Tony prep began. Ryan was busy preparing a special arrangement of the songs for the Tony's, and Kate, the dance captain, worked on modifying blocking. This would have all have been easier if they actually had a director. Instead, they were dividing responsibilities. And it hadn't been awful. All the swings were pitching in and working on choreographing and blocking their Tony number while the show was going on.

No one was really complaining that Gary wasn't there, though. 

"Alright, guys, we're just going to run through it a couple times today, since I know that some of you have a meeting for the awards today. Good luck, have fun, and pay attention so you know what to do if you win," Kate announced. 

They ran the show number a few times. Even though everyone was tired, they did a good job. It helped that they knew they would be performing it on live television. 

Afterward, Kasey, Jess, Sebastian, Reed, Kaira, Jackson, and all of the designers went to the quick Tony meeting, where officials went over protocols.

"Do you have a speech planned out?" Kaira asked Kasey after the meeting was over, and they knew what the award protocols were.

"Not really. I have bullet points in my head, but I probably won't even need to use them," Kasey said. "Are you one of the people who'll give the speech?"

"Maybe. I think the girls are deciding tonight," Kaira answered. "Thanks, though."

"No problem," Kasey said. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The days flew by. Before Kasey knew it, she found herself standing back in the loft, as Carleigh curled her hair. The Tony Awards had arrived. 

"Are you ready for this, Kasey?" Carleigh asked. 

"As ready as I'll ever be," Kasey laughed. "There's only so much preparation I can do, you know? I don't want to spend my time stressing about it. Whatever happens, happens."

"When are you guys performing?"

"I think we're one of the first shows, maybe second? I'm getting my pictures taken and then we're changing into costume," Kasey said. "You'll be watching, right?"

"Yes, I'll be watching, Kasey, I wouldn't miss it for the world," Carleigh reassured her instantly, sliding a beautiful flower clip into Kasey's hair. "I am so proud of you, you know that, right?"

"Of course I do," Kasey said. 

"You're like a sister to me, you know? I'm so happy that we met each other through Hamilton. I can't imagine what my life would be like now without you in it. I'm rooting for you and your show so much. You deserve every happiness."

"Aw, Carleigh, don't make me cry."

"No, no, no, don't cry, Kase. You'll mess up your makeup. Today's a happy day, alright? Nothing but smiles from here on out," Carleigh said hurriedly. She checked the time. "You have about a half-hour until pictures, you'd better start getting ready to leave. Your hair's done."

Kasey checked her makeup and hair in the mirror. "Thank you, Carleigh, it's gorgeous."

"Anything for my best friend. Are you meeting Jace there?"

"Yeah, he'll be there. He's getting his pictures taken early, too, since he's the first musical to perform, I think."

"Good. I want to see all the pictures as soon as possible, okay?" Carleigh said.

"Definitely."

Carleigh helped Kasey get into her dress, holding her hand as Kasey stepped into her high heels. 

Kasey grabbed her purse and took one last glance in the mirror before turning to Carleigh once more.

"You look amazing. I know you'll do great, just have fun, okay?" Carleigh said finally. 

"I will. I wish you could be there with me."

"I do, too, but you don't need me, and you know that. You have Jace, and Jess, and all of your beautiful cast members. And I bet you'll be able to hear me screaming from her when you win."

Kasey laughed. "That's not a guarantee, but I'll be listening all the same. I'll call you as soon as I'm leaving the awards, okay?"

"You don't need to call me, you'll be celebrating," Carleigh told her. "But we'll get together tomorrow, definitely. Break a leg."

Kasey smiled and nodded. She stopped in the doorway. "Thank you for everything you've done."

Carleigh just shooed her on her way with a watery smile. "Come on, stop stalling, you have some awards to win."