sense of history in the air, the echoing footsteps of performers long past. In this particular building, there was a cherub missing a foot and some sort of mythical creature playing a lute with no arm. I always liked to notice the things that for most people faded into the background. Sometimes you were so focused on the stage that you forgot to appreciate the aged beauty that surrounded it.
It was Monday morning, our first day of dress rehearsals, and I sat on the edge of the stage, staring out at the empty pews as I finished my cup of coffee. I arrived a little earlier than necessary, eager to get started, and lots of cast members were starting trickle in. There was also the addition of the orchestra musicians, who would be playing their instruments in the pit beneath the stage. There was just something about the music being live, loud and vibrant in your ears, that brought with it a whole new dimension to the experience.
Somebody came and sat down beside me, and my lips curved in a smile as I smelled Damon’s woodsy cologne. Turning to look at him, I saw he was wearing his Christian outfit; black trousers, dress shoes, a white shirt with the collar undone, suspenders and a black hat.
“Good morning,” he said as my eyes wandered over him.
“Morning. Nice threads.” I didn’t mention how hot he looked in period clothing.
His lips twitched. “Thanks.”
A moment of silence elapsed before he asked, “Did you see the interview?”
I nodded, trying to keep a neutral expression. I’d been doing my best not to think about Alicia’s sneaky tactics, trying to get people to wonder if she and Damon were an item.
“I did. You were great.”
Damon let out a self-deprecating sigh. “You’re lying. I was stiff and awkward, but at least it’s over with now.”
I turned my head to him fully and reached out to place my hand over his. “I’m not lying. I was so proud of you sticking it out even though you didn’t want to be there.”
“Aye, well.” He paused before continuing, “I’m sorry about Alicia. I don’t know where she got the idea to pretend there’s something between us….”
“Don’t worry about it,” I cut him off. “She was just being savvy, getting people interested in the show.” It was hard to say the words, but I forced them out. There was no room for any more jealousy between us. I didn’t want there to be. And I trusted Damon, I had to.
His expression was tense as he rubbed the bit of scruff on his jaw. “The show should speak for itself. We shouldn’t need to peddle false gossip to sell tickets.”
I frowned. “No, you’re right, but unfortunately it’s the way of the world sometimes.”
Glancing over his shoulder, I saw Alicia enter the theatre. We made brief eye contact, and there was something vaguely challenging in her expression. I tried to dismiss it, but it niggled at me. A moment later Jacob arrived, calling for Damon and Alicia to follow him to his office. Apparently, he needed a word. For a second I wondered what it was about, but I didn’t think on it too much as I joined Iggy and we began the morning warm-up with the cast.
When Damon returned to the stage area, his expression was furious. What on earth had Jacob said to him to make him look so irate? Was he unhappy with the way the interview had gone yesterday?
Damon’s anger was so virulent that it started to affect the mood of everyone else, and a tense atmosphere fell over the theatre. At one point when Iggy kindly asked him to stand on his mark, he snapped, telling him he’d stand wherever he bloody well pleased. The show of temper was startling, and I felt concerned. I noticed almost absently that Jacob and Alicia were standing off to one side, whispering to each other as though in cahoots.
When I managed to find a spare moment to go to Damon, I placed my hand on his elbow and asked quietly, “Is everything all right?”
His jaw moved, his mouth forming a straight line when he answered curtly, “Everything’s fine.”
I knew he was lying, but I didn’t push him on it. When Iggy called for a break, I went to use the bathroom. At the end of the corridor, I stopped to take a quick drink from a water fountain, and when I turned around Damon was there, his gaze hot and needful. Without