He ran his hands through his hair and pulled, the buried ends singing in his scalp. He’d wasted years of energy thinking Gabriel had been the liar, the cheat, the bad friend. He’d been content to love Gabriel from afar, hold on to that small hope that if things were different it might be possible for them to be together. When Jason had revealed—no, lied—about their affair, Bruce had been embarrassed to have had those feelings. Thought he’d been played, instead of trusting his gut and trusting the affection Gabriel had shown. But that’s what secrets did to you. They made you doubt yourself.
But he was wrong to doubt Gabriel.
After all these years, he was relieved that Gabe’s tenacity had cleared the way for them to be friends again. And saved Bruce’s house. He needed to follow Gabe’s lead and put the hard word on his overdue clients—but in his own fashion. Gabriel hadn’t been rude to Clarence exactly, but it wasn’t the way Bruce would have done it. The important thing was that no-one would suspect he had been struggling. Clarence hadn’t thought that, neither had Gabe. They were just paying him what he was due.
He pulled out his overstuffed diary with the list of unpaid invoices written in the front. Too many didn’t have their dates paid written beside them. He kept a proper electronic system back at the house but he liked writing it down, as depressing as it was. He could trust what he’d written. He marked off Clarence’s payment and wrote in Sofia’s. He then went through the list to the ones that were outstanding.
First up, Rowena Campbell.
He dialled her number and she answered after a few rings. They exchanged greetings over the sound of her crying five-month-old in the background.
‘What can I do for you?’ she asked, as bright as ever.
‘It’s about the garage door.’
Rowena lived in one of the new housing developments in Brachen, architecturally austere buildings put together on the cheap. He’d gotten a lot of work from fixing their crap construction. Rowena’s electric garage door had stopped halfway open.
‘Bruce, it’s wonderful. It works like a dream.’
‘I’m glad to hear it.’ He took a deep breath and smothered a swarm of bees buzzing in his stomach. ‘Unfortunately I haven’t received payment so I thought I’d let you know in case there’d been a glitch somewhere along the way.’
‘Oh, Bruce. I am so sorry. It must have slipped my mind. This baby brain of mine!’ Cue ear-piercing wail. ‘I’ll do that right away. I can’t believe I forgot.’
‘It’s okay. These things happen. But if you could arrange payment asap that would be great.’
‘Of course. Oh, and look at that, the invoice is stuck to the fridge. I’ll send it now. Again, I’m really sorry.’
‘No worries, Ro. Thank you. Speak to you soon.’
He hung up. His lungs hurt like they’d been doused in ice water, but he’d done it. He’d got through a conversation that involved him asking for money. Three hundred dollars on its way. He didn’t write in the date paid just yet but put a dot next to it to show he’d done it.
The next few calls went much the same, all done with a lightness and friendliness that his customers expected, but also a firmness that he would get paid. They were all apologetic and all agreed to pay that day. One of them even asked him for a quote for a new job. And then there was the money from the theatre too. Next month’s repayment was already looking good enough that soon he could attack the credit cards.
Everything was coming up—
The sparkling in his blood crystallised into shards when he read the next name on the list.
Kyle Packer.
Jason’s brother.
He’d repaired Kyle’s septic system, a job he never should have taken on but Kyle had been desperate. Almost swimming in it. There were still days when Bruce caught a whiff of the stench. He hadn’t wanted the job and provided a quote that truly reflected his time and labour with a bit thrown in for the emotional and olfactory inconvenience. Brachen was too small for him to be knocking back work, but he figured he’d priced himself too high and someone like Ed would get it. Turned out Ed’s price was even higher. It should have been a job that’d be easy demanding the money for but there it was, still sitting on his list two months later. He’d rather let the money pass by than beg for it from a Packer.
He shouldn’t feel conflicted. This was nothing but a tradesman getting money for services rendered. Besides, Kyle wasn’t Jason. Even so, he hesitated to call.
A knock on his window saved him from dialling. Gabriel stood on the other side of the glass, pulled off his sunglasses and peered in with a lazy smile on his lips that reminded Bruce of slow, hot summers by the river. Gabe stretching his body like a cat and Bruce forcing himself to look elsewhere. But there was no escaping Gabriel now. He wound down the window and tried to shift the knots at the base of his spine.
‘Hey, Bruce. You doing alright?’ Gabriel stuck his head in a little bit further and his smile broadened.
Bruce relaxed. They were friends again. That should be enough. ‘I’m fantastic. Thanks for the payment. Really appreciate how quickly you got it to me but you shouldn’t have paid double.’
‘It was worth it. You should come around and see how much Mum loves it. We’re out there all the time. She’s working under it now. It’s going to be even better when the vines grow.’
Would she be around to see them flower?
‘I’m really glad,’ Bruce said. ‘And you should also know Clarence paid in full. I have you to thank for that.’
He beamed. ‘Well, well, well. Seems like I didn’t do such a bad thing after all.’
‘No,’ he chuckled. ‘But I doubt I’ll be getting much work from him in the future.’
‘I wouldn’t be so sure. Clarence likes having you work in his music room and it’s not just because you’re good with a drill.’ Gabe’s eyebrows bounced suggestively.
Bruce’s face heated up.
‘Why, Bruce Clifton, I do believe you’re blushing.’ Gabe couldn’t hold back a grin while Bruce squirmed—his pale freckled skin always gave him away.
‘Shut up. I’m nothing but a professional.’
‘But a professional what?’
Bruce’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped. ‘Any more cheek from you and I’ll tell your mother.’
‘I can think of better punishments.’ Gabe bit the tip of his sunglasses and Bruce lost his train of thought. Was Gabe flirting? He couldn’t look away from those mulberry lips, couldn’t think about anything other than kissing them. A velvet heat ascended his throat and curled all the way up to his scalp. What had they been talking about?
‘Anyone ever tell you that you go an amazing shade of scarlet when you blush?’ Gabe purred.
Bruce’s eyes narrowed. ‘It’s hot in here, that’s all.’
‘Sure, it is.’
There was no point in trying to convince him otherwise. ‘What are you doing now?’
‘Apart from teasing you?’ So Gabe hadn’t been flirting after all. He’d have to watch he didn’t read more into their friendship than there was. ‘I was grabbing a few things for Mum. Why?’
‘Just thought that if you weren’t in any rush, I could treat you to lunch.’ He hurried to clarify. ‘To say thank you for the payment.’
‘I’d like that.’ He met Bruce’s gaze with an intensity that blasted his skin with fire. ‘I’d like that a lot.’
Mouth too dry to talk, he scrambled to close the window and his diary. He’d call Kyle another day. He’d rather spend time with Gabe than a Packer any day.
Chapter Thirteen
‘I’m a little nervous,’ Sofia said as they walked from the car to the theatre door. The costume designs were done, and if Sofia hadn’t been holding his hand, he’d be scratching until the moon on his temple bled.
He’d put more of himself into these designs than the ones for the sets because Sofia hadn’t been well enough to do it herself. They’d worked outside under the gazebo, but she frequently drifted off with a smile
on her sun-warmed face. He hadn’t woken her. If she rested, she healed. When she woke, she was thrilled with what he’d done. She’d given a few suggestions but otherwise the designs were largely his own.
If anyone found out, he’d hate himself even more for taking one more thing from her.
‘It’s going to be fine, Mamá. Just remember what we talked about and everything will go smoothly.’
They had their sales pitch and their drawings. The ideas were solid. It would all work out.
He helped her into the theatre and his mind was too occupied to imagine its demolition. It was a full rehearsal day so actors and crew were running around everywhere. He searched for Bruce but couldn’t find him. Kenzie came and said hello to Sofia and checked how she was doing before she dashed off to the stage. Each step down to the front of the theatre sapped more of Sofia’s strength. She dropped into the seat and patted the drops of sweat from her hairline. Would he have to carry her out when they were done?
‘Hey there, Gabe.’
At the sound of Bruce’s voice, electricity crackled in Gabriel’s spine. Bruce was striding down the aisle, green eyes dancing with good cheer, black marks staining his white T-shirt, thighs wrapped tight in worn jeans, and brown boots stopping close to Gabriel’s shoes. When Bruce put his hand on Gabriel’s shoulder, it was like he’d closed a circuit and a charge shot straight to his groin. All that power flowing through him and he barely managed to project a hello. He didn’t move away and he prayed Bruce’s hand didn’t shift.
‘And how are you, Sofia?’
‘Evening, Bruce,’ she puffed. ‘Well enough.’ She puffed again.
‘Set looks great.’ Gabriel nodded towards the stage where the first set for Brachen and Hollywood—the one he’d worked on with Bruce—was being carried into position. Painted in muted greens and blues, Ron de Vue’s family dairy farm had an ethereal quality that reminded Gabriel of John William Waterhouse’s paintings: fantasy, loss and longing. The other half was similarly ephemeral, the nature of fame despite the attempt at showy spectacle. Lights that didn’t burn quite brightly enough.
‘Yeah, it is.’ Bruce’s strong hand squeezed Gabriel’s shoulder then slipped away. ‘What do you think, Sofia? Does it match your vision?’
‘It’s wonderful, Bruce. Though not as wonderful as that gazebo you built me. I adore it.’ A smile fluttered across her lips.
‘Gabe said you were enjoying it. I hope it helps you to feel better.’
‘It does. We have been sitting out there a lot.’
‘The sun must be doing you good because you’re looking well.’
Bruce’s optimism ignored the deep shadows under her eyes that the sun couldn’t chase away.
‘You must have been spending some time out in the sun yourself then because you’re looking happier than I’ve seen you in a while,’ she said. ‘I don’t mean to offend you, but you’ve been a bit like a bear with a sore head lately. Not like the Bruce we’re used to.’
‘Have I been that bad?’
Gabriel laughed. ‘You’d better believe it.’
Bruce nudged him but the giant didn’t know his own strength and Gabriel pitched sideways. He would have collapsed into the chairs if Bruce hadn’t grabbed him and pulled him close.
‘Well, things are looking up thanks to Gabe.’
Bruce’s arm sheltered him and their sides touched. The current settled into a low hum that buzzed throughout his body, giving off a gentle warmth. But Bruce’s body added more heat and soon Gabriel’s chest burned.
‘I didn’t do anything,’ he said softly, his throat hot.
This was the closest Bruce had gotten to hugging him in years.
‘Don’t be modest. Your son’s been a big help, Sofia.’
‘You’ve no idea,’ she said.
‘You two can stop now.’ The heat prickled as it rushed over Gabriel’s face.
Bruce chuckled. ‘I’d better get back to work. Gabe says you’re presenting the costume designs today. I hope it goes well.’
‘Me too.’ Her hand tremored as it caressed the cover of the sketchbook.
‘Good luck.’ Bruce’s hand fell off Gabriel’s shoulder. ‘I’ll see you later?’
Gabriel nodded. Another light touch from Bruce before he walked away and leaped back on stage. Had Bruce’s arse always looked that good?
‘I’m glad to see you two have gotten over your disagreement.’
His gaze tracked Bruce across the stage. ‘We talked and sorted things out.’
‘Good. Because I’d hate to think you didn’t have a friend in this town, especially if anything happened to me.’
His eyes dropped to her. ‘Mamá, don’t talk like that. You’re going to be fine.’
She took his hand and squeezed it but didn’t seek to reassure. She had to be alright. Chemo, radiotherapy, surgery, whatever it took, she’d be cured. Larrikin might be the last play she worked on in this theatre, but it wouldn’t be her last. He sat beside her, her hand still clasped in his. His thumb stroked the back of her hand and felt bone.
‘Sofia!’ Lexi cried as she approached. ‘Sorry to have kept you waiting. Hello, Gabe. I’ve brought Angela along as well so we can see what you’ve come up with.’
While Lexi marched with a singular focus, Angela walked in a way that demanded attention. Sharp hips jutting side to side, her chin tilted slightly up, lips plumped and kohl-lined eyes wide and intense beneath dead straight black bangs. She wasn’t model-thin but she had a statuesque build that harked to an old glamour.
As well as working as wardrobe supervisor, Angela also ran a clothing store that stocked Australian designers and that night she wore a Glenn Lo blue leaf print on white blouse and Evelyn Dartford black wide-leg trousers. She held one hand to the short turquoise and emerald beaded necklace at her throat, her thumb turning the big bead in the centre. Every second of her approach captured Gabriel’s attention. Even with all that pretence and drama, she was one of the nicest people Gabriel had ever met.
‘Darlings!’ Angela’s arms extended high into the air. ‘Gabriel, you get more dashing every time I see you.’ She kissed him on both cheeks then lowered herself into the seat next to Sofia. ‘Now, what magic have you got for us?’
Gabriel moved out of the way so Lexi could sit and they could pore over the designs. He perched in front where he could watch their reactions and held his breath as Sofia turned to the first page.
‘So, the Australian setting, especially a historical, doesn’t give us many options to work with so it’s mostly browns, blacks and whites. Collars, cuffs, workmen’s hats, that sort of thing. But we could just pull them out of storage and be done so I had to think of something else. We’ve got a touch of glamour in there with the Hollywood angle but it has to permeate throughout, so like the sets we need this rolling and ever-changing look that plays on what is real and what is fake.’
‘I like where this is going.’ Lexi leaned closer with her head on her hand.
Sofia smiled at Gabriel before gathering her breath. ‘We start with the harsh reality of the Australian countryside, adhering to historical accuracy first, but then that morphs towards the Hollywood angle—glamour but also falsehood. His wartime story is a mix of reality and fantasy; we’ll have him in a pristine uniform with embellishments, gold trimmings, over-the-top decorations on the medals, while the other soldiers will be muddied and bloodied.
‘Then it’s on to Hollywood where everyone else is in glam but he still has a touch of reality about him. I’d then like to see, as we get towards the end, the effect of Ron’s life on those in Brachen so that modifies the costumes further, bringing his glamour to them.’
She flicked through the pages as she talked with Lexi and Angela; they were nodding and oohing, pointing out touches of details they appreciated, and making suggestions for small changes.
‘What do you think?’ Sofia closed the book and slouched in the chair.
Angela and Lexi looked at each other and smiled.
&nbs
p; ‘Sofia, they capture the feel of the play exactly.’ Lexi hugged her.
Angela took the book out from between Sofia and Lexi and flicked through the pages. ‘The designs are inspired. I could sell these in the shop!’ She played with the beads on her necklace. ‘I think they are the best you’ve ever done.’
Angela’s admiration inflated Gabriel’s chest and he had to cover his mouth to hide the smile burgeoning on his lips. For years he’d hidden his designs but to hear praise from someone he admired, who knew what she was talking about … He couldn’t believe how much she loved what he’d created.
His pride burst.
What he’d created.
He was only supposed to have helped his mother. No matter how much they gushed over the sketches, his chest ached knowing he’d gone too far. This was supposed to be Sofia’s work. Her talent. Her vision. Yet another thing he’d taken from her. He should never have agreed to do it.
‘I’m glad you like them.’ Sofia beamed. ‘You should know—’
‘Mamá …’ Gabriel warned. Her name—and her name only—had to be in the program as costume and set designer.
She frowned at him. ‘Gabriel helped with the drawing. My hands aren’t quite what they used to be.’
‘Really?’ Angela said. ‘Gabe, I knew you were good but these are excellent. You two make an amazing team. Sofia, how lucky you are to have him here to help bring your vision to life.’
He ground his teeth together, keeping his smile in place. It wasn’t luck that had brought him there but cancer.
Angela closed the book. ‘We can get started on these right away, don’t you think, Lexi?’
‘Absolutely. Go forth and sew!’ Lexi kissed Sofia on the cheek then was off with a thank you and a wave as she went to begin rehearsals.
‘Honestly, Sofia,’ Angela said, ‘I wish you’d shown me something like this years ago. You’ve always been good but these are next level.’
Gabriel dug at his scar.
‘Well, I wanted to do my best in case this really was the last play. I didn’t want to let anybody down.’
Set the Stage (A Rivervue Community Theatre Romance, #2) Page 9