Reaching across the table, I give a very undignified huff of annoyance. And then Talon’s hand catches mine.
“Iinvitedyou, Zeke. Lunch is on me.Please.”
“But I ate most of yours,” I argue.
“I was hoping you would,” he says softly. “I worry about you.”
I wish I could tell him there’s no need to worry about me, but there’s no way my mouth will form the words.
I madeit home in time on Christmas to do enough prep so that Derek’s assault didn’t leave me bleeding and curled into a ball like he’s done before. He was in a decent mood, and I worked hard to be agreeable, really selling the performance of enjoying myself. Nothing’s worse than when he doesn’t believe me and accuses me of acting with him. His ego is too fragile, and he lashes out.
Things have been relatively peaceful at home since then, giving me just enough space to breathe a little easier.
Talon hasn’t been at Summit the past few days, and I don’t really feel like I have any right to ask where he’s been via text. I guess his training is over, and no one’s called out sick, so it would make sense that he isn’t there.
A goodbye or a heads-up would have been nice, though.I got used to seeing him…and although the coffee and hot chocolate were nice, it’s his company I miss the most.
The day drags on, but tonight is opening night, and I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t help but wonder if Talon will actually make an appearance. He doesn’t seem like the type to say something and not follow through, but I could also understand if he’s forgotten.
By the time I make my way to the theater, my whole body is buzzing as I channel my character and work on vocal exercises, preparing to project for the crowd. Not even fifteen seconds later, though, my mind has already wandered back to Talon.
What will his reaction be when he finds out the play is aqueer romance about a man who discovers his best friend is gay and shuns him, only to realize his hatred of his friend stemmed from his hatred of himself because he’s not yet come to terms with his own sexuality, and he discovers he’s been in love with his best friend the entire time?
Pulling into the lot, adrenaline is coursing through my veins. It’s time to tune Talon out and focus on becoming Nathaniel Martin.
I’m greeted by the wide smiles of my co-stars as I enter backstage.
“Zeke! You ready for this?” Cordelia asks with a bright smile. She plays the role of my best friend’s little sister. The cast for this show is truly great, and I wish I had more freedom in my life to get to know them. We talk some at rehearsals, but it’s mostly scene-related stuff.
I know several of the actors and actresses are good friends outside of these walls, a couple of them are even dating, but between Summit’s demands on my time, Derek’s demands on my body, and acting’s demands on my mind, I’ve really got nothing left to offer these people outside of the roles I play.
“So ready,” I confirm.
“Oh, by the way, Sherry told me there was a delivery for you at the front desk. I grabbed it and put it on your vanity,” Cordelia adds before moving down the hall.
For the briefest of seconds, I wonder if Derek’s recent change of heart and uptick in his mood has led to him actually giving a shit about this part of my life.
Until I see the card sitting on top of a coffee cup.
Zeke,
I already know you’re going to do great, but I wanted to tell you to ‘break a leg’ before theshow. Hope it’s still warm. Can’t wait to see you in action tonight.
-Talon
How…?When…? I have so many questions, but at least he answered one. Talon will be here. Perhaps that should make me even more nervous, but oddly, it calms my anxiety, and I begin going through the motions of getting ready for my performance while sipping my coffee, smiling at the flavor. Two creams, one sugar, just how I like it.
Chapter 11
Talon
I’m full of restless energy. I haven’t seen Zeke in a few days. Administration duties demanded that I come down from Summit to tend to my actual job as the owner of Ricochet Ridge, and I was too afraid to send a text in case Derek found it. I thought about calling the restaurant and asking to speak to Zeke, but then I thought that would look suspicious as well.
Although maintaining my silence has been hard as fuck.
Finally, today, I was able to reach out when I located a coffee shop near the theater and asked them to write a quick note and make a delivery. I would have done it myself, but I’m picking my sister up from the airport. Summit’s schedule said Zeke was off at three today, and I’m assuming it’s so he can be at the theater, so I really hope my timing was close. Nothing’s worse than coffee that’s supposed to be hot, but has turned cold.
It doesn’t take any time to spot Eloise once she steps outside the small airport. I’m out of the SUV in a flash, wrapping her in myarms.
