Page 37 of Curtain Call
“That’s nothing,” Mac clicks a lock with her heeled boot – the ones Jax keeps threatening to steal if they were the right size – and spins the tree 180 degrees. On the other side of the prop is Mount Crumpit, home of Grinch’s cave.
“Holy shit, this is genius,” Jax comments with their mouth dropped.
“Thanks, babe,” she walks over to the edge of the stage and cups their face in her hands before teasing their bottom lip between hers in a kiss.
“Um, hello.”
Riley entered just as their lips locked.
Riley knows Jax is nonbinary, and they don’t like any kind of label, but how did he not know Jax was into girls? They always talked about guys they hooked up with. This was unexpected. This was not okay. This was…was…he didn’t know what this was, or how he felt. Deep down, Riley was happy for them. Just a bit shocked.
“What isthis?”
The sounds of gasps, ooohhhs, and awwwws fill the theater as teens start to pour in. It’s the first time they are seeing the set finished.
“Clearly, we don’t have time forthatright now,” Jax tells him while motioning toward the teens.
The doors entering the theater are propped open by Colin. His back is toward the theater while he is talking with some parents. The concerned look on some of their faces isn’t very appealing, so Riley decides to go out and see if there was anything he could do to ease their minds on whatever the issues may be.
“Hey there,” Riley says entering the lobby.
“Riley, you made it,” Colin says with a smile before walking over and giving him a hug.
Colin still smells of witchcraft. It’s intoxicating. Riley doesn’t want to let go but does to keep it professional.
“Ms. Jackson, this is a dear friend of mine, Riley Cooper,” Colin says while introducing the two.
She’s a tall, slender woman with skin that matches Colin’s. She’s wearing a Navy-blue suit, and a polka-dotted scarf to match.
“Riley is helping us with the production this year since he’s home for the holidays,” Colin says as he turns to Riley with wide eyes. Eyes that have more questions than answers behind them. More like concerns. Riley picks up on his intention.
“My Broadway tour of Wicked is on break for a few weeks, and working with the kids has always been a dream, so this has been a fun and refreshing change of pace for me. Unfortunately, I’ll be returning to New York after Christmas,” Riley tells her with his stage smile screwed onto his face, and a brick feeling in his stomach.
“Wow, that takes me back to my time on stage,” she tells Riley with a glint in her eye.
“You were on Broadway?” Riley asks.
“Ten years in the chorus, and one leading role as an understudy. They were the best years of my life. I met some great friends and learned a lot about the business. But I wanted more than the theater could offer.”
“Like?” Riley asked.
“A family and stability,” she told him with a fondness taking up residency on her face.
Riley feels like the air has been knocked out of him in a cage fight. Could there be more for him if he left Broadway? Was it time for him to pack up his dancing shoes?
“It’s been about six years for me. It’s been a struggle, but I have been very fortunate.”
“In fact,” Colin jumps into the conversation, “Riley is up for a leading role. His big audition is next week.”
Another punch. Riley’s stomach is feeling sour and he needs to escape this conversation or he won’t be able to breathe. What is happening?
“It was a pleasure meeting you, but I need to get back in with the kids. Just wanted to say hello to this guy,” he turns toward Colin, “and to see if you are running lights today or if that will be done later?”
“Nope, I will be doing them today, just give me five minutes to finish up here and then I’ll head upstairs to the lighting booth.”
“Sounds good.”
“Bye, Riley,” Ms. Jackson tells him before walking to the other side of the lobby with Colin.
