Brief Encounters

Part 9

Harry and I got ready for the concert, dressed in our usual tuxedos. It was amusing, really, how much fuss the staff made adjusting every lapel, straightening every cuff. We wore these suits so often, you'd think we'd just step into them by now without the endless fixing. And yet, every event seemed to call for the same careful scrutiny, as if anyone would even notice a stray button on a black tux.

Harry watched with an amused grin as yet another aide fussed over me, tugging at my sleeve. "Next time I see this much effort going into your attire, it'll be for your wedding," he said, with a glint of mischief.

I rolled my eyes. "If that day ever comes, I'll make sure you're the one doing all the fussing."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Just giving you a heads-up. You might actually have to put some effort in when it's your big day, brother. One tux for all eternity doesn't quite cut it for a royal wedding."

"Please," I scoffed. "If that day ever comes, you can hold me to it."

Harry smirked, straightening his own cuffs with exaggerated care. "Oh, I will. And just wait, I'll make sure you've got a hundred outfit changes just to mess with you."

As the final touches were done, we were ready to head out, every crease smoothed, every cuff precisely in place. The walk to the door felt oddly long, each step heightening my nerves in a way I hadn't anticipated.

Harry caught it immediately, his grin widening. "All this for a night at the theatre. Anyone would think it's the biggest event of your life."

I shook my head, trying to laugh it off, but he nudged me playfully. "Relax," he murmured. "It's just a concert."

But we both knew it wasn't just a concert.

The black Rolls-Royce Spectre waited outside, polished to a mirror finish. Patrick, our ever-efficient aide, was already seated inside, flipping through notes as we settled into the plush leather seats. "Tonight's turnout is estimated at 3,901 guests," Patrick began, ever the professional. "Full house. I've coordinated with the theatre management; they're aware of your presence and have additional security stationed."

"Understood," I nodded, letting the information sink in as the car hummed to life

As we approached the theatre, the familiar flash of cameras hit us like a wave. The shutters clicked in rapid succession, the bright lights almost blinding in their intensity. The instant the door swung open, shouts rang out from the crowd of photographers and journalists, all vying for the perfect shot.

The questions came fast, one after another, most of them harmless, all seeking the next big headline. But then, as always, there was that one that stood out-a reporter with a more calculated edge.

"Did one of you come for Jeanna?" he asked, his voice sharp, as if reading between the lines.

We made our way into the theatre, where the lights dimmed to a warm glow. The buzz of excitement was almost tangible. Patrick led us to our seats-front and center, a perfect view of the stage. As the audience settled, the anticipation in the air thickened.

And then, the spotlight hit the stage. Jeanna appeared, radiant in an emerald-green gown that caught the light in all the right ways. Her smile was bright, her confidence unmistakable. Beside her was Roe, effortlessly charming as ever. My stomach tightened involuntarily.

I forced myself to focus on walking forward, trying to push away the sudden tightness in my chest. We made our way through the crowd and into the theatre, where the atmosphere shifted from chaos to calm. The lights softened into a warm, inviting glow, and the anticipation in the air was palpable, almost like a living thing. Patrick guided us to our seats-center stage, the best spot in the house.

The audience grew quiet, the tension building as the house lights dimmed. And then, like a sudden burst of energy, the spotlight landed on the stage.

Jeanna emerged, bathed in the soft glow, her emerald-green gown shimmering with every movement. She looked radiant, a smile that could light up the entire room, and her presence was magnetic. Beside her was Roe, effortlessly charming, his smooth demeanor drawing attention from every corner of the theatre. I felt a sharp pull in my chest-a tightening that I couldn't ignore.

"Good evening, everyone!" Roe's voice rang out, smooth and confident.

Jeanna took a step forward, her voice melodic and warm as she spoke, "Tonight, we're taking you on a journey through some of our favorite musicals-along with a few stories to share."

Their banter was easy, flowing naturally, and the audience responded with laughter, their connection undeniable. As they launched into a duet, the chemistry between them was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel the familiar stir of jealousy. Was it insecurity? Perhaps. I couldn't put my finger on it. Roe seemed so at home in her world, while I... was still trying to figure out how to navigate my own feelings.

Harry leaned in, his voice low but teasing. "You've got some real competition there, Will. Might want to step it up."

I muttered, "Shut up," but there was a reluctant smile tugging at my lips despite myself.

And then, her gaze found mine. It was brief, just a fleeting moment, but her smile, warm and genuine, cut through everything else-the noise, the doubts, the tension. For a moment, it felt like the entire world fell away, leaving just the two of us.

The performance ended with thunderous applause, and we were escorted backstage. Jeanna was waiting, glowing with the afterglow of the show, her excitement palpable.

Her eyes lit up when she saw us. "You made it!" she exclaimed, her voice full of warmth and surprise.

"Wouldn't miss it," I replied, my heart suddenly racing a little faster than usual.

Harry, sensing the shift, made a quick exit, leaving us alone in the bustling backstage area. Jeanna smiled at me, her voice softening. "So, about that dinner..."

I blinked, caught off guard for a second. "You mean... tonight?"

She laughed, and the sound-light, playful-sent a thrill through me. "Yes, tonight. What do you say?"

A slow smile spread across my face as I answered, "I'd say it's a date."

Her grin widened, her eyes twinkling with something I couldn't quite read. "Perfect. I'll just change, and we'll head out."

As she turned to head backstage, Harry reappeared from the shadows, giving me a thumbs up. "Well done, big brother," he mouthed with a grin.

I could've rolled my eyes, but instead, I just smiled. For once, everything felt like it was falling into place, and maybe-just maybe-I was finally getting it right.