Derek
I SING loudly to myself and anyone who might be listening as I drive to the airport. My musical repertoire has expanded since Trav came into my life, and I’m not ashamed to admit that the song I’m belting right now is a power ballad—“Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera. Trav’s right; there’s something extremely satisfying about putting all your energy into those lyrics.
In six months, my life has changed, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. If someone had asked me at the beginning of the year if I was happy, my answer would have been a resounding “Hell, yes!” And I was happy. I had everything I wanted—until I met Trav and realized I needed him more than any of it.
Before Trav went in for that interview a couple months back, he asked me rather anxiously what we’d do if he didn’t get the job. We’d both been putting off making permanent decisions because it was just too damn hard, but right at that moment, looking at his face that I love so much, I knew the only decision that mattered was the one to stay together. So I told him if he didn’t get the job, I’d quit mine and move back to New York.
And I meant it. After he left, I even went so far as to make a few calls, see what was out there, and not once did I feel uncertain. Because as much as I love JU, I love Trav more, and I could never be happy again without him.
But in the end, it was a moot point. Seth and Malcolm both thought Trav was—is—perfect for the job. They offered it to him on the spot—I think the interview was a formality. Trav found out later that they’d already reached out to some contacts in New York to ask about him. He accepted the job, of course, and we celebrated all night long, if you know what I mean. That’s right, if you could see me right now, I’d be winking at you.
Things moved into high gear pretty much straight away, and the plan is for the company to begin performances early next year. The first show has been selected, and auditions will begin as soon as a director is hired, which hopefully will be next week. Trav’s superexcited—he had a huge part in deciding which show to open with, and he’s going to be the lead. He won’t always, but for this first one, he can’t resist. He still has trouble believing everything worked out so well—this is his dream come true, the opportunity to perform pretty much any part he wants without having to deal with the Broadway hype. And he has me. Do I sound smug? I feel smug.
Right now, like I said, I’m on my way to the airport. Trav went up to New York last week to start packing up his apartment, and I’m going to help him finish up. We’ll also introduce each other to our respective parents and chat to a director Toby is convinced would be perfect for us. Keep your fingers crossed that he is, because we really need someone soon.
Oh, you probably want to know what’s going on with JU and the whole murder thing, right? Well, profitability still isn’t where we want it, but it’s close. By the end of the year we should be back to normal—and we’re definitely in a better position than the experts projected. That was probably helped when a really well-respected crime journalist did an investigative report. She was extremely thorough, extremely factual, and completely ripped Kylie Rutherford’s claims to shreds. That report was syndicated across the world, and the reporter has made guest appearances on some popular talk shows to discuss it. So that helped spread the word.
It also helped when Joy Inc. sued. For some reason, people assume that suing means you’re in the right. Both the criminal and civil cases are awaiting trial, but I’ve been assured that given the overwhelming evidence for both, it would take a miracle for her to get away with it. Meanwhile, the word is that she’s afraid to leave her house. Society has snubbed her, and people jeer at her in the streets.
I’m okay with that.
I’ve got a pretty great life. A job I love, friends I get to see nearly every day—because yeah, I’m working on building closer friendships—and in a few hours I’m going to be with the man I love.
We’ve got this.