Lin checked his e mails on his laptop while drinking his first coffee of the day.
"Crap!"
He had been so engrossed in the exhibition he had completely forgotten an awards show later that week he was supposed to be attending.
Thankfully he was only presenting something so a short speech would suffice.
He ran his hand through his hair. His tux was clean. He knew which award he was presenting and he had a ton of things he could talk to the press about. He relaxed. It was all good.
He went to close the screen when his eyes were drawn to the invitation.
'Mr Lin-Manuel Miranda and Guest'
He groaned. That part had completely escaped him.
"Wonder if Lis would like to go?"
Chris was going anyway so he was out as a plus one. He had spoken to Jon and Quiara the other day and knew they were both pulled out.
He decided he would ask her later, closed the laptop down and put his cup in the sink. Grabbing a bottle of water he left the apartment.
He arrived at the theatre to find Alicia had already beaten him to it.
"Hi! You're early."
He walked towards her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Yeah, I was so excited I couldn't sleep! Thought I'd be better being here checking things over."
Lin smiled. "Are we good to go?"
"Yep. Ready as we will ever be I think. Honestly. I can't thank you enough for doing this. It means so much."
"I wanted to do it. It's important to me, you can do something for me though."
"Name it."
"Accompany me to an awards do. It's in 2 days time."
Alicia sighed. "Oh wow Lin. I don't know. Is it a big fancy thing? I kind of don't have anything to wear to that sort of occasion."
"It's black tie yes. Look I can come clothes shopping with you tomorrow and we can get you an outfit. It's on me. Please Lis. I... I want you next to me."
"I can't really say no can I? Especially when you've done so much for me. Ok. But I'm buying my own outfit. I don't need you to pay for me."
Lin beamed.
"Yes! Thank you, it will be a good night I promise. Hey, I think I see people arriving. Oh it's my folks!"
He laughed.
"Mom. Dad!"
They walked over and hugged him.
Lin turned to Alicia.
"Alicia, please meet my mom Luz, and my dad Luis."
"Pleasure to meet you both."
Luis stepped forward.
"Are you a hugger? Lin-Manuel has talked about you so much I feel as though a hand shake isn't going to cut it."
Alicia laughed. "I can confirm I am 100% open to hugs everytime."
Luis wrapped her in a bear hug. "It's so nice to meet you. My son clearly thinks a great deal of you."
"Dad! Please can you try not to embarrass me for just one day."
"What! It's a compliment."
Luz gently pushed Luis out of the way. "Stop teasing, and stop monopolising her. I want my turn."
Alicia hugged Luz and suddenly found she was unable to let go.
Luz felt her arms holding on tighter and glanced at her. A tear started to run down Alicia's face.
Luz quickly looked towards the men.
"How about you two make your way inside and we will come in a minute."
Lin looked at Luz his face frowning with concern.
Luz nodded at them both and mouthed 'go!'
