Page 67 of Curtain Call
Walking out on stage, thereheis. Riley is wearing his new camouflage outfit looking like a real war hero from his head down to his chunky black boots. He has fought through battles nobody knows about to get to this place right now. He had to fight his way back to that center-stage position. He had to work hard, put in the hours, and sacrifice so much, but there he is. In the flesh and looking great. His body is fit and toned, and damn, he looks good in camo.
“Fuck, he looks hot,” Mac leans over and whispers to Colin.
“New fantasy unlocked,” he grins and whispers back.
In the theater, three rows from the stage sit Colin, Mac, and Jax. They couldn’t be prouder of the man standing on the stage right now. His confidence is strong without seeming cocky. He smiles through the applause as he lifts his wireless microphone to his mouth to speak.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” Riley begins by addressing the patrons of the arts. “The arts have played an important part in my life for many years. It has given me a chance to express myself in various ways. It helped me come out of my shell and develop friendships I never knew would be possible,” he’s looking at Jax with a smile. “The skills learned from being in the arts transcend across so many fields that require creativity. A year ago, this little theater was in danger, and we asked for the community’s help in saving it. With the generous amount of support, not only were we able to save the theater, but we were also able to renovate the backstage dressing rooms, and start our own musical theater school housed right here at the Rockport Review Theater.”
The crowd is cheering loudly. Riley puts his microphone down to his side and holds the back of his hand up to his mouth fighting back his emotions.
“I am Riley Cooper, the director of the Rockport Review Theater Company, and from the bottom of my heart, and from the owner of this theater, Colin Caflisch, we thank you. So, without further ado, welcome to our first annual Christmas musical –White Christmas.”
Riley makes his way down the left stage stairs, sidesteps his way down the row, and sits in the empty seat next to Colin. Mac leans forward to look at Riley and offers a little wink of approval.
“The set is phenomenal, Mac,” Riley whispers.
The lighting Colin worked out with their technicians, along with fog machines, really brings Mac’s set to life.
“Best one yet,” Colin adds.
“It helps to have a little bit of a budget,” she raises her brows at them before sitting back in her seat to enjoy all their hard work.
Colin puts his arm around Riley, and Riley is happy to fold himself into Colin’s side while observing his class on stage. It’s opening night, and he feels like he should be backstage with the cast, but his assistant encouraged him to watch from the front of the house to give suggestions for improvements while she attended to things from the back. He agreed as long as she texts him with any issues during the performance.
The house lights come on for intermission and Riley stands to go check on his troupe. Colin stands to let him by.
“Everything, OK?” Mac asks him.
“He just wants to check in and give a few words of encouragement.”
“The show is, for a lack of better words, amazing,” Jax adds to the conversation. “He is a damn fine protégé.”
“I need to check in with my mom. She’s watching Liz, and although she is a doting grandmother, Lizzy can be a bit much,” Mac turns to walk away.
She can be a lot much,” Jax jokes.
“She’s an infant, Mac,” Colin calls out, “she’s gonna be fine. All she’s probably doing is sleeping, or pooping.”
“Sounds about right,” Jax adds. “I never thought in a million years I would be a parent.”
“I never thought in a million years Mac would be one either. But here you two are crushing it.”
“It’s pretty great.”
Riley squeezes past Jax, giving them a little hug from behind before taking his place next to Colin.
“Everything OK?”
“I couldn’t be prouder of them,” Riley says gleaming as Mac rejoins the group too.
“Munchkin OK?” Colin asks.
“Sleeping.”
Colin doesn’t say anything and just hides his smile behind his hand.
“Jerk,” she says while flipping him the middle finger.
