“We’ll be there,” Colin replied and heard the phone go dead. He pressed his lips together and stared across their backyard, his phone clutched tight in his hand. “Damn,” he breathed out.
A soft voice behind him made him startle and turn.
“What’s wrong, babe?”
“Jeez, Josh, I didn’t know you were up. Here, baby. Sit by me.” He caught Joshua’s hand and pulled him to the step next to him. “Nothing’s wrong. Well, nothing… real.”
“What’s wrong that’s not real?”
Colin heaved a sigh and shook his phone. “Just talked to David, and I gather that Nate leaves Friday for a six- to eight-week stint in New York.”
“Wow!” Joshua linked his arm through Colin’s. “So soon?”
“Evidently,” Colin growled. He sighed again and shook his head.
“OK. That’s two huge sighs since I sat down. What’s going on?”
“David’s all nervous about Nate going. He said Nate did a Zoom meeting with the director and producer and…” He shot a sidelong glance at his husband.
“And what?”
“And two things. One: the director was all over Nate. David said he almost came through the screen at him. And two: he’s young and hot as fuck.”
“Pfft!” Joshua breathed out, dismissing David’s worries. “Nate’s around hot as fuck guys all the time. He doesn’t even notice them. David’s being all Jewish about this.”
“Worrying for nothing?” Colin said with a quick grin.
“Exactly.”
Colin gave a halfhearted shrug. “I hope to hell you’re right.”
* * *
The Thursday farewelldinner was enjoyable but more melancholy than was usual for the four friends. Once dinner was over, Nate chattered away nonstop about his upcoming visit to New York, excited and eager to face this new challenge.
“I’m already a member of the Dramatists Guild, and they’ve been really helpful. And the entertainment lawyer you found for me, Colin? He was such a big help! I won’t sign the contract until after I meet with the producer and director in New York. But the Dramatists Guild’s legal department will review the production contracts and commission agreements and mark them up for me.” He grinned across the table at Colin. “Thanks again for finding Matt. He was great.”
“I didn’t find him, buddy. Professor Meyer found him. But I’m glad he was able to help you.”
“You guys will come to New York, won’t you? While I’m gone?” He looked from Colin to Josh, then back to Colin.
“Well, we’ll be there for opening night,” Colin assured him.
“I want you to come before then,” Nate insisted. “For a long weekend or something.” He glanced appealingly at Colin. “You will, won’t you?”
“We’ll try, Nate,” Joshua assured him. “Depends on schedules and all, but I don’t see why not.” He glanced sideways at Colin, who rose to his feet and grabbed David’s arm.
“Come with me for a minute,” Colin said, shoving David toward the kitchen. “Some university stuff I want your advice on.”
Nate’s eyes followed them as they moved into the kitchen, his expression perplexed. Then he turned back to Joshua. “What’s up with him? He’s been acting weird since this whole play thing started.”
Joshua smiled. “For heaven’s sake, Nate, what do youthinkis up with him? You mean you don’t have a clue?”
Nate’s eyes widened as he stared at Joshua. “D’you mean he…”
“You’re one of his favorite people on earth, and he will miss the hell out of you.” Joshua squeezed Nate’s hand, then sighed and shook his head. “And—and keep this to yourself…” he cautioned. “Part of him is scared you won’t come back. You’ll be a huge success in New York and end up staying there.”
“Jesus, Josh, I don’t even want to go, let alone stay! The thought of two months away from my home, from David and the girls, from you guys. It’s killing me inside. I spend every day teetering on the verge of tears.” He frowned and leaned closer to Joshua. “And David’s been acting weird too. One minute, he’s happy and excited about this thing, and the next, he goes all silent and broody. It’s driving me nuts, and he won’t talk to me about it.” Nate puffed out an ironic laugh. “Big surprise there.”
