Page 127 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

“So sweet. Would you like me to take them and put them in my office until the show is over? Speaking of which…” She glances at a wall clock. “The show is about to start.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Go, go, go. Take your seat. This is your moment.” She shoos me toward the door.

“I know. I’m nervous, and I want to be where I can help.”

“We’ve got it covered. Get out there and enjoy.”

I smile, give her a quick hug, and heed her advice, rushing toward the door.

As I make my way to the front of the house, I see the first row full of family, friends, and the MC—my new family. I immediately start to tear up. I have so many people rooting for me. I start fanning myself with the program, trying to dry my tears without messing up my makeup.

Marcus rises from his seat and comes to me.

“You okay?” he whispers, genuine concern in his eyes.

I nod. “I’m just so happy to have so many people here for me, supporting me. And, most importantly, you. Thank you for the beautiful roses.”

“You’re welcome, gorgeous.”

“You’ve encouraged my dream from the get go, and I wouldn’t be here without you.” I rest my hand on his cheek.

“That’s not true. You got yourself here. I just kept your spirit up. You did all the heavy lifting.”

“How did I get so lucky?” I lean forward and kiss him.

“Get a room.” Green chuckles.

“There’s time for that later. Let’s watch this show,” Wolf calls.

“Opera.” Marcus corrects him, but he’s still staring at me like I’m the only person in the theater. “Let’s go see the fruits of your labors.” He grabs my hand and leads me to my seat, and I can’t help but think I’d follow this man anywhere.

***

Marcus—

“Bravo, bravo!” The cheers roar all around us as the opera comes to an end.

“I loved it!” I yell in Brandy’s ear so she can hear me over all the thunderous clapping. “Reminded me of us—two lovers from different sides of the track.”

She winks. “I may have used you for inspiration.”

Person after person hugs and congratulates Brandy, and she is beaming.

“I need to go catch the singers before they leave. I want to tell them how amazing they were.” She looks at me as if she doesn’t want to make me wait.

“Do your thing. I’ll be hanging around in the lobby whenever you finish up.”

She gives my hand a squeeze and then hurries down the front aisle to the stage.

“Marcus? Can we talk?” Gerald stands with his jacket draped over his arms.

“Uh, yeah, all right.” I look around, wondering where we can go to talk, assuming he’ll want privacy.

“Marcus, I owe you an apology,” he begins.

“No.” I shake my head, in disbelief that he’s about to do this in front of my entire club.

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