, very happy and in my book, I think that has to count for something. I mean it was either this or tequila."
"You know, I'm not opposed to doing both," Shelby laughed heartily. "Thanks, AJ. Seriously. Thank you."
"Are you serious?!" Rachel exclaimed with her mouth agape. "Thank you so much! I can't believe it. This is the most amazing present ever."
Not waiting for a response, the girl got up off her seat and walked around the table offering a round of hugs to the three parents.
"You're welcome, princess," Leroy said, accepting the embrace from the thrilled teenager. "I can't wait for you and your mom to visit. We'll have a fantastic time."
"This is amazing, I can't believe I'm going to London," Rachel squealed again as she sat back down. "I thought you were going to come back and visit over spring break, daddy? Not that I'm complaining. I am so excited!"
"Thank your mom," Hiram chortled. "It was her idea. She volunteered as tribute. She's the only one brave enough to travel across the Atlantic with you."
"Hey! I am not that bad," Rachel cried out in defense, trying to fight back the pout that was forming on her face.
"Whatever you say Miss-Travels-With-15-Million-Suitcases because you absolutely need a daytime outfit and a nighttime one and an emergency outfit all for just one day," Hiram responded, crossing his arm and smirking as he slunk back in his chair. "Good luck, Shelbs. The last time we went on vacation, Rachel color-coded an itinerary for us."
"Daaad, stop," Rachel whined in a high tenor. "It's my birthday, you have to be nice to me. It's the law."
"It's okay, baby," Shelby chuckled, patting her arm in consolation. "Your dad's just jealous because he wasn't invited."
"Ouch," Hiram replied, placing his hand over his chest in mock pain. "Don't remind me."
"We'll have a great time," Shelby said, shaking her head at the man's dramatics. "Speaking of which, I have one more present for you, Rach."
Both Hiram and Leroy groaned audibly in response watching Shelby take out what seemed to be her millionth birthday present for their daughter.
"Oh come on, Shelbs," Hiram teased. "Now you're just making us look bad."
"Quiet you two," Shelby ordered jokingly. "I have fourteen birthdays to make up for."
"He's right, Shelby," Leroy said in total amusement. "You're just spoiling Rach at this point."
"Excuse me, I don't mind!" The teenager protested. "Spoil away, mom. I insist."
"Don't get used it to it," Shelby warned then handed Rachel an envelope. "And technically this isn't from me."
Taking the contents out of the card, Rachel's eyes grew wide and bright, "Wait are these tickets for Columbus Park?! Mom, these are sold out for months. This is the most popular show on the West End right now and they already have plans for a Broadway transfer. This is—I can't believe it."
"I know, babe," Shelby laughed. She'd never tire of making her kid happy. "Perks of being best friends with the lead. They're from your Aunt April. She's looking forward to meeting you when we're in London."
"This is awesome! I hear she's incredible in it and she just won the Olivier for her role, right?" Rachel said in awe. "She's amazing."
"She is," Shelby agreed. After "Wicked" while Shelby took a step back from the limelight to pursue teaching, April rode her rise fame to her own Tony Award, success on the small screen, and a currently critically-acclaimed run in an original West End production. "You'll love her, Rach. I can't wait for the two of you to meet."
"Oh that actually reminds me," Leroy chimed into the conversation. "I also have one last present for you, Rach."
"You guys planned this didn't you," Hiram accused, pointing his finger at the two, upset that he was coming in last place in the gift-giving competition.
"Here princess," Leroy offered the package. "I found that poster you were looking for while I was packing up my things."
"You did?!" Rachel said excitedly, rolling it out to examine it. "Mom, look! It's from you!"
"What?" Shelby asked in intrigued tone, taking the old, tattered poster in her hands and inspecting it slowly, recognition and confusion registering as she read the message and autograph, her message and her autograph. "Where did you—how did you get this?"
"Oh my god, I remember this," Hiram said, prying the poster away from the woman. "We must've used a third of Rachel's college fund to get this. I think it's from an online auction right, Leroy? We had to donate to that Broadway organization to get it."
"That's right," the other man nodded. "Rachel was seven then and she was obsessed with 'Wicked' and begged us every single day to take her to New York."
"They never did," Rachel pouted, grasping the poster back and clutching it to her chest. "But they did give me this as a late birthday/early Hanukkah and Christmas present. I had it up in my room but then when we moved, it got lost in the shuffle. Thanks so much for finding it, daddy!"
"You're welcome, Rach. I'm glad it wasn't lost," Leroy responded. "But I think you could probably convince your mom to get you a new one now."
"No!" Rachel decided in a tone that rivaled a Coach Corcoran declaration. "I love this one. I've had it forever. See mom, I told you. You've been there with me all the way."
Pure, unadulterated happiness filling her entire heart, Shelby threw her arm over her daughter's shoulder and held her close, "I guess you're right, baby. Happy birthday."
A/N: That's a wrap on Rachel's birthday, but would love to hear what you guys think! Thanks always for reading. Next chapter are the holidays with the Corcorans (and the Fabrays).