Page 40 of Curtain Call
“I know what you can give him that won’t cost you anything,” she says with a wink and glancing down at his lap.
“Stop, I am not giving himthat.”
Colin would totally give Rileythat. He has been wanting to give Rileythatfor years. Sometimes it’s the only thing he thinks about. Especially when daydreaming during intimate personal times. He even has a gentleman’s ‘assistant’ he’s named Riley. Never has Colin had someone fill his thoughts the way Riley does.
The house lights flash again giving a five-minute warning.
Breaking up Colin’s thoughts, a woman in a sparkling silver evening gown comes out on stage. As she walks up to the microphone, her gown sweeps the floor. Colin’s not sure who she is, but she must be someone of importance as the audience applauds her.
“Good evening, ladies, and gentlemen. Tonight, I am proud and honored to introduce a very special performance to help kick off our Boston Pops Holiday Celebration.” More applause. “But,” the announcer makes a dramatic pause, “I don’t want to give too much away because there are some friends of mine who can do a much better job introducing our opening act. So, without further ado, please give a warm holiday welcome, straight off their Broadway tour with Wicked, Jax Montgomery, and Riley Cooper.”
Walking out on the stage, Jax and Riley both wave in unison to the applause of the crowd. Both displaying their stage smiles and, holy shit, Colin was not expecting this. Riley looked handsome in his own black suit, except unlike Colin, Riley was wearing his green scarf. Now Colin understands the flashiness of Jax’s jacket, but with them, it’s hard to tell because Jax can be a bit eccentric.
“Thank you, everyone,” Jax begins. “It’s our honor to be up here tonight to introduce the children’s performance.”
Riley continues, “Over the past few weeks, these kids have put their heart and soul into each rehearsal, and it has been a pure joy working with them.”
“It has been a pleasure to discover the many hidden talents of our youth,” that was Jax.
“Like them,” Riley is speaking now, “I started my journey in the arts when I was around their age at a little theater in Rockport called The Rockport Review Theater.”
Colin’s mouth dropped. Literally. The theater was mentioned to this large crowd of people. People who may not have known the little theater even existed.Histheater.
Riley continues, “This little theater gives children, like them, a safe space to be creative without judgment. It is a space that lets children shine. Not only is it a movie theater, but it’s also a performance space.”
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Jax picks up on Riley’s cue when he hears his voice emotionally crack, “it is with a heavy heart that this little theater is in trouble. Like so many other small businesses due to the pandemic, it’s struggling.”
What are they doing? Colin’s insides twist, and he isn’t sure if he is embarrassed that the whole city knows his business is in trouble, mad that they did this without his knowledge, or proud that they care enough to try and help. Riley takes over, composed and standing a little taller.
“So, this holiday season, we are asking Santa, and you, for a little help. A Christmas wish that we hope turns into a Christmas miracle. We are hosting a silent auction that will be running for the next ten days leading up to Christmas Eve.”
“We have artifacts from some of your favorite Broadway musicals on display in the lobby,” Jax beams and is smiling ear to ear at Mac. “During intermission and after tonight’s performances, please walk around and place your bids as all proceeds will go to the Rockport Review Theater.”
Riley interrupts, “Also, a donation page has been set up online under Rockport Review for those who are willing and able to make a small donation. Or, you can check out their Christmas musical, Grinch, starting next week. Tickets are available online, or at the box office. Information for both is located on the back of your program.”
Colin still can’t believe it and turns his program over to seeSave Rockport Theaterin bold letters. They even took out an ad in the program.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Jax steps forward, “thank you for allowing us the moment to save the arts in Rockport. Maestro –“
The music starts and Jax removes his gold coat, lays it across the stool that was preset on stage, and walks up and puts his arm around Riley’s waist before kissing him on the cheek.
“Sing with me?” Jax asks Riley.
“Of course. We didn’t rehearse this for nothing,” Riley jokes and the audience laughs along with them.
A tear drops from Colin’s eye. Speechless. Mac reaches over and puts her arms around his neck and gives him a squeeze.
“You know he loves you, right?”
He has never wanted anyone more than he is wanting Riley right now. In this moment.
“The feelings mutual,” he whispered.
“I know, babe.”
Colin realizes at this moment, all the concerns about Riley’s health weren’t just him being a friend, he genuinely cared about him and not just in a platonic way. He needed to show Riley in a big way. If there were any doubts before this moment, they are gone.
On stage, Jax and Riley are commanding the stage in their unique rendition of Baby It’s Cold Outside. Flirty. Sexy. Fun. Colin, just like in the past, can’t take his eyes off of Riley. He was born to be on stage and couldn’t wait to see him on Broadway after he nails his audition.
