Page 34 of Curtain Call
“Mac,” he tells her looking into her eyes, “I do have it under control.”
Riley didn’t have it under control but if Mac brought it up, and Colin’s noticed too, then he needed to get this in check before it spiraled downward again. But the role he is auditioning for is crossdresser wearing evening gowns for the show-stopping number. He can’t be a fat guy in sequins. He would look like a damn disco ball. He needed to find the right balance.
“Just take care of yourself. We love you very much.”
“I will. Promise.”
He holds out his pinky and Mac grabs it with hers.
“You better or I’ll shove a fuckin’ cheeseburger down your throat.”
They both laugh but Riley knows Mac isn’t joking.
“I need to run to another job site. Meet up later for lunch?”
“Sounds good. I’ll check in with you after I wrap things up at home.”
Riley gives Mac a hug and goes back to the bedroom to grab his phone after making his side of the bed. His side? Did he have a side? And if he did, was he sleeping on the correct side of the bed? Maybe that was the side Colin preferred. He looks around the space and wonders what it would be like to live here with Colin. Wake up every morning next to him. Cuddle all night and make love to him. Wreck the sheets that Riley just smoothed out. A knot forms in Riley’s gut.
Riley couldn’t spin this in his head anymore and needed to do something with this energy. He needed to call Jax. He needed to get back to his life and routine in New York. He feels a pain in his chest and knows that he needs to do something. Riley settles on heading home to change into his workout clothes and go for a run.
A run always gives him clarity.
Scene 13
Setting: Review Theater
Rockport, Massachusetts
Colin
Colin finished unloading the final boxes for the concession stand order when his phone buzzes. His grin disappears when he swipes up on the video call after seeing Mac’s photo looking back at him.
“How did it go?” Mac asks on the other end.
“The delivery?”
“No, dumbass, the meeting with the investor.”
“Oh, promising, I think. I should hear something in a few days.”
“Wait. You really had a delivery?”
“Yeah, after my meeting.”
“Riley didn’t know about the meeting, did he?”
“Huh?”
“Anyway, someone had a sleepover last night,” Mac teases.
“How did you,” Colin stops the question. They must have talked when she stopped by his place this morning. Of course. Why wouldn’t they? They’re friends.
“We had a lovely conversation this morning when I picked up my tool belt. He loves the kitchen renovations,” she tells him while looking at him through her screen with wide eyes.
“I knew he would.”
“Did you know he liked farmhouse sinks?”
