All I'm hoping for is to be able to quote Mandy or Tabitha with an endorsement like, "This show doesn't suck," or "Josh has talent and you should listen to him."
Obviously, my talent for writing music far exceeds my talent for writing quotes.
The aftershow coffeehouse cabaret is slowly filling up when I see the trio come in. Tabitha hasn't been to one of these yet. Before I can even stop myself, I'm making a beeline for her table. My mind is whirring so much I can't even think of what I'm going to say. Okay, take a deep breath.
"Wow."
Wow. That's what I manage to come up with. I'll see myself out.
Tabitha—God bless Tabitha—swoops in to save me from acting like more of an idiot. "Josh, you remember Mandy. This is Angie. Angie, this is Josh, our super talented musical director. He's even writing his own show. He showed me some of it last week, and it has potential. You should take a look at it."
She remembered. That's what she led with too. I feel the heat rise to my face as my heart pounds in my chest. I bite my lip, trying to keep my composure and not stand there grinning like a fool.
"Thanks. I'm still working on it. It's got a ways to go." Why can't I just say thanks and leave it at that? I need to shut up.
"You're off to a solid start. Keep going and let's see where it ends up," Tabitha encourages. She's probably just saying that, but I'll live on that compliment for years.
"Josh!" Zak calls from the front of the room. He's opening the cabaret with his version of "God, I Hate Shakespeare" fromSomething Rotten. We'll be doing that show in two weeks, right after the run ofRock of Ages. Even though we haven't started rehearsals forRottenyet, the cast often likes to tease the upcoming shows.
I turn to go back to the front of the room to take my place at the piano.
Tabitha stops me. "Josh, if there's room …" She motions between the three of them.
Shut the front door.
I nod and try not to jump up and down as I weave my way to the makeshift stage. I see Tabitha exit the room and then return a bit later with some music in her hand. The three of them have their heads bent together, studying it. We're almost through our planned acts. I manage to catch Tabitha's eye, raising my eyebrow in question.
She waves the music back at me and nods.
As they make their way to the front of the room, I introduce the famous trio, like they need any introduction. "Okay, folks, for our last song of the night, we have a very special act. Our very own Tabby Stetson will be singing, along with her fellow Sassy Cats, Mandy Calhoun, and Angie Aliberti. Please give them a warm welcome."
Tabitha hands me the music fromA Chorus Line. I'm familiar with it, as we did the show a few years ago. Even if we hadn't, I'm blessed with the ability to read music and play it pretty much on the spot.
I hope wherever my parents are, they can see me right now. My throat tightens, thinking about them. Sometimes those feelings of missing them catch me off guard and totally overwhelm me.
Like right now.
Still, I need to pull myself into the present and enjoy this fantastic moment as these three stars sing to my accompaniment. Tabitha said something about this being a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
I agree, and I'm going to enjoy the hell out of every single moment.
I'm still living this high when we head back to the dorms. No one is in the mood to wind down just yet. There's also plenty of alcohol flowing. I don't get to kick back and relax nearly as much as I'd like to.
Tonight though, I'm taking full advantage. Tabby must feel the same way, as she's back in the dorms, Mandy and Angie in tow. Everyone's here, including Henderson and Grayson. I spy Leslie across the room, and before I can help myself, I smile at her.
Her return smile is small and hesitant.
I guess I deserve that.
I even think about going to talk to her, but then Tabitha pulls my attention away. They're talking about staying here, and how Tabby is totally unprepared for an Upstate New York winter.
If I'm asked later, I'll say I was drunk, but really it's the courage caused by the adrenaline from the night that's to blame for my next statement. "Okay, well then, we'll put ‘a southern climate’ on our list of needs in order for you to work with me on my show."
Tabitha laughs. "Nice try, Josh. I mean, I'm absolutely going to look at it some more, but don't quote me on anything yet." She takes a sip of her wine. "Wait, Carson Reuben's not here, is he? I mean, otherwise, he'll put out a press release inBackstage Magazinetomorrow, and it'll be set in stone."
Damn, if only I'd thought to invite that guy.
Hands down, this has been one of the best nights of my life. And for some reason, I get the feeling that it's all just getting started.
