Page 63 of Curtain Call
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me is made of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
Riley stops playing and singing in one quick instance when he hears the door slam against the wall. Juan was picking himself up after losing his balance from falling. The door gave way from his leaning on it while watching Riley. After gathering his composure, red-faced and a little star-struck, he tries to encourage Riley to continue.
Riley has several emotions running through his veins. The first was an invasion of privacy. That song is sacred between him and Colin, not him and Juan. How could he just come in here and intrude? Riley is also practical in his thinking. He realizes this is a public rec space and it’s usually occupied. Having someone enter is not that much of a surprise.
“You’re really good,” Juan tells him.
“Thanks,” Riley responds with aCan I help you lookacross his face. Riley has mentioned his Broadway career in group sessions and how it was in danger from his eating disorder. Maybe Juan wasn’t paying attention. Riley sometimes zones out too during group when others are talking.
“Oh, I completely forgot why I came to find you. You have a visitor.”
“I wasn’t expecting anyone until next week,” Riley stood and started making his way to the door.
“I think he said his name is Colin.”
Riley takes a few moments in one of the hallway’s mirrors to compose himself and to make sure he looks OK. His brain is trying to keep up with all that is happening right now, at this moment. Riley was in his faded ripped jeans, Converse, and a sweatshirt he scored from a vendor on hisWickedtour that reads,I’m a bit Wicked, with an outline of the witch’s hat through the words. Riley contemplates changing but opts to keep it on because, well, it sort of fits.
His hair is a bit shaggier than he is used to as well, but he’s liking the longer look. He put a little gel in it this morning to give him that look ofI woke up like this,but really it was a lot of messing around to get it to look this way. His eyes were bright and Riley’s feeling pretty damn good - minus the butterflies taking flight around his insides.
Colin
Colin stood in the lobby staring out the window admiring the landscape with his coat draped over one arm. He wonders what this place looks like in other seasons when everything is in full bloom. What kind of plants are native here on the Cape? The only trees he recognizes are the black oak because he has one in his backyard the same size. There are also a few that are some type of pine that he isn’t too familiar with.
“Colin?”
The hair on the back of Colin’s neck stands up and when he turns around, Riley is standing there wearing a worn-in sweatshirt. Colin grins at the writing on it and would have to agree, Riley iswicked. This boy stole his heart many years ago, and he’s now standing here ten feet away. He looks healthy. His eyes are no longer darkened with sadness and hunger. Riley’s crooked smile is not his stage smile. It’s genuine.
“Riley,” Colin smiles back and takes a step forward while proceeding with caution.
“What are you doing here?” Riley asks with narrowed eyes and a grin.
Colin swallows.
“I wanted to see you. I’m sorry if this is awkward. I can go. I should go.”
Colin’s smile fades into concern as he starts to turn toward the door.
“Jesus. Come here.”
Riley encloses the distance between them.
“I wanted to see you too,” he whispers before reaching up and hugging Colin and burying his nose in the crevasse of his neck. Dammit, he still smells of witchcraft.
“You look well.”
“Thanks. It hasn’t been easy but I’m trying.”
