“I’ll go check,” Joshua muttered, but as he turned, the door opened, and Colin entered, several newspapers under his arm.
“I want everyone’s attention,” he announced, then lifted the paper and read:
“Nate Gardener-Reese, the highly-respected professor of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Virginia, has presented a play guaranteed to enthrall his audience from the first scene to the last.Autumn’s Prideis a compelling story of connection, redemption, and unforeseen events that forever alter our lives.
“Almost against my will, I found myself rooting for the vain and arrogant Blair Edwards as he moved from obstinate selfishness to humility and finally to heart-felt love. The young cast acquitted themselves with professionalism and poise. Kory Holder’s fearless portrait of a man whose life journey takes him from self-righteous conceit to gratitude and love is an extraordinary piece of acting.
“Gardener-Reese, a relative newcomer to the Broadway stage, has created an inspirational masterpiece inAutumn’s Pride, and I hope this will not be the young playwright’s last offering.
“Producer Ursula Rugby is once again knocking on the door of a Tony award, as is playwright Gardener-Reese. Congratulations to all involved on a superb debut performance.”
Laughing joyfully, David wrapped Nate in his arms while the rest of the group applauded and cheered their congratulations. When the noise subsided, Colin offered the newspaper to Nate, who was wiping away tears. “Here, rabble-rouser,” he said, shoving the tabloid into Nate’s hands. “Now stop moping. You’re a hit. The rest of the reviews say pretty much the same thing.”
Nate moved to his side and hugged him tight. “Thank you, Irish,” he whispered, his voice trembling.
Colin nodded. “You’re welcome.” He released Nate and collapsed onto the couch beside Joshua, who took his hand. Colin’s face was pale, and to Joshua’s experienced eye, he seemed exhausted.
“You OK?” Joshua asked him.
Colin shrugged. “I suppose.” He glanced at Nate, who was grinning from ear to ear as Jeff read aloud from the reviews. “I’m glad he’s getting his triumphant moment,” he muttered to Joshua. “But he’s contractually bound to this production for another six weeks, and my guess is, those vultures aren’t prepared to give him an easy win. Especially Tanner. He’s pissed because Nate refused to partner with him, and he wants payback.”
“Not to mention a share of the profits,” Joshua added.
“Nate’s gonna have a bad time.”
“Nate’s tough, and he’s no dummy. He’ll handle it.”
“Will he?” Colin muttered, then winced and shook himself. “I’m gonna go hunt up some aspirin.”
“Honey, are you sure you’re OK?”
Colin gave him a small smile. “I’m only OK when I’m home with you.”
Joshua leaned forward until his forehead pressed against Colin’s cheek. “You said that home is wherever I am,” he whispered. “And I’m right here beside you.”
“That’s true, my love. But it’s also true that I’ve had enough of New York, right to the marrow of my bones.” He blew out a breath and leaned back. “I need a minute.” He rose, grabbed a beer, and wandered to their bedroom, closing the door behind him.
Nate followed Colin with his eyes, then moved to sit beside Joshua. “Is he OK?”
“He’s tired and stressed out.”
“Why?”
Joshua smiled at him. “Well, why do youthink, Nate? Because he loves you! He’s concerned about you being alone here for six weeks with a predatory asshole like Tanner, who’ll use every devious tactic he knows to wrest control ofAutumn’s Prideaway from you. Especially now when it looks to be a huge hit!”
“I can handle him.”
“I doubt you’ll convinceColinof that. Nate, you know him. You know how he is. Seeing someone he loves in a threatening situation, knowing he can’t protect them…” Joshua shrugged. “That’s upsetting to him. And... it’s not just that,” he added, his eyes turning to the closed bedroom door. “He’s justdone. He’s done with New York and the whole big-city vibe. He wants to go home.”
“He’s not the only one,” Nate replied, getting to his feet. “Thanks, Josh.” He tapped the closed bedroom door, then pushed it open. “Colin?”
“Come on in, buddy.”
Colin was sitting on the bed, and Nate moved to join him. “Josh says you’re worried about me. Isn’t thathisjob?”
Colin snickered and used the beer bottle to indicate himself. “Josh worries aboutme,” he said. “That leaves me free to worry about everything else.”
“Colin, I can handle these people. Fortunately, they’re not that bright, and it’s only six weeks.”
