The moment I knew: when he said I love you, it took me days to build up the nerve to respond

The Guardian

05-04-2025

Lachlan says he first noticed me when I was working as an usher at the Eternity Playhouse theatre in Sydney before Covid, but I first remember meeting him in December 2021 when we started rehearsals for A Chorus Line together.
I was instantly attracted to this handsome, talented guy. When I found out he loved the ocean, surfing and skateboarding – like me – I knew he was a triple threat twice over. These aren't the kind of interests you encounter too often working in musical theatre, so we bonded quickly. I made the first move and asked for his number.
Not long after rehearsals started we were all plunged back into Covid lockdowns. My tentative Instagram chat check-ins with Lachlan soon turned into two-hour video calls every other day.
By the time we were back at rehearsals, we had gotten to know each other well, but it had all been very friendly. Then Lachlan injured himself on opening night and had to pull out of the show, but we stayed in touch.
The season ended and I got a role on Home and Away. We caught up for an epic paddleboard session at Cronulla beach and he bought me lunch to say congratulations on the new gig. I had no idea what all this meant. I had a huge crush on him, but he was so polite and chill I really couldn't gauge his feelings.
A few weeks later I was as giddy as a schoolgirl when he called me out of the blue. It was usually me who initiated our chats. He asked me out to dinner, but I still couldn't work out what was going on.
On the Thursday he called to firm up plans. He'd booked a restaurant and offered to come and pick me up. This was all new to me. I felt so spoiled.
On the night I wore a denim jumpsuit; I was sweating with anticipation, just so unhinged, wondering: 'What is going on with me? This is crazy.'
For the first two hours I was on the ceiling – I could not calm down. I was hella nervous yet still not convinced I was on a date.
In hindsight obviously it was a bloody date, but I just hadn't experienced such a thing, so I didn't want to get my hopes up.
When Lachlan paid for my meal I returned to a heightened state of excitement and confusion and had to ask him if we could just go to the beach so I could try and chill out.
We headed to Maroubra, and as we took our shoes off and headed towards the water, our hands slid together. My first thought was: 'OK, we're on. This is definitely a date; you don't hold hands with your mates.'
Sitting on the sand and gazing out into the ocean, I decided it was time to shoot my shot. 'I really want to kiss you,' I blurted out.
Despite being emotionally bowled over by this entire rollercoaster, as Lachlan turned my chin towards him, I was instantly calmer.
A few weeks later we were on the phone yet again. I was recounting some story from my day when he said: 'Oh my god, I love you!' I had no idea how to take it, so I ignored it.
It took me days to build up the nerve to respond. After rehearsing saying 'I love you too' all the way to work, I finally called and delivered it to him. I have no recollection of his response because I basically hung up on him after that. Job done. It was the moment of no return. I knew I was a goner.
The next few years were a mixture of long distance and long hours while Lachlan toured with Hamilton and I stayed at Home and Away. It was hard work, but a dream come true for both of us. We hung in there as a couple.
At the end of last year we bought a place together in Sydney and have come full circle, working together again – this time on Guys & Dolls. We spend much less time on the phone.
Angelina Thomson and Lachlan Dearing perform in Opera Australia's Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour until 20 April.
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