Page 69 of Something Cheeky

“When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, it’s all about butts in chairs and ticket sales. People are lazy and don’t want to ‘figure out’ what the actors are saying.” Greg used air quotes aroundfigure out.

“I’ll take that into consideration,” Derek lied, hoping Greg would stop there.

He did not.

“Second, why does the Emperor have such a small role? If this is your version of Cinderella, people will want to see him sweep her off her feet.” Greg held out his arms to an invisible partner and danced the beginnings of a waltz.

“Because the story isn’t about him.T?m Cámis about the love the sisters have for each other.”

“Just think about it, okay?” Greg licked his finger and flipped to another page.

Derek’s left eye twitched. How many more dumb notes were there?

“I read the script last night and there’s two unfinished songs.”

“Only one. The other one needs a bit of polish but we’re ninety percent there.”

“You need to finish both ASAP and send them to me,” Greg chided. “We’ve already sent out the press releases and invited everyone to opening night.”

“Th?o and I will work on them this weekend.”

Derek didn’t point out that writing additional English lyrics for the other songs like Greg suggested would create even more work. That would only make this torturous conversation longer.

“Don’t forget you’ll make changes to the show as you work with the actors. That’s the nature of seeing it onstage versus on paper. You can’t—”

“I know,” Derek interrupted. “I can’t make too many changes or the actors will have a hard time remembering the right lines.”

“Good. I’ve taught you well.”

“This isn’t the first world premiere production I’ve directed,” Derek said. “I know how new plays can evolve during the rehearsal process.”

“Yes, but you’re doing double duty as the director and the playwright. The director part of you has to keep a short leash on the playwright.”

“Greg, I need you to give me some space if I’m going to do that. You can’t show up unannounced to rehearsal.”

“Yes, hands off. I remember,” said Greg.

But Derek didn’t believe him.

“It’s better if you wait at least a week before sitting in rehearsal again. Give the cast time to gel and learn the material.”

“If that’s what you want,” the artistic director said sharply, as if Derek had offended him.

“It is,” Derek said as he squared his shoulders.

Greg’s eyes narrowed as if he debated calling Derek on a bluff.

“I want you to give us a week,” he repeated as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Will do,” Greg conceded. “One week.”

Greg winked as if there had been no tension between them before leaving Derek alone in the rehearsal studio.

Derek dropped back into the cold, metal folding chair and groaned in frustration. His night—and morning—with Zoe had been one of the best of his life. He assumed everything would fall into place once he’d finally confessed his feelings to her.

So why were the past few hours of his professional life so draining? He’d disappointed Th?o by standing her up this morning. Even though it was an honest mistake, they were on a tight timetable for opening night.

He hated it when Greg was right. Derek grunted, disappointed in himself. Maybe Greg expected Derek to fail so he could have a reason that Prestige Rep shouldn’t produce more plays directed by people of color. All so he could have the upper hand and feel good about trying.

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