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David stopped and smiled for the camera, his tailored suit clinging to his body in all the right places. Lights flashed and blinded him for a moment. His arm found Lexi's waist and he pulled her close, anxiety creeping up as photographers were vying for the best angle.
Another step to the right...just like that and smile.
They all called his name and he obliged another mischievous grin. Behind them was the backdrop for Memphis, a musical about racism and the birth of rock and roll in the 1950s. A topic near and dear to David.
Lexi twisted her body into him and his right arm stretched out protectively. The flashes from the cameras were nearly blinding, but David didn't let it show on his face.
He kept his smile steady, his eyes bright and mystical. He felt Lexi's waist beneath his hand and he focused on that. Momentarily, he trailed a hand over her belly from under her large coat.
"You feeling okay, baby?" he whispered in her ear.
"A bit nauseous," Lexi replied and he gave her a peck on the cheek. "Don't worry about me though."
Gabby, Colton and Lily were led over by David's mother and sister, who all joined them, surrounding their parents and smiling proudly at the cameras. A striking family of blondes with the exception of Michele.
David paused for a moment, allowing the flashes of light to dance across his face as the photographers snapped away. His eyes met Lexi's, and he gestured off to the right.
She guided the kids into the theater and David sighed in relief. He always hated his kids being thrust into the limelight. They hated it just as much.
"Hey Lema!" Richie called out from his spot with Tico and Hugh. The three men beelined for David and all shared a brotherly hug, more cameras snapping and clicking.
"You all made it! Except Jon?" he asked, clapping Richie on the back.
"He said something about giving you the spotlight," Richie replied, "but sends his best."
"I'm glad you made it," David whispered to Richie. "Couldn't ask for a better man to celebrate with." Richie pulled him into a tight hug.
"Me too, Lema...me too," Richie smiled.
David returned the hug, his eyes welling up with tears of joy. "You have no idea how much this means to me," he said, his voice cracking slightly. "Thank you for being here with me tonight, for always having my back."
Richie patted him on the back, a knowing smile on his face. "Always, man. You know that. Now let's go enjoy the show from our new playwright."
The guys posed for several photos together, including several of David with the cast members and his publisher, and made their way inside, finding their seats near the front.
"Oh man, it's gonna be quite the show," Richie muttered to David. The Shubert Theater was buzzing with excitement as the audience chatted and laughed, anticipating the start of the show.
