Not in the Script

1

Colin Jost adjusted his tie as he walked toward the writers' room, flipping through his notes for the upcoming Weekend Update segment. It was another busy week at Saturday Night Live, the usual mix of last-minute rewrites and high-energy chaos.

As he turned the corner, he nearly collided with someone - someone who wasn't part of the usual SNL crowd.

"Whoa, sorry about-" Colin started, then stopped short when he recognized her.

Brylee Evans. Rising star. Viral sensation. Charismatic actress with a razor-sharp wit. She had just been announced as that week's host, and while Colin had seen her in interviews and sketches, seeing her in person was different. She had an energy that filled the space, even in the middle of a dimly lit backstage hallway.

Brylee took a half step back, then grinned. "Guess I should start watching where I'm going."

Colin let out a small laugh. "No, no, totally my fault. I was in my own world. Uh - Brylee, right?"

She smirked. "Yeah, unless you were expecting someone else to host this week."

"Big fan," Colin admitted, shoving his notes under his arm and offering a handshake. "I'm Colin."

She took his hand, shaking it firmly. "I know who you are, Jost. You're the guy with the jokes that make my mom snort-laugh."

Colin raised an eyebrow. "Snort-laugh? That's... high praise. I'll take it."

Brylee leaned in slightly. "Don't let it go to your head."

Colin chuckled. "Too late."

There was a beat of silence, just long enough for something unspoken to pass between them - something intrigued, something amused.

"So," Brylee said, crossing her arms. "Are you writing anything fun for me, or am I doomed to a bunch of political satire and awkward monologues?"

"Oh, we've got some fun planned," Colin assured her, matching her energy. "And by fun, I mean you'll probably be in at least one sketch where you get fake-sneezed on by a cast member in a ridiculous wig."

Brylee laughed, tilting her head. "Can't wait."

Just then, a stagehand called for her down the hallway.

Brylee pointed at Colin as she backed away. I'll be watching you, Jost. Don't let me down."

Colin watched her go, shaking his head slightly. He had a feeling this was going to be a good week.

After Party

The energy backstage after SNL wrapped was always electric, but tonight, it was buzzing even more. The sketch had been a massive hit - social media was already flooded with clips of Brylee getting slammed by debris, and the cast was still laughing about it in the dressing rooms.

Colin was standing near the writers' room when Michael Che walked up, shaking his head.

Che smirked. "Dude, she outperformed you in that sketch. You barely made it through."

Colin rolled his eyes. "I held it together for - like - 75% of it."

"Seventy-five percent is generous. You full-on lost it when she hit you with the 'I did Shakespeare for this.'"

Colin chuckled. "That was unexpected."

Che raised an eyebrow. "She's funny. And quick. And way out of your league."

Colin shot him a look. "I'm not even - what are you talking about?"

Che just grinned. "Come on, Jost. I see the way you look at her. And the way she looks at you. I'm just saying... might be worth seeing if that post-show chemistry extends past the sketch."