Page 55

Amos

Tommy met me in the dressing room and I couldn’t help but laugh at how quickly the rest of the performers disappeared. Although… I figured they were all standing just around the corner.

The moment we were alone, Tommy launched himself into my arms. “Amos, that…that was amazing!”

he said, causing me to laugh before I swooped him up and kissed him, my makeup still on, and not worrying that I was going to leave a big red lipstick kiss on his face.

“You are amazing,”

I said barely above a whisper. He leaned back, as if embarrassed, but I didn’t let him go. “Tommy, I owe you for this, for standing by me, for standing up for me. I just want you to know that, okay?”

He stared at me, his eyes glistening, and then he began to nod slowly. Finally, he leaned back into me and kissed me again.

“So, you’re going to be all of this, huh?”

he asked, gesturing around him, and I laughed out loud.

“Baby, I’ve always been all of this.”

I replied with a sweeping gesture from my head to my toes.

He hung out with me as I removed the last of the makeup, even wiping the lipstick off his own lips from where I’d kissed him.

A few moments later, I drew him out of the dressing room and waved at the rest of the performers to let them know the coast was clear and that they could go on back and finish up. “Were they waiting out here?”

Tommy asked, seeming perplexed.

“Yeah, I’ve talked about you nonstop. I think they just wanted to give you and me space.”

“Opposite of your football team, huh?”

I snorted. “Um, that’s an understatement. Hey, there’s a little bar not far from here where all the cast meet to party. Mind coming with me there?”

Tommy shrugged, then smiled. I could tell he was having a hard time keeping his excitement contained.

“Okay, well, I’ll grab us a taxi,” he said.

When we arrived at the club and he had still not said anything, I pulled him into the small café across from the bar. “Hey, let’s talk. You’re being… well, too quiet!”

Tommy chuckled. “I… I don’t really know what to say.”

I frowned. “About the career change? You think it’s too much? I… I gave up my career, and you think I did the wrong thing?”

I asked, concern that Tommy was disappointed in me causing me to talk too fast.

“No, Amos, quit that. No, you didn’t do the wrong thing. I’ve never known you to do anything more right, more perfect for you. It’s just I… I’m having a hard time putting all the pieces together.”

I smiled. “It’s a huge adjustment from linebacker to diva, I know.”

Tommy shook his head. “No, that’s not what’s throwing me. You’ve probably always walked that line.”

He paused a moment, taking a drink from the water the server had just dropped off.“Amos, you’ve never gone after what you wanted. Not your performing… well… not a lot of things.”

He shook his head, then continued.

“Football was the only thing you were willing to consider, to look at in your life.

I just never thought you’d choose this over your football career.

And before you say anything, I know you were offered another contract with another team.

I figured the news that came out next would be you accepting that contract, not… well, not becoming a Broadway queen!”

I chuckled.

“It’s been a long time coming, but I’m ready to live my life, not a life others tell me how to live.

I love football, and I think I always will.

I know I won’t give it up, not entirely, but Jake already said I’m welcome back there anytime.

I’ve also looked up a few other charity organizations who do training with at-risk kids.

I, well, I can totally pursue that passion and be on Broadway too.”

Tommy smiled, his eyes giving away concern… and pain.

This caused me to take a deep breath, then let it out slowly.

“You’re right though.

I’ve never gone after what I wanted… not my performing, not my lifestyle, and not my sweet Tommy.

Football kept me from going after you too.

I’m done with that. I fully intend to pursue you with all I have in me.

“Tommy, I want you to be my boyfriend, to live with me, to make a life with me.

Then… well, then when it’s been enough time, then take you to some swanky restaurant, maybe in Paris, and propose.

I’m going to beg so hard that you’ll feel too guilty to say no.

All of it.

I’m going to pursue you until you are mine forever!”

Tommy snorted.

“Amos, you are such a freaking mess, but yeah, I’m yours.

It’s probably insane, but when you finally take me to that swanky restaurant, I’ll probably say yes.

’Cause I doubt there will ever be anyone I want more than you.”

It was my turn to wipe at a tear.

“How is it that six months ago, I was facing the loss of everything: my career, my family… Now, I’ve got it all.

Everything I’ve ever dreamed of handed to me on a very battered silver—well, maybe more like copper platter?”

Tommy shook his head, “Okay, you don’t get to make analogies, but you do get to kiss me.

Like right now, please!”

I might be a lughead, but I didn’t need to be told twice.

I moved over to Tommy’s side of the table, scooted in close, and took his face into my hands.

“I love you, Tommy Sanders, with all my heart and soul.”

I kissed him then, and all the loose pieces inside me began to come back together.

When we pulled apart, I smiled.

“I’m not feeling like a party tonight—how ’bout we go back to my place? I have a lot of years worth of things I want to do with that body of yours.”

Tommy swallowed hard and nodded.

“Best idea you ever had!”