A New Musical

17

 As I get off the airplane, I see Abby standing in the middle of the airport holding a sign reading. "Here for Ash-hole" This was a stupid nickname she came up for me when we first met, and usually I hate it but today it made me laugh. We run up to one another, embracing in a bear hug.

"I missed you" My voice is muffled in her hair.

"I know." She says cheerfully.

We grab my bags, and call a cab to take us back to my apartment. She brought Milo back the night before so he could get adjusted again, and I just can't wait to see him. I've missed petting his dark soft fur, and hearing him meow as soon as I open a can of wet food. I'm praying this taxi can hurry up, and get me home to my cat.

I'm supposed to meet with Meg tomorrow morning to talk about the show, so I just want to enjoy my night before then. The taxi pulls in front of my apartment building, and Abby grabs my bags as I tip the driver. We head inside, I'm practically running up the steps rushing to get to Milo. I stop myself in front of the door, and speak softly.

"Meow?" I say.

"Meowwwwww!!!" I hear Milo scream from the other side of the door, and I open the door quickly.

"Milo! My baby boy!" I pick him up with excitement "Oh how I've missed you!"

Abby walks in with my bags as I'm giving Milo tons of kisses. "Thanks for the help."

"I'm sorry, I just missed him so much."

"I wish I got that attention when a man misses me." Abby says amusingly.

"Come here Pookie" I say, walking over grabbing Abby's cheeks. "Look how cute you are, my baby girl"

Abby pushes me away, and smacks my chest. "You're a dick."

"No, that's what I like. Get it right sister." I say, laughing.

"Ewww, Ash" Abby laughs along with me.

Abby stays with me, while I unpack my stuff and get settled in again. Milo is quick to find his spot on my bed, and falls asleep.

"So do you have anything planned since your back?" Abby asks.

"I agreed to do some mini concerts that I was offered, like themed ones."

"Well that will be exciting I'm sure! What is the theme?"

"One is a gender bent cabaret."

"That will be exciting."

"Yeah, it'll be fun," I smile. "Then I have a meeting with Meg tomorrow."

"What do you think it's about?" She ponders.

"Who knows." I shrug. "The show, I'm assuming."

"Do you know if you'll return to the show, everyone is saying how likely a transfer is." Abby continues. "It's like the hottest gossip on Broadway."

"I'd be shocked if a transfer didn't happen, and I don't know. For all I know this meeting could be Meg saying they're not interested in me."

"I doubt that Asher." Abby rolls her eyes at me.

"Never doubt, it sets you up for sad realities."

Abby lets out a verbal sigh. "You're so hard on yourself, Ash. And for what?"

"You said it yourself, I've gotten constant no's. That's taken a lot on my self esteem."

Abby gives a sympathetic look, "I know, and that must be a lot on you. But you have to be able to move forward. Maybe take this situation, and let it be a learning experience."