Page 19 of Curtain Call
After the tree is placed in the corner, along with a few brown paper bags filled with new decorations containing ribbons, various ornaments, and garlands, Colin tosses his gloves on the concession stand counter.
“I’m going to use the bathroom and wash up before we start on the decorations,” Riley mentions before heading into the men’s restroom down a small hallway next to the concession counter.
“So, a real tree, huh?” Mac says with a softness in her tone.
“And?”
“Nothing,” Mac concedes as she throws her hands up in defeat.
“It’s our first Christmas together since he left for New York, and our first one as a couple.”
“Are you a couple though?”
That hit Colin in the chest cavity harder than it should. They kissed. They have been showing a lot of sweet gestures toward each other. They haven’t really labeled it but clearly, Riley likes Colin just as much. Riley resurfaces from the restroom and Mac calls out to him from the other side of the lobby.
“Hey Riley, my friend Colin thinks your cute and wants to know if you’ll be his boyfriend?” She can’t contain her laughter.
“Jesus, Mac,” Colin pushes her, and she loses her balance stumbling a few feet only to intensify her laughing.
“I don’t know,” Riley replies with his hand on his chin, “should I check yes, or no?”
“Mac, you’re going to pee yourself, and Riley, don’t encourage her,” Colin begs.
“This is fun,” Mac walks over to Riley’s side of the lobby, “encourage me.”
Colin leans against the concession stand and crosses his arms simply not amused since he is the butt of this joke.
“He did get a real tree for me,” Riley pretends to make a list of pros and cons.
“Don’t forget the wreaths,” Mac added.
“Technically I bought those so that doesn’t count.”
They both look over at a sour-faced Colin and laugh. Just like old times.
“When you two are finished, Mac, there is a stage needing you, and Riley, you can help me get a box of lights and décor from my office.”
“Nobody wants that crap in your office,” Mac calls out before making her way into the main auditorium. “Later boys. Thanks again for my lunch.”
“Wow, the office has really changed since I was last here.”
The office Riley remembered was filled with filing cabinets, stacks of film reels, and papers that have been around since the theater opened. It was always cluttered with stuff and the only time they ever entered was when Colin’s parents asked him to get something. Usually, they would bypass the office on the way to the balcony where the films were set up. Now everything is digital.
This new space is more sophisticated and clutter-free. An antique console table housed a couple of plants, books, and a few picture frames of Colin’s family. On the wall is a single musical poster and framed Playbill. Wicked. Riley’s heart skipped a beat.
“When did you see this?” Riley asks while motioning to the wall.
“Right after Mac told me you landed the understudy role.”
Colin’s eyes gleamed wet. Proud.
“Mac and I went to New York to see it on Broadway. I knew you weren’t in that particular show, but it helped me feel close to you.”
Riley stood speechless and at that moment he was flooded with emotions and had never loved Colin more. He needed to change the subject and noticed the picture on the edge of the desk. He picked it up knocking the green piece of paper onto the floor.
“I can’t believe you still have this picture of us,” Riley mentions.
He stood admiring the way the three of them were there in the frame. He rubs his thumb along the raw edge of the gold frame. When he sets the frame down, he bends over and picks up the piece of paper that hit the floor.
