Page 60 of Sweet T

“Am I missing something here?” Sebastian asked.

“Not at all,” said Tucker. “But we’re still in the same boat. I could probably give Shelly that Friday or Saturday night off, though, as long as I have Ben with me. But that leaves me out.”

“Nope. You can come on Thursday, for final dress.”

Tucker’s brow furrowed.

“Final dress rehearsal,” Sebastian clarified. “I need a small preview audience that night. It’s best to get the cast acquainted with viewers’ response before opening. But I’m curious. Who’s Evan?”

“I’m Evan.” He was standing in the kitchen doorway holding Sebastian’s plate of steaming food. “Is there something I need to know?”

Tucker took the plate from him and carried it to Sebastian. “Nope. Sebastian, this is Evan. Evan, Sebastian. I would have introduced you sooner but—”

“—but uneasy lies the head that wears the crown,” Sebastian said. He glanced at Shelly for a response.

“It’s Henry IV,” Evan said, Ben trailing behind him. “Part 2.”

Sebastian’s eyes grew wide. He clapped his hands together silently. “And what a treasure he is. No wonder you were hiding him back there.”

“I wasn’t hiding him. He’s training.”

The explanation was futile. Sebastian was completely taken. “Come closer, dear boy,” he said, motioning for Evan to join them. “Look at you, a mere sprite, yet so rugged. I’d secret you away too, and only bring you out for special occasions. Wait. Is he the boy they found in your parking lot last week? I meant to ask?”

Tucker raised his hands with an exasperated sigh. “How the hell did you find out?”

“Juanita. Juanita Morales is my stage manager.”

“Of course she is,” Tucker said to know one in particular.

Ben looked at Shelly, confused.

“Juanita is a nurse at the hospital,” Shelly explained.

Evan heard none of this. He moved closer to Sebastian. “Did you say stage manager?”

“Yes, son. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Sebastian Collins, director of the Black Sheep Community Theatre.”

Sebastian extended his hand, and Evan shook it reflexively. He looked at Tucker. “You didn’t tell me there was a community theatre in Spoon.”

“We’re trying to keep a low profile, remember?”

“Is that why you had me back in the kitchen—to hide me from him?”

Tucker opened his mouth to speak, but words wouldn’t come. He sighed instead.

“Um, I believe that’s our exit cue,” Shelly said, pushing Ben toward the kitchen. “Let’s go count French fries.”

“But I already did inventory. Last week.”

“Then we’ll do it again. Never hurts to have a second pair of eyes.”

They left.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sebastian,” Evan cut a steely glance at Tucker. “I’m Evan Harbuck. I’m also an actor.”

“Yes. I can see why. My God, those eyes.”

Sebastian looked at Tucker. “Sorry, T. But I feel like I’ve stumbled into something a little... personal?”

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