Page 27 of Saved By the Pitcher

“No wonder Maria said you’re the one for James,” Nadia commented.

“What?” Mike sobered.

Billy shot her a look. “Nadia, you’re not supposed to tell him.”

Nadia shrugged. “Why not? You told James.”

“You told James Maria said that?” Mike asked Billy. “Did he freak out?”

Billy shook his head. “No. Despite his relationship phobia, he didn’t. That’s a good sign, huh?”

Nadia smiled. “She’s never wrong, Mike.”

Mike wasn’t sure how to respond, but as the lights dimmed and the curtain began to rise, he found he wasn’t panicking at the idea of Maria being right. All he could think about was seeing his guy.

* * * *

As the performers were taking their final bows, James blew a kiss to the audience. James had been facing Mike and gazing straight at him, and Mike felt certain the gesture was meant for him. He gave James a heartfelt smile in return. Long after the actors left the stage, Mike was the last one standing and applauding.

“Come on, lover boy.” Nadia nudged Mike, tugging at his elbow.

“We’ll join you backstage for a few minutes,” Billy informed. “Just to say hello. Then we’ll leave you two to each other.”

“Oh, you don’t have to leave,” Mike said, though his tone was disingenuous.

Nadia laughed. “Um, I think we’ll let you perform your life-saving skills in private today.”

“Thanks.” Mike chuckled, but sobered when he saw that Billy was fidgeting and looking worried. “Is everything okay?”

Billy nodded with uncertainty. “Mike, James likes you, but I’m sure he still has apprehension. I worry he’ll do something to sabotage things. It’s like, subconsciously, he can’t help himself. You won’t give up on him, will you? He deserves happiness, and I think you’re the one who can give it to him.”

Mike nodded in response, though he wasn’t sure he exuded confidence. The thought of James pushing him away at some point was too uncomfortable. He hoped Billy’s concerns stemmed from James’ fear of his father, and if Mike could solve that issue, James would relax. But in this moment, after waiting three days to see James, all Mike wanted to think about was seeing his man. “Come on. Let’s tell your brother what an amazing talent he is.”

They walked with their arms around each other to James’ dressing room, finding him already removing his makeup, wearing the dress shirt and pants that comprised his last scene’s costume. When they entered his doorway, James rushed to embrace them. “Was it okay?”

Nadia rolled her eyes. “It was awful, dude. The five-minute standing ovation at the end should have told you as much.”

Mike stood back, giving the family space. He did, however, want to provide a serious answer to James’ question. “You were brilliant, James. I appreciate your immense talent even more after seeing you a second time.”

James’ mouth parted, taken aback by Mike’s effusiveness. “Thank you, Mike. That means a lot to me.”

Billy nodded in agreement. “I swear James, if you don’t win the Tony this year, I’ll start a boycott on social media of the other musicals.”

“Please don’t,” James chided.

“Well, we just wanted to say ‘hi’ and tell you that you did great, as usual. We’re going to head out, right Billy?” Nadia coaxed.

Billy looked at her, making it obvious to Mike and James that they had made a prior pact that they weren’t going to loiter so the new couple could enjoy the rest of the day with each other. “Oh, right. We’ve got things to do.” Billy winked at James when they parted, escorting Nadia out the door after she waved farewell to James and Mike.

James’ expression turned shy. “So, I’m going to change behind that screen. Then we can head to my apartment.”

“Why do you need to change behind the screen?” Mike teased.

James darted his eyes. “Anyone could walk in here.”

Mike pouted. “My God. You get less privacy than a man in prison.”

James contemplated that, then nodded. “I think you’re right. But there’s nobody that will be stopping by my apartment, so the longer you keep whining, the longer it will be before we get there.”