Dream Chaser

by Angie Stanton

  “Come on, the cast isn’t that bad,” Eli said.

  “I’m talking about the two of you!” He focused his droopy, intoxicated eyes on us.

  “We’re doing great. You said so yourself,” I added, and Eli squeezed my hand.

  “Yeah, well it’s all a big ticking time bomb waiting to go off.” He stared at his glass as the beer bubbles slid to the bottom.

  “Tyson,” I said to distract him and maybe lighten things up. “I promise, I won’t let you down. It will all be okay.”

  He drained his beer and raised his hand for another. Eli and I cringed.

  “Are you just really thirsty or are you trying to get drunk?” Eli asked.

  “No, actually, I wasn’t; but it’s a great idea.” He held his glass outside the booth for the waitress, but thankfully she was waiting on another table.

  “Why don’t you let us drive you home? It’s getting late, and we have an early call tomorrow,” I said.

  “Seriously? You want to drive me home? How apropos.” He gazed at the bottom of his empty glass. “You guys go on. I’ll hang out for a while and sober up.”

  Eli shook his head. “No, I think it’s time to go. Tomorrow’s another big day, and we need our fearless leader.” Eli and I stood up.

  “Ha, that’s pretty good kid.” Tyson followed our lead and got to his feet. He reached for his wallet, fished out some bills and tossed them on the table.

  We walked to the parking lot. Tyson staggered. Even drunk he still looked good.

  “Hand me your keys, man.” Eli held his hand out expectantly. Tyson dug around in his pocket for a while, swaying on his feet. “Got ‘em.” He tossed them to Eli.

  I tried to hide my grin. Who would believe we’d be driving our director home drunk? Too funny. Eli handed me his keys while keeping a close watch on Tyson.

  “Careful now, it’s leased.” Tyson fell into the car. Eli waited for him to pull his legs in, then shut the door and got in the drivers’ seat.

  I hopped in Eli’s car and followed as he pulled out and headed toward the highway to a newer condo development. When we arrived, we had to wake Tyson up to get him in his building and up the elevator to his door. While I tried to find the key on his jumbled key chain, Tyson kicked the door repeatedly and yelled.

  “Hey John, open the door!”

  “Shh, you’re going to wake up all the neighbors,” I said.

  “Shh,” Tyson mocked me. Then he leaned forward to talk to us. “I love you guys. Did you know that?” he whispered.

  “Yeah, back at ya,” Eli laughed.

  “No. I really mean it. Forget the drunk shit. You two have made this thing so much fun. You’re such sweet kids and so cute together.” He patted my cheek. “I really love you guys.”

  “Thanks, we love you too,” I said. He probably wouldn’t remember in the morning, but it still was nice to hear.

  “Hey John!” Tyson yelled and pounded the door again.

  “Shh,” I giggled. “You have to be quiet.”

  “But I gotta take a leak,” he whispered.

  We burst into laughter.

  Suddenly the door opened and Oh! My! God! A guy wearing boxers, and I mean only boxers, squinted in the bright hall light and rubbed his face.

  If Tyson was the GQ cover model, John was the swimsuit guy. His muscular arms and flat abs stared back at us. I quick turned my head away and looked wide-eyed at Eli. Oh my god! A half naked man stood in the hallway! Eli choked back laughter.

  “John!” Tyson cheered.

  John nodded acknowledgement and yawned. “I’ll take him from here.”

  We stood back so Tyson could stumble forward.

  “Come on, party boy. Let’s get you to bed.” He took Tyson’s arm and led him in.

  “I love you, John,” Tyson swayed and spoke in a sappy puppy dog way.

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “Here are his keys.” I handed them over with my body angled away and eyes averted.

  “Thanks for bringing him. You kids should get home now, too.”

  “We’re on our way,” Eli said.

  “See you opening night.” John closed the door.

  Eli and I stared at each other. “You thinking what I’m thinking? ”

  “Yup, I think so,” I giggled. “He loves John.”

  Eli put his arm around me as we walked out. “Yes, he does.”

  Chapter 33

  The next morning I flashed a grin at Eli and climbed into his jeep. “Hey.”

  His smile flipped on an electrical current that hummed through me. Can you die from overwhelming joy? God, I hoped not. Please don’t let me die and miss one second of time with Eli. It's like when you worry about some random tragedy striking you dead and making you miss something. I felt that way about the Harry Potter movies. I prayed at night that I wouldn’t die of some freak accident and miss the next movie. This was a lot like that.

  Eli leaned over and kissed me. Oh heaven, thank you. He smelled so damn good, a combination of soap and aftershave. Why did we have to go to rehearsal when all I wanted to do was make out?

  “Good morning,” he said, his voice low and breathy.

  “Morning.” I gazed into his beautiful blue eyes. Eli could have anyone, but he wanted me. How did I get so lucky?

  He pulled out and took off downtown for the Overture Center, our new home for the next week. He parked in the ramp behind the theatre, a quick half block away. He slid his arm around my waist and held me close as we walked to the stage door, where we signed in and were given passes for the duration of the show.

  I’ve danced on a lot of stages over the years, but never anything like the Capital Theatre. It’s a block from the actual Wisconsin State Capitol and almost as old. It’s been refurbished a couple of times and has fancy ornate decorations, antique chandeliers and an old historic pipe organ.

  We were directed straight to the house to wait for the others. In the theatre, a tech table was set up midway back over the top of the seats. Tyson spoke to a couple of people I didn’t recognize. Stretch lights and a microphone were attached to the table. Binders lay open near crumpled papers, several coffee containers and a walkie talkie, among other things, lay strewn across the table. Looks like he’d been here for a while.

  Ten minutes later, with most the cast assembled, Tyson joined us, switching from his usual intense gaze to an animated one.

  “Welcome to the Capitol Theatre. What do you think?” He lit up as he spread his arms wide to show off the historic venue. “Not bad, eh?”

  We all nodded, giddy to be there. Chloe, McKenna, and Alex walked in.

  “You’re late,” he said in a stern tone. “You’re excused this time, but don’t let it happen again.” We could tell he was serious.

  “We’ve had a lot of fun the past couple of months, and you guys have worked your tails off. Today everything switches gears. We have a team of professionals who have come in to get this show up. When one of them asks or tells you to do something, I expect you will listen and obey. I want you to give them every ounce of respect and make me proud. I am no longer the only person you report to. In a minute you will meet Jerry, the stage manager. What Jerry says is law. He has a team of assistants, and their word is law too. You’ve met your costume director and will meet the lighting director and all the others as the day goes on.”

  The tone of the production was definitely changing. Everyone sat up and paid attention.

  “The good news is that you’re in great hands. The bad news is that all the horsing around and goofing off has to end. You are now a small cog in the machine of this show. If you don’t have the right cues for lighting, set changes and music cues, there is no show.” Tyson grabbed a clipboard and glanced down at his notes.

  “Today you’re going to start with a tour of the theatre, including back stage, stairs, entrances, lines of death. You will receive every possible safety note you may need. Pay attention. You’ll be getting your dressing rooms and learning about the make up room,
trap room, backstage sound systems and more. After that we’re going to start our tech rehearsal, so be patient and ready to do a lot of standing around.”

  I looked at Eli and some of the others. We weren’t in Kansas anymore.

  “Ah, here he is.” Tyson pointed. “This is Jerry Block, your stage manager. Please listen up and make me proud. Jerry, they’re all yours.”

  “Welcome! I’ve been looking forward to working with all of you. We’ve got a great show to put on, so let’s get down to business.”

  Jerry split us in two groups, and we toured the whole place meeting different theatre veterans along the way. Each one had their own area of expertise.

  “Are you half as intimidated as I am?” I whispered to Eli.

  “Oh yeah. Now I understand why Tyson was freaking out last night. If we screw this up, there’s an army of people we’ll bring down with us.”

  “I’m glad I’m not you, lead of the whole shebang!”

  “I thought I was ready for this, but now I think I need another month.”

  “You’ll be great.” I squeezed his hand.

  “At least you’ll be with me half the time I’m on stage.”

  After Jerry’s talk, we spent hours working on light checks. For each scene, we had to stand and block each spot on stage for lighting cues. It was tedious waiting while they adjusted the lights for color and intensity over and over. Suddenly there were far more important things we needed to do. Like practice!

  Finally, at the intermission point of the blocking, the lighting director called a half hour break for lunch. The house lights came up, and Tyson walked out to the aisle with Jerry.

  A tall woman with a mane of honey blonde hair, skinny jeans tucked into knee high boots and a designer bag entered through the back doors and sauntered up behind Tyson.

  Those of us still on stage watched, transfixed by this new arrival.

  “Who’s that?” I asked Eli.

  “I don’t know, but looks like she’s here to see Tyson.”

  “Maybe it's his sister,” Alex said eyeing the leggy beauty.

  The woman stood with a devilish smirk, just out of Tyson’s view. Jerry took one look at her and forgot what he was saying.

  Tyson turned and his face lit up like the night sky on the Fourth of July. She stepped into his arms and he held her in a way that suggested much more than a polite acquaintance. When he released her, he kissed her quick on the mouth and then introduced her to Jerry who appreciated the display as much as we did. He smiled wide, shook her hand, and then stepped away.

  “I don’t think she’s his sister,” said Sophie.

  Tyson pulled the woman close and brushed a lock of long silky hair behind her ear. His gaze devoured her. He flashed an eyebrow then kissed her again.

  “Definitely not his sister,” said Troy.

  “I feel like we shouldn’t be watching,” I said, but couldn’t look away.

  “I don't think he loves John, the way he obviously loves her, ” Eli said to me.

  “Yeah, they should get a room,” said McKenna.

  “Woo hoo!” Jason cheered. We applauded, and Eli whistled.

  Tyson turned to us and laughed. Nothing could wipe the smile off his face. He wrapped his arm around her narrow waist and walked down to us. “So does this end the speculation?” he asked.

  “Damn, I was so sure you were gay,” said Jason.

  “Pay up,” Troy said with his hand out to Jason.

  The beautiful woman laughed easily; the guys couldn’t take their eyes off her. By now the word spread and the whole cast gathered at the edge of the stage like preschoolers waiting for morning snack.

  “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Samantha. Samantha, this is everyone.”

  “Hi, great to meet you.” She had a mega watt smile. Despite the fact she looked better than a runway model, she seemed instantly nice and totally down to earth.

  “Samantha will be helping direct traffic this week. So if you have a problem or question and I’m unavailable, Sam’s your girl.”

  “I’m good with that,” Jason said.

  Tyson ignored his comment. “Now go grab lunch before you’re due back on stage.” The cast dispersed. “And don’t be late!” he hollered.

  Eli and I started to leave with the others.

  “Willow, could you join us for a sec. Eli, you too.” Tyson called.

  “Sure.” We took the temporary steps set up to the stage.

  “Samantha, this is Willow and Eli, my stars.” Pride shone in his eyes.

  “I don’t know about stars, but we’re doing our best,” said Eli.

  “Hi.” I shook her slender hand.

  “It’s great to meet you both. Tyce has told me so much about you. Something about Messer something Road.”

  My head snapped to Tyson and Eli’s jaw dropped.

  “Don’t worry. Your secrets are safe with me.” She winked.

  “Samantha has been lead in many shows and knows all the ins and outs of what you’re about to face. Willow, she’s going to help you out during the show and serve as your dresser.”

  “Oh. Thanks.” I didn’t know what to say. Tyson’s girlfriend was going to dress me?

  “What about me?” Eli said. “I have a ton of costume changes too.”

  Samantha laughed.

  “Don’t worry. I have a guy for you. He’s about five foot two, tops the scale at about two hundred fifty and sweats a lot.”

  “Gee thanks. It’s good to know you have my back,” Eli said.

  “Always.” Tyson grinned.

  Chapter 34

  The next days were hectic with piano tech, mic checks, and media interviews. We were now working with the orchestra, who blew me away! The professional musicians transported the show to another level. The cast was so excited, because now we knew the show would be a hit. All pistons were running smoothly. Before I knew it, it was Wednesday and our final dress rehearsal was the next night.

  “Eli, Willow, can I have a minute?” Tyson called to us where we did our dance warm up with the rest of the cast.

  “Sure.” I stood up from my spot, nudged Eli’s foot, and held out my hand. “No rest for the weary.” Eli popped up. As we joined Tyson at the production table, he still held my hand. The connection felt so natural now.

  “I need to talk to you both about a change in the final scene.”

  Just then a trumpet player in the orchestra began blasting notes. An electric guitar riffed up and down the scale, and a keyboardist joined in the racket.

  “Let’s take a walk. I can’t think with all this noise.” He slipped off his headset, tossed it on the tech table, and we followed him to the side door.

  “Much better!” Tyson said now that we were in the main marble and chrome corridor of the Overture Center. He wore a rumpled shirt, and his jeans sagged like he’d worn them too many days in a row. Stress creased the corner of his eyes and dark shadows lay beneath.

  “Listen, we’ve had a huge screw up with the lighting projector that creates the special effects we need for the death scene.” He rubbed his hands over his weary face and through his hair. He walked us over to the rotunda that overlooked a lower level performance area.

  “So what happens now?” Eli leaned against the marble ledge.

  “We’ll have to do it old school after all.”

  The hair on my neck stood at attention as dread crept up my back. “What exactly does old school mean?” My voice sounded eerily calm in my now buzzing ears.

  “Does this mean we get to fall into the pit? Eli’s eyes were wide with anticipation.

  “That’s exactly what it means.” Tyson laughed and shook his head at Eli’s boyish enthusiasm.

  “Yes!” Eli punched his fist in the air. “How far do we fall? How’s it going to work?”

  “We’re going to bring back the rooftop set from Scene Four. The fight will end on the rooftop. The floor trap will be opened below with a crash pad.”

  I felt the color drain from my face.T
his could not be happening. They couldn’t possibly expect me to get pushed into thin air and hope I made it to the crash mat below.

  “When do we get to try it?” Eli bounced on his feet like a giddy little boy.

  “Tonight, after the run-through. We can’t take any time while the orchestra’s here. They are contracted for exactly three hours. We can’t go over.”

  I put my hand on the wide marble ledge to keep from swaying. The cold stone matched my emotions.

  “I need you both ready immediately after the general cast dismissal so we can get this blocked before the union crew kicks us out of the building.”

  I barely heard his words through the white noise of my mind as my inner voice kept chanting, “No! No! No! No! No! No!”

  “Willow, are you okay?” Tyson asked, his brow furrowed.

  Eli smiled. His joy kept him from seeing the panic in my eyes.

  “Yeah, fine.” I covered. What the hell was I supposed to say? No flippin’ way am I jumping off a set fifteen feet above the mat.

  “Willow, I wondered if this change would be a problem for you, but this fall will be much simpler than the stunts you did in cheerleading. All you do is free fall. No spins or flips. Piece of cake.” Tyson actually believed his words and looked so positive.

  Fool.

  “Right,” I mumbled. It would be a goddamned terror-inducing, skull-crushing fear fest. Tyson might believe it was a piece of cake, but I couldn't do it.

  Oh god, I couldn't tell him. It’ll ruin everything. Perspiration broke out across my forehead.

  “Tyson, can’t someone fix the projector or get a new one?” I asked.

  “Not in time. The closest replacement would have to be shipped here from New York, and the soonest we can get it is Saturday. Repair isn’t possible, the damage is too severe.” He looked at my face. A crease of concern crossed his forehead. “Willow, are you worried about the fall?”

  “Oh no, it’s just that we won’t have much time to practice, and tomorrow is the final dress rehearsal, and the school will be here.” My school, Capital High. As a thank you to the school for the use of rehearsal space, the entire student body gets to see the final dress. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!