Page 52 of Something Cheeky

“Designing costumes is a collaborative process, so I’m looking forward to meeting with the cast one-on-one to discuss your interpretation of the characters,” Zoe said in closing. “Heather will schedule those for us. Thank you, everyone.”

Applause echoed throughout the high glass ceiling of the atrium.

Derek fought the impulse to run over and hug Zoe and congratulate her on her presentation. But that wouldn’t be professional, not with everyone’s eyes on them. He gave her a thumbs-up before introducing the next person on his creative team.

“That was the best meet and greet ever,” said Th?o. She lightly punched Derek in the arm. “It’s really happening.”

“Our musical is coming to life,” he agreed. “Even if it still feels surreal.”

“Come on, look at all the talented people you’ve gathered here. We’re little orphans you’ve collected to create your own gang of misfits.”

She gestured to the atrium, which was emptying as people shuffled back to their offices or to their cars. The production team was helping the house manager clean up the café area.

“Are you comparing me to Fagin? That must make you Oliver Twist,” he teased.

“Please, sir, may I have some more,” Th?o said in her best poor British orphan accent.

“Now, that’s why you’re a composer and not an actor.” Derek grimaced, shaking his head at her.

“Alert, Greg is headed our way,” Th?o whispered as her eyesdarted to the other side of the atrium. “He looks like his Grape-Nuts got soggy.”

“Hush,” Derek said but he couldn’t help but smirk.

“You’re on your own. I’m going back to the rehearsal room to fix the duet between the sisters.”

Before he could beg her to stay and be a buffer, Th?o ran off.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” he called after her loudly, so Greg could hear him. Hopefully he could use that as an excuse to cut their conversation short.

“Derek,” Greg called out as he walked toward Derek. “Have time for a quick chat?”

“Of course.” Did he really have a choice? He might as well get this conversation over with or Greg would hunt him down later.

“We had a great turnout for the meet and greet. I’d say seventy-five percent of the staff and most of the board.” Greg clapped Derek on the back in congratulation.

“I’m glad they’re excited about this production.” Derek breathed a sigh in relief.

“They should be. If we head to New York, we’ll make some big bucks and an even bigger name for Prestige.”

“I’d like to think they’re interested because we’re making new and exciting art.” Derek envied how comfortable and confident the artistic director was about everything he did, no matter how mediocre.

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Greg looked around before pulling Derek to a semi-secluded area.

“What’s going on, Greg? Th?o needs me before the actors come back from doing paperwork with HR.”

“I know Katie Mai is a good friend of yours, but have you considered switching the two actresses playing the sisters?” Greg’s tone was less questioning but more of a firm suggestion.

“What’s wrong with Katie Mai?” Derek stepped back to putsome distance between them. “You haven’t even heard her in rehearsal yet.”

“I’m not sure she’s the right look for the lead. Yvonne Le would be more relatable for our audiences.”

“What do you mean by that?” He knew exactly what Greg was insinuating, but he wouldn’t let him off the hook that easily.

Derek gritted his teeth. He’d cast Yvonne as the younger stepsister, not because she was smaller and thinner than Katie Mai, but because he loved her audition. Yvonne had interpreted Cám as kind yet mischievous. She was the perfect foil for Katie Mai, who portrayed T?m as protective yet optimistic.

“I mean princesses are usually petite and delicate. I think we can both agree that while Katie Mai is tall enough, she doesn’t exude delicate.”

“She is very—” Derek cut himself off. He didn’t have to explain his artistic decisions. “Greg, my casting choices are final and the contracts have been signed. Katie Mai Vu is the best person to play T?m.”

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