“That’s the new musical based on the T.S. Elliott poem,” Kirk informed me.
“Wow, you know more than I do.”
“I went through my T.S. Elliott phase when I was younger. It’s a show I hope to see at some point.”
“Well, I’ll let you know if it works or not.”
“Carissra, isn’t that one Broadway musical singer inThe Hallow Men?”
“He’s thinking of Ali Stoker,” Carissra said. “But there are a couple of disabled persons within the cast.”
“Gosh, I remember seeing Ali when she didOklahomaat Circle in the Square. Wow, she totally deserved that Tony Award,“ I said.
“Do you know her?” Carissra asked.
“It’s not like that, I’m sure,” Kirk said. “I doubt all Broadway stars know each other.”
“Of course, Kirk is right. I don’t know all the people starring in shows on Broadway, but I know a lot of them. Heck, I’m sure you’ve already run over a few of them in this building,” I joked. “But to answer your question, I do know Ali. We’re not friends, but the Broadway community is pretty small.”
“Well, I hope the show lives up to the hype, and you have fun on your…date,” Kirk said.
“Thanks. Well, Bootsy and I had better get home. It takes a little bit of time and a lot of makeup to get ready for a night at the theater.”
“I’m sure you don’t need that much makeup to look amazing,” Kirk said. “Well, I should probably think about what we’re having for dinner.” He turned and headed back to the kitchen as he finished unpacking the groceries. I left the apartment, kicking the door closed as I headed next door to my apartment.
Chapter 10
Iwalkedintothecoffee shop around the corner from the Al Hirschfeld theater whereThe Hallow Menwas playing with a couple minutes to spare. I ordered a flat white with almond milk and found a corner table where I could watch the comings and goings of the store patrons.
For the tenth time, I checked my watch. Mr. Seegers was now eleven minutes late. I don’t like late people. I get it. We’re all late occasionally. But some people are perpetually late, and they drive me crazy—especially at the theater. I’m sorry, the curtain goes up at 8:00 p.m. on most shows. If you’re there at 8:05, you should not expect to be seated until Act II. The flood of latecomers after the opening number is distracting for everyone. If I ran the world, I’d have television monitors set up in the lobby and let people watch the show from that vantage point until Act II. Sadly, I don’t run the world.
At 7:20, the tinkling sound of the bells above the front door alerted me to someone new. A tallish guy with a rich tan walked in. Even if I hadn’t already seen a picture of Ralph Seegers, I would have known this was him. He wore a midnight blue suit that had a shine to it. His shirt was almost the same shade but was covered in chromis damsel blue polka dots. The shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, showing his hairless chest, which I was pretty sure he had professionally waxed. His face had a five o’clock shadow, but not the type of shadow that happens because people have been working all day. No, it was more the five o’clock shadow that men who manscape regularly cultivate. His dark-brown hair was highlighted by lighter shades on top, so I guessed his colorist was as expensive as his suit.
He scanned the room, found me, and threw on a thousand-watt smile before walking over. I threw on my own fake smile and stood to greet him.
“Erika?” he questioned as if he didn’t already know the answer.
“That’s me,” I said, reaching out my hand to shake his. Instead of shaking my hand, he brought me in for a hug and kissed my cheek.
“Ralph Seegers,” he said when he finally broke away. “It’s nice to meet you. Johnny has told me great things about you.”
“Likewise.”
“Let me get a coffee, and I’ll be back to join you.” Without waiting for a response, he took off his suit jacket and laid it over the back of the chair.
He walked away, and let’s say that watching him walk away was just as enjoyable as watching him from the front. His suit pants left very little to the imagination. I could tell he was one guy who loved doing squats at the gym…and it showed. As if he could tell I was watching him walk away, he glanced back and smiled. I wanted to divert my eyes, but I’d already been caught, so I grinned.
My phone vibrated on the table, so I picked it up and looked. There was a message waiting.
Johnny:So, what do you think of Ralph? I told you he was hot.
I quickly shot back a text.
Erika:He finally got here. And yes, he’s nice to look at. Hopefully, his personality matches.
Johnny:Well, can’t wait to hear how things go. Have fun. And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
Erika:That leaves my options wide open.
