Steve left and took the elevator to the reception.
He spotted Lin as he reached the exit and walked towards him quickly.
"It's good to see you!"
They hugged.
Lin pulled back and smiled.
"Good to see you too! Hey we will have chance for a catch up won't we?"
Steve nodded.
"Absolutely! You have a great night though. Kel can't wait to see you. She won't be long. What did you think of the interview?"
"She did a great job. You'd never have guessed it was her first one. She's a natural...."
He stopped mid sentence as the elevator doors opened and Kelly walked out.
His heart started to race and his eyes widened. Every person in reception turned and looked at her.
Lin grabbed Steve's arm tightly and whispered.
"Holy hell"
Steve smiled at him.
"She looks amazing doesn't she, she should wear dresses more often."
Lin nodded silently and gulped.
Kelly started to smile as she got closer.
Steve looked from one to the other both of them transfixed.
"Ok, I'm clearly surplus to requirements so I'm going to get off..." No one looked at him.
"Ok... bye then." He said to himself.
Kelly stopped in front of Lin and looked at him.
"Hey stranger."
He laughed quickly and shook his head. "You look phenomenal Kel."
He rested his hand on her bare shoulder and rubbed it gently with his thumb. He frowned and quietly said.
"I missed you."
She nodded.
"I missed you too."
They leaned towards each other and kissed gently, getting used to each other again.
Lin pulled her to him and moaned quietly as her tongue found his.
She looked at him as she pulled away.
"I need to talk to..."
Lin looked at his phone.
"We have to get going or we'll be late."
She frowned.
"Late? For what"
"You'll see."
Lin took hold of her hand and led her outside to a waiting cab.
They pulled up outside the Rodger's Theatre and got out.
Kelly looked up open mouthed at the theatre bedecked in all its Hamilton glory.
Lin turned and looked at her.
"I thought you might like to see it. If you don't it's fine we can just go for a drink. I won't be offended. I mean I know you don't like musicals so I wouldn't want to force you and make you... "
Kelly laughed and put her finger over Lin's mouth.
"Some things don't change. Shh. Of course I'd like to see it. I just need to talk..."
"Ok, c'mon then. Let's get seated. It's due to start any minute."
She followed him inside and they waited till the lights had dimmed to find their seats. A small trick Lin had to try and avoid too many prying eyes. They made their way to the 3rd row and got settled.
Kelly looked up at the stage and Lin grabbed hold of her hand. She smiled at him quickly and looked away, suddenly feeling full of guilt.
Lin was anxious.
He felt as though he was showing someone his most important treasure and didn't know if they would laugh at him for it.
The show started.
Kelly's eyebrows raised after the first song got underway.
She couldn't take her eyes off the stage, the dancing, the singing, the acting, all drawing her in. She laughed out loud at King George, Lin watched her and smiled relaxing slightly.
The first act finished and the theatre lights came on. A steward appeared and discreetly passed Lin a couple of bottles of water. He smiled gratefully at them.
Kelly kept her eyes fixed forward. "Why is there an interval? I need it to carry on!"
He laughed "People need things like the bathroom and water"
She turned to look at him "Well you're a fucking genius aren't you?"
Desperately wanting to kiss her but aware that they had already been recognised by some he just whispered "I'm so glad you like it.. Kel... I.. like you" he looked at her trying to gage a response. She stroked his bare forearm "I.. like ... you too. He passed her a water and they sat quietly drinking for a while.
Kelly spoke "Lin I need to t..."
"I'm so sorry, would you mind signing this for me. I really don't like to bother you but if I don't my daughter will never speak to me again."
Lin smiled at the lady and signed her programme.
"No problem"
She gratefully took it back and went back to her seat.
He turned to Kelly.
"What were you saying?"
"I have to...."
The bell sounded to signify the show was about to start and her words were lost in the hustle and bustle of people getting settled again.
Lin didn't watch any of the second act. He was too invested in watching Kelly's response. Silent tears fell at 'Dear Theodosia.'
She frowned as Maria appeared and the music changed, he heard her whisper. "Don't do it. Don't do it. You'll regret it."
She looked furious. Lin had never seen anyone so angry about this part and reached for her hand.
She held it tightly and glanced at him. "I'm sorry"
He smiled quickly, confused by her reaction.
Her tears openly flowing by the end, Eliza's gasp the final straw. She jumped up and cheered so loudly at the bows the whole cast looked at her.
They spotted Lin, he smiled at them all and shrugged laughing.
They sat until the theatre had emptied. A few people approaching Lin but all respectful.
They walked out and Lin turned to her. "Well?"
Kelly looked at him.
"Well... ? That was the best thing I have ever seen. How did you even start to begin to write something like that? I need to look at the score. What made you decide to use different tempos and beats for different characters and how did you choose who had what and why. Did you get the words down first or the music, and how did you decide what to cut and what to keep. How long did it take..."
Lin grabbed her shoulders and kissed her deep, silencing her.
She wrapped her arms round his neck and lost herself in him. The theatre lights throwing a golden glow around them both.
He smiled.
"I was going to suggest we go out for a drink, but I kind of want to just take you back to the hotel."
He wrapped his arms round her waist and smiled at her.
"I am so turned on right now."
She laughed quietly and looked at the ground.
"Yes, let's get back to the hotel. We can talk there."
Veronica had about reached her limit. Trying to avoid someone was much harder work than she realised. Every time she heard Claire laugh she winced, convinced that she kept rubbing her belly just to wind her up.
"Don't let her get to you"
She looked at her friend Petra and rolled her eyes.
"I'm trying not to, but God she's testing my patience."
Petra nodded.
"Yep, it does all seem a bit forced doesn't it. I'm sure the whole bloody room knows she's pregnant by now."
Veronica laughed.
"I'm going to give it another half hour and get off."
Steve walked round and pulled the chair out for Elina to sit down. She smiled at him.
"Well thank you, nice to see there are still some gentlemen around."
Steve laughed.
"Just to make you aware. Should there been a need to evacuate the emergency exits are here and here."
He pointed with two fingers.
Elina rolled her eyes and sarcastically replied.
"I've never heard that one before."
Steve grimaced.
"Sorry. What would you like to drink?" He waited for a second then carried on ".... Tea, coffee or squash?"
Elina groaned but laughed.
"Ok any more before I order? Like to ask me if I want chicken or beef, or any duty free maybe?"
Steve chuckled.
"I'm done. I promise."
She smiled at him.
"I'll have a Gin and Tonic."
