Page 24 of Curtain Call
“My friends and the people of this town act like I’m a star but the truth is I never even came close, and no one has the guts to tell me that I may not be good enough. Sure it would be nice to be a star but I’m not -”
Colin interrupts with brows arching inward, “Are you paraphrasing Cassie from A Chorus Line?”
“Maybeeeee - but It’s the truth. Wait, how do you know –“
“We watched it a hundred times in high school. If it wasn’t Rent, it would have been A Chorus Line. You were so afraid to even go to New York because of that musical,” Colin stands to meet Riley’s gaze. “Follow me.”
Colin grabs Riley by the hand, leads him to the side stairs, up to the stage, through the construction mess, and stops at the piano. The touch of Riley’s hand sends electrical currents through Colin. He wishes he could send this same energy back to him.
Colin pulls out the bench and sits at the baby grand piano while Riley leans against it propping himself on his elbows. He starts to play and Riley instantly knows the tune. It was a song they sang together a lot growing up.
“I think you know it,” Colin smiles up at Riley referencing the song before he begins to sing -
“I’ve heard it said,
that people come into our lives,
for a reason,
bringing something we must learn…”
After the first few chords are played, memories flood Riley’s brain. A time of sitting in Colin’s bedroom on his bed while Colin played his keyboard and Riley would sing this same song. It was their song. It was about friendship.
Riley walks around the piano and slides next to Colin on the bench and puts his head on Colin’s shoulder, briefly, before sitting up to sing his part of the duet,For Good, from the musical he’s in.
“…so much of me,
is made of what I learned from you
you’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart.”
The song is about being there and learning from each other, but it’s also about growth and being separated because life is taking them in different directions. Riley loves the song, but at the same time it jabs a dagger through his chest cavity thinking that if he takes this audition, it could be the end of him and Colin. For good.
Riley gets up and walks across the stage when the song finishes. Tears filled his eyes and he didn’t want Colin to see him cry. He knew that this was all too good to be true, but he can’t give up what he’s worked for either. Colin wouldn’t want him to.
Colin steps up behind Riley and puts his arms through his, placing his chest against Riley’s back, his arms across Riley’s torso, chin on his shoulder.
“You’re an amazing performer and this role is just another way to showcase your talent, and I will be there opening night to cheer you on, with a dozen roses.”
Colin holds Riley for a minute. Colin could hold Riley like this for the rest of time and be happy, but Riley needs more than a few hugs. He needs the spotlight, and he should have the spotlight. He has a talent that should be shared with the world.
Colin loosens his hold and turns Riley toward him. He takes his two thumbs and wipes the wetness under Riley’s eyes, cups his face in his hands, and presses his lips against Riley’s. He can taste the saltiness from his tears.
“I’m here for you,” Colin tells Riley. “Always.”
“I know.”
Riley goes in for another kiss. This one is gentle. His palm rests on the back of Colin’s head. His lips trap Colin’s bottom lip only to tease it with his tongue before the timing couldn’t have been more off for Mac.
“Oh, I love a good show,” she jokes while tossing her coat on some of the chairs. “I hope you didn’t mess up my set.”
“All PG,” Riley says when he pulls away from Colin.
“Well, that’s no fun,” she winks at Riley.
“You’re telling me. I’ve been trying to deflower this one for years,” Riley slaps Colin on the shoulder.
Mac laughs so hard she snorts.
