Mark pulled up to the theatre, got Lins tux from the boot and walked in with him.
A heavily tattooed long haired guy walked past them both then stopped.
"Mark! Hey mate, how's it going?"
"Hi Rob, all good thanks. Looking forward to the gig tomorrow."
He turned to Lin.
"Rob, can I introduce you to Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lin, this is Rob from 'The Riot' the band i'm taking you to see tomorrow."
Lin smiled and shook Robs hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to hearing you play later."
Rob looked at Mark then at Lin.
"I'm sorry, did you just say you are coming tomorrow? To watch us? At The Roundhouse?"
Lin smiled.
"Yep, I'm being treated to a night out... If that's ok of course?"
Rob nodded quickly.
"Oh God! Of course it is! Holy Shit! Fuck! You're coming to watch us play. Fuck! Shit I'm sorry I shouldn't swear."
"Hey it's fine. I grew up listening to HipHop. Not many swear words I'm not familiar with, or don't use come to that!"
"Rob, we need to do a sound check"
They all turned to where the voice was coming from. Standing on the stage with a guitar slung around her neck was a stunning woman, jet black hair with streaks of red that almost reached her waist. Grey eyes, a nose ring and one arm had a full sleeve tattoo. She was wearing a very short plaid pink skirt that only just reached past her arse with a vest top and thigh length boots. Lin stared at her. His eyes ran from her feet up her never ending legs all the way up to her face. He realised she had caught him looking. She raised her arms in a shrug.
"Do you want me for something or....?"
He stuttered "Oh no I'm so sorry, I.. no, I'm fine. Sorry."
She raised her eyebrow at him and walked off strumming her guitar.
Mark laughed quietly.
"And that's Kelly. Her bark is worse than her bite I promise. She's a sweetheart really"
Lin laughed "I think I'll take your word for that!"
"Lin-Man!"
He swung round. "Lac!"
They grabbed each other in a bear hug laughing.
Lac pulled away and looked at his friend.
"It's so good to see you man, how is everything?"
Lin answered slowly.
"I'm getting there... Day by day."
Lac nodded. His face full of concern for his friend.
"Good to hear it. You're looking well dude... better than...." He stopped.
Lin looked at him "... better than I did last time you saw me when I was passed out in the living room surrounded by alcohol...?"
Lac looked sheepish. "Sorry man, I didn't mean to bring it up."
Lin smiled.
"Its ok. Really. I'm past that dark time. I still have my moments but it's getting easier."
Lac patted him on the shoulder "If you need a break or anything at all while you're here give me a shout.
So! We're running through in order in an hour. Want to go backstage and find your room? We can have a quick chat about the final musical arrangement. You still good to go with 'Cheering for me now' then into 'Bojangles'?"
Lin nodded. "Yep. Absolutely."
He walked back to Mark.
"As soon as I have a ball park time I will let you know. Enjoy your daddy time!"
Mark smiled at him gratefully and walked away.
