GRAND OPENING – THE STARLIGHT THEATER
“What thing?” I ask.
“Staring off into space.”
I look down at the clipboard. “Just making sure I didn’t forget anything.”
Henry climbs down from the ladder and leans it against the wall.
“How many times have you checked the list?” he asks.
“Twice,” I reply.
“Okay, Santa Claus,” Henry laughs.
“Relax, the place looks incredible,” he assures.
He isn’t wrong. Everything is finished. By every logical measure, the theater is ready.
So why do I feel like my stomach is tied in knots?
Henry watches me for a moment. “You’re nervous.”
“I’m not nervous.”
He just chuckles to himself.
“Opening a business is a big deal,” I defend.
“Opening the town’s favorite theater after it’s been closed for year is an even bigger deal,” Henry says.
“Thanks for the added pressure,” I say, chuckling to myself.
Henry claps me on the shoulder. “You brought it back,” he says simply.
“That’s the easy part.”
“The easy part?” he asks.
“Now we see if people will show up,” I say.
Henry gestures toward the street outside. “This town has been talking ’bout the opening for months. If anything, you might run out of seats.”
“Let’s hope that’s a good problem to have.”
Henry checks his watch. “You headed to the airport soon?”
“Yeah.”
Riley’s flight lands in about an hour.
Henry grins. “Your partner in crime finally making an appearance?”
“He said he wouldn’t miss it.”
“Smart man, good friend,” Henry says.
I glance at the checklist one last time. Everything really is done.
