Bad Romeo Christmas: A Starcrossed Anthology (Starcrossed #4)(14)

"Fine by me," she mutters.

"Also ... how about we not tell anyone you made the green bean casserole until after they've tried it? It'll be a surprise."

She glances at everyone sitting at the table. "Okay, sure. That could be fun. I can't wait to hear what they think."

It's only now I realize this whole thing could backfire. I've been thinking about how funny it will be to see my family's reaction to her food, but I forgot she'd be here to witness it. If they react how I predict, she'll be crushed. As we take our seats, I try and figure out how to best handle the situation.

Mom piles our plates with steaming turkey while Dad fills our wine glasses. Then various platters get passed back and forth as we stock up with sides.

When Cassie's casserole gets to me, I load up my plate. Maybe if I take most of it, there won't be any left for the others.

"Hey," Elissa says. "Stop bogarting the beans. You know they're one of my faves."

I reluctantly hand over the bowl. Elissa takes a generous serving before giving it to Josh.

"Looks great," he says. "We all know my version of cooking involves reheating takeout, so I always look forward to a Holt banquet. You guys make my stomach happy."

I cringe when he spoons three large portions of beans onto his plate. I'm guessing a stomach pump isn't on Josh's Christmas list, but after tonight, that might change.

"So, what's new, kids?" Dad says as the beans make their way down to him. "Tell us all about what's going on."

Elissa clears her throat. "Well, I have some news. Although I don't think Ethan and Cassie will like it."

Everyone stops what they're doing to look at her. She sits up a little straighter and shares a look with Josh. "A few weeks ago, Marco asked if I'd be interested in coming on board his new project, a modern retelling of The Taming of the Shrew. I said yes."

Cassie looks disappointed. "Wait, so you're leaving us? Our show?"

Elissa nods. "Yeah. I'm sorry. I've loved working with you guys, but now the show’s settled, I need more of a challenge. I've recommended Talia Shapiro to take over as stage manager."

A flash of anxiety hits me. It's been four years since I've performed in a show not run by my sister, and I guess I’ve gotten used to having her there. Of course, I’m not enough of an * to deny that she should spread her wings and move on, so even though I'll miss seeing her every day, I'm glad her career is flourishing.

"Congrats, little sister," I say. "That's fantastic news."

She looks at me expectantly. "That's it? No arguing? No trying to change my mind?"

I smile. "Nope. I think you've made the right decision. Sounds like a great opportunity."

Elissa exhales in relief. "Oh, thank God. I thought for sure I'd have a fight on my hands. And you're right. It's an amazing offer. Plus, I finally get to work with Josh again. He's on board as my assistant stage manager."

Josh puts his hands in the air. "The dream team is back together. Hollah, bitches." He immediately looks contrite. "Sorry, Maggie. You're not a bitch. You're delightful." He catches my dad out the corner of his eye. "You, too, Charles. Elder Holts are exempt from hollering."

Mom smiles at him and places her hand over Elissa's. "Well, I'm thrilled you and Josh are working together again. The show sounds great. When do you start?"

"In February. Plenty of time to train someone to replace me."

Cassie sighs. "Well, I hate the idea of losing you, but if you insist on being all selfish and popular, I guess I'll admit it's a great opportunity. Who are they getting for Kate and Pertruchio?"

Elissa goes pale and takes a quick sip of wine. "Uh, actually, that's a big secret, but I guess it's okay to tell you guys. We found out yesterday they've secured two of the biggest movie stars in the world for the lead roles. Angel Bell and ... uh ... Liam Quinn."

"Quinn?" I say. "Really? Wow."

Cassie's mouth drops open. "Wait, Liam set-my-panties-aflame-with-his-hotness Quinn is your star? Are you kidding me?"

"Hey," I say and grab her thigh beneath the table. "Husband-to-be, sitting right here."

She waves me off. "Oh, please. Your hotness leaves Liam Quinn for dead, but he's still a veeery attractive man."

Elissa shrugs and drinks more wine. "If you say so."

She's not fooling anyone, least of all me. I remember how she and Quinn had some sort of doe-eyed mutual appreciation society going on when we were all doing Romeo and Juliet for the Tribeca Shakespeare Festival six years ago. Back then, I was Mercutio and Quinn was Romeo. That was the year before a certain brown-haired actress showed up at the auditions for The Grove and upended my entire world. So, yeah, even though Quinn moved out to L.A. and ended up becoming a megastar who now commands millions of dollars per movie, considering how everything turned out with Cassie, I figure I got the better deal.

"Wow," Cassie says. "I can't believe they got Hollywood's golden couple to do Broadway. Surely their schedule is jam-packed with looking fabulous and showing off their perfect love. I wonder if one of the producers had to sell a kidney to afford their fees."

Elissa shrugs. "Probably. But they're predicting their combined star power will break all box office records, so I guess they'll earn it all back."