Seated in the front center row, he had a perfect view, and when the cast began the play, Benson’s eyes couldn’t get enough of the leading man.
At least until he saw someone else on that stage, someone that outshined the leading man, who was tall, blond, and so very beautiful, any time he was on the stage, Benson didn’t see the rest.
His eyes locked onto the man, watching his every move, listening to his every line just to hear the gentle rolling cadenceof his voice. The way his one brow rose when he was making a joke, or the way his eyes narrowed as he waited for the response.
Joyce twice tried to get his attention, but Benson ignored her as he sat captive to the actor. When the play ended, he was the first one to his feet as the cast lined up in front of the red curtain to take a bow, and others followed suit.
When it was over and everyone filed down the aisles to leave the auditorium, Joyce moved her arm into Benson’s and they moved to the lobby, where drinks were served. The actors soon came from backstage to more roaring applause.
“What was that about?” Joyce asked him. “You looked like you were riveted to the play, and it was good, sure, but that good?”
“Not the play, Joyce. Not the play,” he said as he saw the actor milling around in the crowd, though he wasn’t really speaking to anyone.
“Him? I thought you liked the lead! The director is bringing him over for an introduction.”
“Have a nice time,” he said distractedly. He took his program from the inner pocket of his suit coat and quickly found the actor’s name.
Luka Mann.
Suddenly nervous, he watched Luka for a while, saw the steely eyes, the way his jaw popped as he clenched it, and wondered why, after such a wonderful performance, he didn’t seem happy.
Approaching him, Benson felt like a teenager speaking to his crush for the first time. The words wouldn’t come, the palms were sweaty, and he felt like he’d shake apart.
That was all fine, however, as he had waited too long, it seemed. Luka turned on his heel and hurried out of the lobby, out the front doors, and was gone like a flame in a breeze.
Joyce sidled up beside him and whispered, “Oh. It was that one. Well, want to meet the lead you were so enchanted by earlier?”
“Sure. I want to find out about Mr. Mann.”
Chapter Two
Withthecontractpending,Benson had little time to find and court Luka. Joyce said that she’d find out what she could, but she couldn’t find more than the lead in the play told them that night.
Luka didn’t interact with the rest of the cast past the work on stage.
He was a recluse as far as the rest of the cast was concerned. Joyce said he wasn’t, however. The other thing she found out from the director was that he was on the lookout for a better part, a bigger part, and with his skill he’d get it.
His personality was another thing altogether, however. Few liked him. He didn’t go out for drinks, didn’t flirt, or even make friends. He was single-mindedly an actor, looking for the perfect part for him.
But with his business, he was too busy to search for him. At least at first.
Once the contract was in place and the money set to roll in, he had a little time, and he told Joyce to handle things for a couple of weeks.
“Where the hell are you going?”
“Walking down the street of dreams.”
As she smirked hard at him, Benson kissed her cheek and said, “See you soon, I’m sure.”
“Don’t do anything that will reflect poorly on the company but have some fun.”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Don’t call me that,” she gritted and then laughed.
First, he had lunch with an old friend from college. He was the head of the drama department at NYU. “Ben, what the hell? I heard you’re like a gazillionaire now.”
They sat at a quiet table in one of the newer, chic restaurants, and after the waiter took their drink order, he confessed, “Not that much, but we’re getting there. And you? Head of the department?”
