“I’m going to ask him. He should at least be invited. If he says no, that’s on him,” Gio says.
I busy myself with my shoes, pretending I don’t know what they’re talking about as my co-star comes over.
“Hey, Zeke,” Gio starts as he approaches. “A few of us are going to grab a drink and a bite to eat at the pub next door. You want to come?”
I do. I really fucking do.
I’m teetering on the edge of my moral compass, begging the needle to tick to the left just a little. Omission is a gray area, and Derek won’t ask any questions if I’m home by midnight.
“Sure,” I hear myself say. “I can’t stay long, but I’d love to come hang out for a few minutes.”
Gio’s face lights up as though I just made his whole day, and warmth fills my chest. It’s like there’s suddenly a sliver of light peering into the dark corners of my life, making me realize that maybe, justmaybe, I can find…dare I say it?
Happiness.
“No shit! Really?” Gio says with a wide smile.
“Yeah. Sounds fun.”
I really don’t expect many people to give a crap about my presence, but a chorus of cheers and various affirmations ring throughthe air at my commitment to tag along, taking the edge off my loneliness.
We finish getting redressed and enter the restaurant next door. It’s busy, but not overly crowded. More than a few theater patrons are here, still dressed nicely for their night out, but the atmosphere really fits everyone.
I follow my group to a table in the back and settle in. At first, it feels awkward as they discuss an inside joke that I’m not a part of, but eventually, conversation turns toward the play, and we begin dissecting our performances, intermittently offering praise and helpful feedback to each other.
About ten minutes later, my phone vibrates in my pocket, making me jump.I thought surely I’d have more time than that.
Pulling it from my pocket, I stare at the now-familiar number on the screen. No name accompanies it, but there’s no need for one. I know who it belongs to.
555-8772
Incredible job tonight. You really shone on that stage.
Me
Thank you for coming. And for the coffee. It was perfect.
555-8772
Just like your performance. I’ll be back at work tomorrow. See you then.
Me
Looking forward to it.
That last lineis dangerously close to flirting, but it’s also a sincere statement. I slide my phone back into my pocket and take a sip of the water placed in front of me.
Not even five minutes after that, I feel someone at my back.
Gio’s eyes widen slightly over my shoulder, and dread fills my whole being.
But it’s not Derek’s hand that lands in the space between my shoulder and neck, squeezing gently.
“Hey, Zeke!” Talon says in the friendliest tone imaginable. “I’m sorry for interrupting, but I just saw you guys sitting over here and wanted to congratulate you in person.” Addressing the rest of the cast, he adds, “All of you did a really amazing job tonight.”
I swear I’m melting, dripping off this chair right onto the floor.
And then I look up at him andholy motherfucking shitballs.
