Page 53 of Saved By the Pitcher

James was even more shocked when the crowd rose to give him a standing ovation. Billy was nudging him to rise from his seat, and James realized his legs were moving on automatic pilot. The occasional slap on his back from audience members as he passed them reminded him that this was, indeed, reality. His actor instincts kicked in as he reached the podium. He kissed the presenter on the cheek and took the statue from her before looking out to the audience. Billy was pumping his fist in the air and smiling so broadly that James feared he’d pull a jaw muscle.

Once the crowd settled down and was seated, James struggled to remember the speech he had rehearsed over and over on the remote chance he won. But try as he might, it was gone, like any comprehension of how this moment had occurred.

“Uh, I’ve forgotten everything I wanted to say,” James admitted, eliciting polite laughter from the spectators. “I am so shocked to have won. Of course, I’d like to thank the amazing cast and crew of the show. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be surrounded by their talent and kindness every day.” There was clapping from the audience. “Thanks to our amazing director, the people who do all the stuff that never gets recognized in support of the show and, of course, the fans who brought their love and energy.”

James caught his breath, listening to more applause. He thought what he would say next might bring tears, and it did. “I know my life has been a news topic of late. I want people to know that I’m sorry about my father’s actions and, even more so, I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to stop him from hurting others. I have excuses, but when all is said and done, I let the fear I had for myself and for the people I love stop me from speaking out.” James now felt so many tears that he knew his face was wet. “I should have trusted people who offered support. I’d like to extend a special thanks to those who helped me get to this place despite my stubbornness. My good friend and castmate, Emily Hunt.” There was applause from the audience for the noted actress. “My brother, Billy. He helped me survive everything, has always been my best friend and has always had my back. I love you and your beautiful girlfriend, Nadia.” James glanced to the audience. Billy was wiping tears away, too. He reset his eyes on the trophy to compose himself. “And the person I owe most is Mike Cooper.” The audience clapped some more, recognizing from the news stories that Mike was the one who had set the senator’s trap and that he had been in a brief relationship with James.

“He was my hero when I was eighteen, and he’s my hero now.” James waited for the clapping to stop. “And so are the others who helped Mike that I won’t name for their safety. Just know I appreciate you. You cared about me even though I didn’t deserve it.” James sucked in a sob, then looked out at the audience, smiling with some embarrassment. “All this has taught me to trust others and believe in myself more. I hope to use my art, my voice and my means to help bring greater justice, kindness and assistance to those who aren’t as fortunate as me.” James raised the trophy triumphantly, shooting an expression of gratitude to the audience. “This means so much. Thank you!”

He didn’t remember being whisked away by the presenter or the emotional reception to his speech from the audience. Before he knew it, he was in the press room with his eyes adjusting to multiple flashes and his ears being bombarded by the many questions being hurled his way. James hoped he had handled everything better than the mess he felt he was.

After the program was over, James and Billy attended a post-ceremony party and danced together and with other celebrators to all the fast numbers, not caring if they drew attention or looked like fools. Breaks from dancing were filled with notable and not-so-notable actors and technicians congratulating James on his victory.

When James spotted Emily Hunt, who had won featured actress in a musical, he rushed to hug her. “Emily, I was so glad when you won!”

She smiled in return. “I was happy when they said your name, too. I’m just sorry your award was given right before the best musical was named. You were with the press when they announced our show’s victory. You should have been on the stage with the rest of us!”

“It’s okay. I can’t believe this night,” James gushed. “I was sure I would come in last with votes. How could people vote for me?”

Emily grabbed his face with both of her hands. “First off, because you deserved it for your amazing performances every day. And James, don’t you get it? You think people blame you for your father’s actions? You’re his son. They understand you can’t just hate him. And they learned you did speak out once, and look what he did to you. They saw the sacrifices you made to protect people around you while still fighting his actions, in a more nuanced way, like starring in a show that repudiates the behaviors of people like him. James, you think you’re weak, but everyone I talk to thinks you’re strong. You’re becoming a bit of an urban legend.”

James laughed. “I don’t deserve to be. Emily, thank you for everything you did to help me. I am glad I opened up to you.”

Emily kissed him. “Me too. And thank you for the call-out during your speech. I’m also glad you said you can trust others now. There are lots of people who want to be there for you, James. You don’t have to be alone anymore.” He nodded and hugged her. A slow-dance number started. “Come on. Let’s dance. Unless you wanted to dance with your brother some more?”

James chuckled. “I love him a ton, but I don’t slow dance with him.”

As he and Emily swayed around the ballroom, James noticed a troubled look on Billy’s face as he watched from the side. When the song was over, he kissed Emily’s cheek and thanked her. She ran to other cast members for an embrace and more talk about the awards.

James approached Billy with a questioning expression.

“She’s not the one,” Billy murmured.

“What?”

“She’s lovely. And I’ll always appreciate what she did for us,” Billy explained. “But she’s not the one for you. Mike is.”

“Billy…”

Billy clapped a hand on James’ shoulder to silence him. “The danger is over. Father is gone. And even he gave you his half-assed blessing to do what’s best for you. Mike is what’s best for you. He’s the one who made you the happiest. You said it yourself earlier—he’ll always be your hero. Call him. It’s time.”

James felt the same warmth and dizziness he had experienced upon hearing his name called at the award ceremony. “After what I said to him, what if he doesn’t want me anymore?”

Billy hugged James and whispered in his ear. “Be strong enough to be vulnerable. He has his pride, too. You dumped him—it’s on you to ask for another chance. If you do, I bet he’ll say yes.”

* * * *

It was three in the morning when James arrived back at his apartment, a little tipsy from the generous amount of alcohol that was offered to him at the post-event party. He removed his tux jacket, undid the bowtie then plopped in front of the computer. Once logged on, he started reading the news articles about his win and his ‘emotional’ speech. James was wary of reading the comments. He didn’t want to ruin the high he was experiencing.

James switched to his chat application. He had missed many messages and well-wishes from friends and acquaintances. He scanned the list, disappointed that there wasn’t one from Mike. He did notice, however, that Mike was one of his ‘Facebook friends’ that was displaying as ‘online.’

James debated messaging Mike, considering the early morning hour. Nevertheless, if Mike was online, it wasn’t like he’d be waking him. Maybe it was the liquor, maybe it was Billy’s prodding, but James found himself typing the question ‘you up?’

There was an uncomfortable pause, and James began to regret his action. Then he saw the ellipses displaying, showing Mike was typing a response.

After a moment, the words ‘Yes. I was just reading all the news stories about you. I lost track of time’ displayed.

“Would you be willing to video chat with me?” James asked through the keyboard.