Page 12 of Cleats and Pumps

“Enzo, your godfather, is the one funding the musical?”

Anton nodded. “Yes, or at least that’s what he requested we do for him. He knew I wanted to find a musical that supported gay men but told a real story, not a depressing one.”

“And you chose Alec in Wonderlust?”

He smiled. “We chose Alec in Wonderlust,” he said, looking at Jim and Rodrick. “Enzo appointed all three of us to find and create the show. In fact, your professionalism was also something he wanted to see.”

“So, when do I get to meet Enzo?”

The men in front of me frowned and shook their heads. “Enzo is no longer with us. He passed away just over a year ago,” Anton said. I could tell this was something Anton was still struggling with, by his creased forehead. “This is his legacy, though. His will stipulated that we were to find the perfect musical, write it, produce it, and take it to Broadway.”

“The old man even refused to have a funeral,” Rodrick said, chuckling.

“My funeral can be opening night!” Jim said, distorting his voice. I assumed to sound more like the man in question.

I nodded. “So, he’s the investor? I don’t get it. Why did you need to impress him then?”

Anton laughed out loud. “Oh, Linc, you have no idea how anal-retentive he was. There’s a whole committee we have to impress. Jim, Rodrick, and I were appointed to find and develop a play that meets the committee’s approval. It’s not a given thing. We still have a lot of convincing to do.”

I nodded, finally understanding. “Well, if you need anything from me, just let me know.”

I snuggled with Anton that night and stuck around a few more days before returning to Nashville. He didn’t discuss the play or the committee he had to meet with. I didn’t want him to. This was our bonding time, and I just wanted to enjoy him.

“Hey, are you willing to come to Nashville, you know, when all this is over? I’d love to show you around.”

Anton smiled and nodded, but I could tell something was bothering him.

“Anton, are you about to dump me? ’Cause if so, I’d like to know before I get on that plane tomorrow.”

He chuckled. “I like your southern directness, although it takes a bit of getting used to. No, I don’t want this to end, but Linc, we’ve taken six shows to the committee, and they’ve rejected all of them out of hand. It's doubtful they’ll take Alec in Wonderlust. I… well, I just wanted to be clear about that.”

I shook my head. “Listen, Anton, I’m a songwriter. Writing a musical was a long shot from the beginning, and honestly, I’m just beyond happy you were willing to give me a chance to work with you to create the best musical we could from the mess I initially sent you.”

He leaned over and kissed me. “it’s truly been our pleasure, but it’s definitely been mine. I never wanted to get… quite so intimate with my other writers.”

I laughed out loud. “I should hope not, but, Anton, please, no matter what happens, come see me. My ass is going to miss you, and so… so will my heart.”

He smiled and leaned over to kiss me. “Oh, I’m sure all of me is going to miss all of you!”

9

Chapter 9

“Well,thatsucks!”Isaid after Anton explained there’d been a mole in the committee.

“It appears he was placed there to reject all the musicals,” Anton had said.

Apparently, the person had been hired by Enzo’s sister, who was convinced that if they could get all the musicals rejected, she’d get the money he’d set aside.

“So, what happens now?”

“The committee will review all the musicals we’ve put before them and decide if one is appropriate, now that the mole who has been poisoning the pot is gone. Meanwhile, know this will take a long time, maybe even years. Linc, the committee doesn’t move fast.”

I chuckled despite my disappointment. Reminding myself it had been a long shot from the start, I decided in that instant to focus on what was possible—Anton and me. “Babe, it’s all good. Why don’t you come to Nashville? I promise to show you a good time.”

“Yes, as soon as I can get away, but I did want to ask you one more thing. Lewis Dunnage, the Australian singer, has asked to sing the song the character sings about the King and Queen. It’s far from assured that the committee will choose any of the musicals we’ve presented. This might be cheating, but I know more than a few of them have a crush on Lewis. It couldn’t hurt for him to record that song.”

“Wow, you’re conniving. Remind me not to get on your bad side,” I said, chuckling.

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