The Final Act by Bonnie Dee Page B

cast’.”
    “Not bad,” Logan said. “Listen to this part…‘The audience became a part of the dysfunctional group of friends, experiencing the comedy, romance and tragedy along with them’.”
    “Everybody’s got a newspaper, and we can all read,” Michael pointed out, trying to get Logan to quiet down and give everyone some peace.
    “Sounds even better out loud though,” Gretchen said. “Go ahead.”
    Denny winked at Tom and squeezed his hand. “This is the gang.” They joined the others at the table, squeezing in between Elena and Cara. “This is Tom, everybody.”
    There was a chorus of “Hello, Tom” spoken in ragged unison like elementary students welcoming a new kid to class.
    “Oh-ho! Listen to this.” Elena’s eyes were trained on the newspaper in her hands. “This is why Michael didn’t want Logan to keep reading. ‘Michael Lucas gave a standout performance as Aaron, playing his character’s emotional epiphany with intensity and passion’.”
    “Who’d you have to fuck to get that kind of praise?” Logan asked.
    Michael ignored his roommate and sipped his coffee.
    “Oh jeez.” Gretchen glanced at her watch and rose. “I’ve got to go. I’m meeting my family for brunch. Bye, Tom. Nice meeting you.”
    The rest of the group continued to read and talk about the review and reminisce about the previous evening’s performance, while Denny and Tom ordered breakfast. The scent of breakfast meats and syrup had Denny’s stomach rumbling, reminding him of his skipped dinner last night.
    One by one the others drifted off to meet loved ones who’d spent the night in town until only Denny, Tom and Michael were left at the table.
    Michael refilled his coffee. “So, how long have you guys been together?”
    “Five years,” Tom answered.
    “Six years,” Denny said simultaneously.
    They exchanged a look, and Tom raised his eyebrows. “Six?”
    “We met six years ago in an online chatroom and talked for about three months before we finally met in person.”
    “Then we made a date for coffee,” Tom continued. “Easily escapable if he turned out to be a loser.”
    “But we hit it off right away and hooked up, that same afternoon, as I recall.” Denny grinned. “So, if we’re measuring from our first date, it’s been six years.”
    “But it’s been five years since we moved in together,” Tom said. “Almost six. I guess we must have some kind of anniversary coming up. Paper, rock, scissors, something like that.”
    “We should get matching tattoos to celebrate.” Denny covered his hand and nudged his knee underneath the table. He couldn’t get enough of physical contact now that he had Tom back.
    “No. You get a tattoo. I’m not into unnecessary needles.”
    “Aw, come on.” Denny glanced at Michael, who was getting a glazed look in his eyes at their banter. Evidently the Denny and Tom love-fest wasn’t as entertaining for him as it was for them. “Well, anyway. We’ll figure it out later.”
    “I’ll see you again when you open in Philadelphia. It’s a quick trip from the city,” Tom said. “We’ll talk tats then.”
    “Or maybe mutual piercings.” Denny waggled his eyebrows, suggesting a specific body part.
    Michael groaned and shifted in his seat. “Please don’t say that.”
    Tom glanced down at his crotch and shook his head. “Definitely not happening.”
    Denny laughed, happy to have Tom with him and everything between them back to normal. Tom was right. Their relationship could weather him being on the road for a year. After all, they were Denny and Tom. Together they could do anything.

Scene Four: Girls’ Day Out
    It was a balmy day in the Windy City for so early in the spring. Elena and Gretchen strolled the Miracle Mile, window shopping and enjoying a break from the dark cavern of the theater and the rigorous extra dance rehearsals the cast had endured over the past few days. Elena lifted her face into the sunshine and inhaled the exhaust-perfumed