Chance Encounter - Jerry Cole Page 0,1

I still took it all in as much as I did when I realized that I wanted to act.

I helped people to their seats along with the other two ushers, offering extra assistance to people with walkers and even wheelchairs. I was walking back to my greeting area when I saw a guy walking toward me with a woman on his arm. She looked to be a mother, possibly a grandma, but none of that mattered.

He was gorgeous. The man resembled a well-known surfer with tousled dark blonde hair and full lips that offered a fantastic smile. He approached me, and I smiled as they both looked at me. “Do you have your tickets?” I asked as I gazed into his sugar-brown eyes.

“Right here,” he offered them to me with a smile. I checked, and he had front seats, which I directed him toward with a nervous grin.

“Thank you,” he said as the woman smiled at me, holding tight to him as they made their way down the steps together.

“I’d hold tight, too,” I muttered as I glanced up to see another couple. Lisa was such an asshole for calling in sick again since I was supposed to be helping backstage. That was where my heart belongs, but I’d never have seen that man had I been backstage.

I sipped my coffee and directed people where needed during intermission. During the second half, I leaned against the wall and sang every word as I sipped my second coffee. I knew I probably wouldn’t sleep tonight, but it was worth it to watch this.

When the show was over, I clapped along with the audience. I stood back as people began leaving, making sure everybody got out safely. After that, I hurried to the lobby where the cast was waiting to say hello, take pictures, and sign play programs. We had a talented group of people that all of Washington loved. I stood with Becca as we watched the lobby fill with fans.

I helped to clean up a bit after the theater was empty and headed out with Becca. I only caught one more glimpse of my mystery man as he led the woman through the meet and greet line. He flashed me a smile before walking out the door, making Becca look at me with curiosity written all over her face. Her eyes told me that we’d be talking later over a late dinner if we were alone or at her house if we weren’t.

We ended up eating with the cast, then went to her apartment afterward. “Talk, friend.” She sat on her couch with a glass of wine, staring at me.

“I saw him when he was coming in. I think he was with his grandmother, and I told him where to sit. He smiled at me a few times and thanked me, but we never talked.” I shrugged. “I don’t know anything about the man except that he is my fantasy man.”

“He knows where you work. That’s something.” Becca smiled.

“We’ll see about that.” I laughed and dropped back to her couch. “So, the party. It’s Saturday night?”

“It is. Mari will be here Thursday night.” Becca smiled dreamily, and I pretended to gag. “You can ask that boy toy of yours.”

“I don’t even know his fucking name. Shut up, ho,” I threw a pillow at her, and she ducked, managing to finish her wine. After talking for an hour, she went to her room, and I took the queen bed in her guest room. I tossed and turned for a while before falling asleep, waking up late the next morning.

I got up and walked through the apartment. “Becca?”

“I’m still in bed. Get me coffee at the corner. Please.” Her last word was sugary sweet, and I rolled my eyes.

“I’ll be back.” I pulled on some clean jeans that were in the dresser and found a sweatshirt to pull over my head. I spiked my hair and grabbed the keys before leaving the apartment. Becca didn’t want coffee as much as she was craving a chocolate eclair, and I always got them for her on the weekends.

Chapter Two

Hayden

I walked into the cafe, looking down at my phone. I felt something in front of me and looked up just as I crashed into a warm body. “I’m so sorry.” I immediately looked up to see the man from the theater. “Shit. Are you okay?”

“Fine. I just walked in, and there’s a line. Is the eclair worth it?” He mused, grinning at me.

“That’s what I’m