“That sounds wonderful.  This gives us four weeks to rehearse, get out and promote the show, and do media interviews.  Thank you for taking care of the logistics.”  James leans into his cell phone propped on shoulder and jots down the information a college executive assistant relays to him.  She’s successfully secured dates for shows at a local theatre.  “Yeah, I’ll hold on.”  Artemis appears at door.  James waves to her to come in.  He’s caught off guard by how beautiful she looks today.  “Oh, I’m here.  Sorry, I was distracted.  Great, keep me in the loop.  Artemis is here.  I’ll let her know.  Have a great day.”

“What did I miss?”  Artemis is wearing a form fitting bright yellow sundress exposing her toned arms and accentuating her bronze skin.  She has her hair in a curly pun on top of her head, which puts the focus on her high cheekbones, full lips, and large eyes.  Artemis is not wearing much makeup, which makes her appear innocent and much younger.

“You look very nice today,” James says casually as to not show Artemis that he is head over heels.

“Thanks, James.  I knew that we would be working in this hot building today.  So, I dressed for the lack of air conditioning.”  Artemis was lying.  It took her two hours and three outfit changes to look this way.

“I have a few dates to tell you about.  First, we have two weeks of performances including matinees.  We’re scheduled to perform the first week in September with a week off and then the third week of September, and then the Oprah show the last week in October.  Only kidding, Oprah is scheduled for November.”

Artemis laughs, “This is really exciting, James.  I heard you mention interviews and promotion.”

“Yeah, luckily we have a team who’s taking care of that for us.  The promotions department is working on PR, and they’re also setting up interviews with local media.  As the times and dates are confirmed, they’ll let us know.  Our job is to work on the show.  Incidentally, the theatre is ready whenever we are.”

“James, I feel real good about this.  Are you ready for this journey?”

“More than you’ll ever know.”

#

The next three weeks are a whirlwind of nonstop activity.  By day, publicity shots, remotes, and promotions events; and, local radio, television, and print interviews.  At night, staging adjustments, rehearsals, and crew meetings.  James and Artemis are joined by at hip.  They eat meals together, drive to scheduled commitments together, and occasionally fall asleep together in the theatre after exhausting days.  They know what’s at stake.  Although the days and nights are grueling, they’ve never been happier.

#

The evening before the first dress rehearsal, James is uncharacteristically irascible.  He abruptly cancels plans to meet up with Walter and his wife for dinner; and, fails to return telephone calls inquiring about last minute interviews. James spends most of the evening sitting in front of a television that is in essence watching him.

Sunday is his favorite day, but, not today.  His troubled day turns into a restless night.  He didn’t know if his irritability triggered the tossing and turning; or, if the tossing and turning triggered his irritability.  James would give anything to get some peace and get some sleep.  Staring at the tiny green glow of the smoke detector in the ceiling, James feels warm liquid fall down his cheeks.  He’s haunted by his feelings for Artemis.  They’ve spent almost every waking moment together for three weeks straight, and James is craving her closeness.  He can’t shake this emptiness.  It’s official.  He’s lonely; he’s lonely for Artemis.

#

“Hey guys, can you play the tracks again starting with the second break?  James must be running late,” Artemis shouts to the crew running the audio board.  She’s been rehearsing for two hours; checking lights, working with wireless microphones, timing costume changes, and testing challenging moves on a freshly washed stage.

From the back of the auditorium, Artemis hears loud clapping, whistles, and a familiar voice, “encore, encore!”  James arrives with coffee and donuts for all.  “I’m sorry I’m late.  Take five, everybody.  Have some breakfast.”  James meets Artemis at the stage apron.

“Breakfast, it’s 11:30.”  Artemis pauses and looks at James with concern.  “Oh, you look awful.  Are you okay?”

“No worries, the neighbor’s cat is in heat.  I couldn’t sleep with all the commotion outside my window.  I believe I got only one hour of sleep.  Sorry to keep you all waiting.”

“Actually, it worked out well.  The tracks you made for me are so convenient.  I was able to work out a few issues without having to make you wait.  Boy, you’re so good for me.”

“I’ve been waiting for you to figure that out,” James says with grin.

After seven hours of going through the performance from start to finish three times as though each one was opening night, James, Artemis, and the crew are satisfied with the production.  Lighting and sound cues are strong, the set designs flow well, and the theatre is spick-and-span.

Everything is more than perfect for Thursday’s opening night.  During a break, everyone agrees that tomorrow would be a solo day, a day for Artemis to rest her voice, and James to rest his hands and fingers; and the rest of the team to work on projects of their own.   The production team of twenty — many of them students of James — is family.  They’ve produced an amazing production that has national potential.

Throughout the entire of process from inception to finished product, both Artemis and James have treated the crew with nothing short of respect and gratitude.  Everyone has given their blood, sweat, and tears for the love of the work.  No one is compensated — yet.

“Listen folks,” James says to the crew.  “It would be my pleasure to give you some nourishment before we break for the night.”  He looks down at his watch.  “Sandwiches, soup, and salads are waiting for you in the dining hall.  Enjoy and I’ll see you Wednesday.  Thank you again for your support.”  Looking directly at Artemis, “I love you all.” Turning to the rest of the Team, James jokes, “Just do me a favor, take any leftovers home and clean-up after yourselves.”

“Yes dad!”  The crew says in unison.

As the Team heads for the dining hall, Artemis waits to see what James is going to do.  “Aren’t you staying?”

“Artemis, I want to give the crew some time to themselves together.  They’ve spent so much time away from the friends and family that I want them to hang out for awhile without feeling obligated to talk about the show.”

“Wow, that’s nice.  I wouldn’t have thought about that.  Aren’t you hungry, though?  We barely broke for lunch earlier.”  Artemis takes a snack bar out of her purse.

“Well, I guess you are.  Wanna get something to eat?”  James is hoping that she accepts his invitation.

“Oh, I didn’t drive today.  I took the subway.”

“No problem, my car’s outside.  You’ll love it.  It’s a small diner not too far from my place.  I go there at least three times a week.  It’s family owned and they play jazz music all day long.”

“James you are always full of surprises.”

James’ eyes tell Artemis that more surprises are ahead.  He hopes she gets it.