Chapter Three
Waiting
Driving to the theatre Saturday,I found a 90’s station and jammed to some boy bands and Britney. Mark never wanted to listen to pop music, so I took advantage of his absence today. I pulled in right next to Erin’s car and hopped out.
It was only about 11, but when I stepped into the back where they were painting, I was handed a beer and paintbrush. I thanked Erin and saw that she wasn’t going to move until I opened my drink. I grimaced but still popped the tab and took a long gulp. I had spent the night with Derek and Mark drinking and playing video games. The beer was helping the dull headache I had. The group let out a small cheer and everyone went back to business.
I looked around. There were only a handful of people here, all old friends. Erin, her husband Justin, Courtney, Brian, and Joe.
“Where’s Stacie?” I asked Erin. She led me over to where they were painting what looked like the Darling’s bedroom.
“Oh, she’s running late. Her car stalled, so I think she’s having Thomas pick her up.”
“Thomas?” That name threw me off. I hadn’t even thought about him in years. I had almost forgotten about him. Erin rolled her eyes and gave me a sly smile.
“Yes Thomas.”
Someone turned on music and I relaxed as everyone got to work painting, building, and rigging the windows that Peter would burst through. I was directed to some paint and a blank wooden board. I zoned out easily with the simplicity of the job. About an hour later the back door opened. I turned and saw Stacie coming, lugging grocery bags.
“I got lunch, come and get it!” She shouted over the music. Erin lowered the stereo and we all stopped working. I wiped my hands on my pants and when I looked back up my heart stopped.
He looked just as I remembered him. Thomas Shane Reynolds. My first boyfriend, my first sexual partner, my first - love. I could feel my face heating up, so I turned away quickly, hoping he hadn’t seen me. Of course, it wouldn’t work that way for me.
“Renee? Is that your purple haired pigtails I see?” He walked over and gave me that smile I remembered all too well.
We had met when I was 16, him 17. Thomas had that easy, relaxed attractiveness. His face was chiseled, complete with chin dimple. His chestnut brown hair was longer now and looked so casually perfect. His hazel eyes were warm and genuine. Realizing I hadn’t spoken yet I forced a smile and moved to hug him.
“Thomas! Wow, how have you been?” He even smelled familiar.We pulled away from each other and he brushed his hair back.
“Good. I don’t ever change. How are you? Enjoying the red-carpet life?” He teased. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.
“Something like that. I hadn’t realized you were still doing this,” I commented, waving around to the the construction around us. He shrugged.
“It’s in my blood.” I motioned for him to come with me while we grabbed lunch with the others. It was true. Both of his parents were in the troupe.
“How are your folks?” I asked. We reached the table Stacie had put all the food on and grabbed a sandwich. She had grabbed some generic subs, little bags of chips, snack cakes, and more beer.
“Meredith and Paul are fine. Ronny got married, had a few kids. They decided to move in with them to be with the grandkids.”
“Really?” I said, in shock. “I didn’t think they’d ever give up the theatre.” He shook his head.
“I think they still participate in a local where they’re at. They live in Florida now,” he shifted. “What about yourself? Any kiddos for you and your man?”
Thankfully, I was chewing, so I had time to think. Did I tell people? Was it too soon? Why was I so embarrassed? I shook my head.
“Nah, I don’t think that’s our thing. He travels so much,” I said lamely, using the excuse I had been using for years.
“I remember once upon a time you were a traveler too,” he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. I blushed. Yeah, you were the reason I did it.
He apologized quickly. “Sorry, I don’t mean to bring up old stuff. So, what brings you back?” He smiled again.
“My niece and nephew are in the show. They are playing the twins in the lost boys tribe,” I boasted.
“Oh nice. Good to see kids getting into the theatre so young.” We tossed our trash and started walking.
“Where do they have you at? I bet you could use some help,” he winked. I rolled my eyes but still gave him a paintbrush to help me.
I picked up my own brush and started showing him what I had been doing before we took our lunch break. As I explained what they wanted, Thomas nodded his head the entire time. He raised his eyebrows and made noises to make sure I knew he was listening. He did it all with a straight face until I asked him to tell me what I said when I was done. He blinked rapidly then cracked a smile.
