KNOTTED: The Manhattan Bound Series, Book Three

by Juliet Braddock

  “Don’t worry, my darling,” Jeffrey leaned in for his own peck to Ben’s lips, “I’ll deal with you later…”

  # # #

  “Drew…all bets are on you—how are you feeling right now?”

  “Maxine, tell our viewers at home on New York One who you’re wearing this evening…”

  “Playbill just named you two ‘Broadway’s Royal Couple.’ Now, is it true that you actually met through your work in the theater?”

  Posing and fielding one question after another, Drew and Maxine made their way down the press line on the Red Carpet outside Radio City Music Hall on that warm June evening. So strange was it for Maxine to be on the other end of the camera this time around. Usually, she was the one sitting on the sidelines while her clients carried on about their new shows, albums or memoirs. While it was fun to play dress up, though, she much preferred the anonymity of being someone else’s publicist.

  Drew kissed the top of her head only to provoke a blinding flash of paparazzi. “I hope I win tonight. I don’t want to taint your memories of your first Tony Awards.”

  “You’ve already won my heart, Drew, so there’s no losing here tonight,” she said and took his hand. “Now, shall we go inside? I think your parents would like to see you before showtime…”

  With a step to the side, he gestured toward the front doors. “After you, Mrs. Mack…”

  As they swept inside the theater, Maxine felt as if she’d stepped back in time. The Art Deco details—glass, leather, and metal accents—filled every corner and covered every wall of the lobby. But the beauty was lost that evening with the rush of Broadway’s A-list celebrities filling the space.

  In fact, they’d almost missed the McKenzies, but Maggie’s eagle eyes could spot her children from a mile away. She was already crying as Drew pulled her close for a hug, and Maxine fought hard to hold back her own emotion. She had to save the tears for Drew’s win—she’d promised herself.

  “Oh, my Drew…” Maggie held him close. So often, she still saw that terrified child, shaking and shivering at the slightest touch. She could still hear his cries, and she could still see the fear in his eyes. “You look so handsome. You and Maxine…I’m just so happy for you…”

  “Then stop crying, Mom,” he teased her and wiped the tears away with his gentle fingers. “Hey, if my wife can hold it together—”

  “You and your brother…” she muttered. “You always make me laugh. And cry…”

  “I love you,” Drew whispered. “And I thank you and Dad for everything. You made me into the man I am today…”

  “Go get ‘em, son,” Declan said with a heavy pat on Drew’s back. “We’re proud of you…”

  “And don’t be a big old snob and forget about us tomorrow, Dr. Drew,” Adam said. “Cuz I’ll go all Liam Nissan on your ass…”

  “Honey,” Jillian began with a wide, toothy grin, “my colleagues are all here this evening.”

  Cowering, Adam covered his face with his hands. “This is for Squirt—but I shall behave.”

  As much as he hated leaving the comfort of family and his closest friends, Drew had to part ways and hustle off with Maxine. Unfortunately, everyone else had to sit in the balcony, but it was a small sacrifice for each and every one of them. They simply wanted to be there in that room when they called Drew’s name.

  The auditorium was vast, nearly four times the average size of a Broadway house, and they had to find their seats quickly. The awards were telecast live, and everyone had to be in place. As they rushed down the aisle, nearly everyone reached out to grab Drew’s hand, give a squeeze to his shoulder or kiss him on the cheek.

  So many familiar faces flashed before Maxine’s starstruck eyes. She’d met quite a number of her Broadway favorites through both work and Drew’s busy season, but she had to allow herself the chance to get caught up in the moment. Working in the business and marrying one of its hottest rising stars still didn’t erase the theater fangirl in Maxine.

  Once they settled in their seats, the orchestra began to tune up for the opening number. Heart racing as it always did at the start of every musical she’d seen, Maxine reached for Drew’s hand as the houselights dimmed.

  Although her eyes focused on the stage where host Alan Cumming performed his crowd-rousing opening number, Maxine lost her concentration before he delivered his first joke. Stroking her fingers over his, she watched Drew from the corner of her eye. He wore that same look that she’d recognized from awards nights past—that resigned but rueful smile.

  By the time Drew left his seat to change for his performance, Sunset Boulevard had already won awards for best costumes and best revival of a musical. Maxine remained wide-eyed and hopeful. There was simply no question in her mind, and she didn’t know how she’d react if he actually lost. But she didn’t even want to entertain that possibility.

  When Drew took the stage with the title song from the show, all eyes and ears focused on him alone, standing beneath that single spotlight. As always, Maxine caught her breath and held it when he hit that long final note. That night, the audience couldn’t get to their feet quickly enough. Hell, even the people around Maxine patted her on the back, as if to offer an early congratulations.

  And as Drew returned to wait out the rest of the evening next to Maxine, his nerves finally got the best of him. The smile was gone, and he simply just shook his head as he sat down. Without a win that night, he’d relegated himself to a career in academia. Maybe his alma mater Julliard would hire him to teach a few courses.

  The awards for best actor and actress, of course, were always held at the end of the night just to maintain the element of suspense—and to keep those precious viewers watching. However, Maxine was convinced that they’d arranged the schedule to purposely fill the nominees with misery and dread until the very last moment.

  The sighs and grunts and general noises of impatience that left Drew’s lips made her wonder if anyone else around them could hear. Never had an evening passed with such slow anticipation.

  One more damn commercial until the announcement, and Drew turned to Maxine in desperation.

  “It could all be over in a matter of moments…”

  “Your career won’t be over if you lose, Drew,” she said. “How many great actors have gone on to do amazing things long after they lost?”

  “I’m done, Maxine. This is—”

  The houselights dimmed again as one of Maxine’s favorites, Neil Patrick Harris, took the stage to present the award. She was just thankful that the wait would be over. Damage control was one of Maxine’s specialties—so Jeffrey had told her over the last few months with their clients—and she found herself ever quite talented in extinguishing Drew’s upsets in life. They’d carry on as husband and wife, for better or for worse.

  “And this year’s American Theater Wing’s Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical goes to…”

  Fuckballs, Neil, rip that damn envelope, Maxine thought while his fingers struggled to retrieve the card inside. Dammit, Doogie! Give us an answer!

  “Drew McKenzie, Sunset Boulevard!”

  “Yes!” Maxine squealed, pecking his face with tiny mauve kisses as the cameras zoomed in to catch his reaction. “You won!”

  “I—”

  Never before had she witnessed Drew with a case of stage fright. He hadn’t even heard his name! With a gentle shove, she nodded toward the stage. “Congratulations, my love! You did it!”

  “I…I won…the Tony…?” he stammered, his voice rising in question. “I won…”

  “So proud of you, my husband—now go!”

  However, he couldn’t resist a kiss, and maybe his lips lingered for a few seconds—but this was live television. He had to get up on that stage and accept his award!

  “I love you, little one. So very much…”

  “And I love you back, Kindest and Most Talented Sir…now move it!” she whispered, wondering how this little scene must have looked to the viewers at home.

  Daze
d and dizzied, Drew stumbled his way up the steps, and as Neil passed that statue to him, he just shook his head in disbelief. Looking out into the crowd, he couldn’t find a single face that he’d recognized. He felt, as Maxine often did, that he was living someone else’s life.

  Now, he had to speak—be gracious to those who helped him pave the way up those slippery steps to the stage. He had to pull it together somehow, but all of his training suddenly dissipated.

  “So…Dad…aren’t you glad you couldn’t talk me out of Julliard?” Drew finally managed as the thunderous applause dissipated to laughter. However, panic washed over his face. He had no idea what the hell he wanted to say, and he’d blanked on where he’d tucked his speech.

  Pocket. The speech is in your pocket, Mack.

  Fumbling, he eventually made his way to the note card Maxine had purposely placed inside his jacket earlier that evening, startling himself again with his own relief.

  “Wow. Is this really happening?” he asked. “First and foremost, I have to thank the two most giving and forgiving parents in the world, Declan and Maggie McKenzie. You brought me home, you loved me, and you both made me want to create a better world around me. And to my brother Adam…you’ve made me stronger and tougher…and you’ve demonstrated over and over the true meaning of ‘brotherhood.’

  “To the producers, cast and crew…and to every single person who works the Hirschfeld Theater night after night…you’re the reason I am so lucky to go to work every day with a smile on my face. I appreciate the love and support you’ve given me over these last few months…and you’re all part of the magic that happens on that stage eight times a week.

  “I also need to say a huge thank you to my agent Rob, and to Jeffrey and Jillian—even you, Ben Worthington—for the miracles all of you work behind the scenes to keep me sane…and to keep me laughing at my own foibles.

  “And finally…” Drew dared to take a single breath before the orchestra cut him off. “Finally…my wife Maxine, whom I just married six splendid weeks ago. I would not be here right now if you weren’t in my life. You’ve gifted me with your kindness and your love…and you’ve inspired me to live this life to its fullest. I love you more than words can say, little one. You are my everything…and I’m glad you’re sharing this most wonderful night with me. I love you—I love you all!”

  As he made his way from the stage, Drew struggled to find some semblance of reality. An entourage led him to the pressroom, and he had no idea where the hell he was going. One corridor seemed to lead to another. The swarm of people that it took to create this colossal event just left him fascinated. He’d never been privy to the happenings backstage at the Tonys. Watching it all brought him a renewed sense of wonderment for the theater.

  Once they’d finally reached the space designated for media interviews, he felt a tiny tug at the back of his jacket. He’d know that pull anywhere, but he couldn’t hide his absolute surprise when he turned around to see Maxine’s tear-stained face—and the drops that continued to flow.

  “How did you get back here?” was all he could say as he opened his arms wide.

  “Jeff-frey…hic…got me a press pass before…hic…hand,” she choked. “Just…hic…in case…”

  Into his arms, he swept her and just held her so that they were face to face. All cameras in the room turned to face them. And as Drew looked into her emerald eyes, reality settled over him at last. He had his wife and his first Tony Award in his hands, and he didn’t want to let either one of them go.

  “You are such an amazing lady…”

  “Love…hic…you…”

  Laughter fluttered between them as someone handed over a bottle of water, and Drew thanked the anonymous person in the crowded air.

  “Congratulations, Drew,” she said at last. “I’ve always been rooting for you, but I never thought I’d be next to you on this night…”

  His lips caught hers for another quick second. “And I can’t imagine winning tonight without you…”

  Suddenly, her attention dropped to the statue in his hands—that familiar gold medallion embellished with the comedy and tragedy masks. “Let me see it!”

  “It’s not engraved yet—we have to give it back after the press conference…”

  Maxine never thought she’d hold a real Tony Award in her hands. She was terrified that she might drop it! “Can’t wait to set this baby on the mantle. It’s gonna get crowded up there.”

  “Hey, you, Tony Boy,” Jeffrey said as he took his elbow. Ben was right behind him beaming. “Get your ass moving and greet your audience. These people have stories to file. And no pissing off K-Mart tonight, got it?”

  “No pissing off K-Mart,” Drew repeated, endeavoring to contain his laughter.

  “And kudos, my dear old friend,” Jeffrey gave his hand a quick pump. “I am so damn proud of you, Drew…”

  Drew thought back to a night when he and Jeffrey weren’t much older than Maxine and Ben. He’d just landed a small part in his first Broadway show, and Jeffrey had just been promoted at a public relations agency that now considered him their competition. Jeffrey gave him one bit of advice, and that was to promote his talents with his voice alone. “Well, Jeffrey, I wouldn’t be here without your voice cheering behind me.”

  “Now, I’m gonna cry again…” Maxine said as she plunked her head against Ben’s chest. “Hopefully no more hiccups, though.”

  “Oh, shit, Cap…you had them?”

  “All gone now,” she said and looked up to pinch Ben’s chin. “Hopefully, I’ll be clear for the party.”

  “You now, I was really touched that Drew mentioned me,” Ben said with all sincerity. “I didn’t expect that at all.”

  “You’re a huge part of his life, Uncle Benjy,” Maxine reminded him. “He loves you.”

  “You married well, Max,” he squeezed her shoulder. “Mama Judy would be proud.”

  “Yeah, well…she’d be pretty happy with your choice, too, Benjamin.”

  “Toast her with me tonight?” he asked.

  “You’re on!”

  Somehow, Drew conjured his usually charming and witty self to face the deluge of reporters that had descended upon the pressroom. For once, he didn’t even get pissed off over the personal questions about their wedding and honeymoon. He even teased that after his win, Maxine would probably keep him around for another year.

  So much activity unraveled before his bewildered eyes that Drew almost missed his nemesis in the sea of faces. Yet the moment their eyes locked, Drew gripped the podium but refused to allow that son of a bitch to shake him up.

  It was the first time since they’d returned from their honeymoon that Drew ran into Randy Mansfield, and just the proximity of this man left him throbbing with anger. He wanted nothing more than to out that poor excuse for a reporter right in front of all his colleagues. However, Drew couldn’t let this guy see him sweat, even while his heart thundered against his chest in fear of what he might ask.

  “So, Kind Sir,” Randy began with an arrogant smile spreading across his lips, “what do you think is next on the horizon for you…?

  No one but Maxine caught the reference to her nickname for Drew, but Randy’s mere presence alone sparked ire within Drew’s gut. He wanted to reach over and just ring his hands around Randy’s neck until that little turd turned blue. However, he held himself in check as he scrambled to find an answer. Killing them with kindness, though, was Drew’s best weapon, after all.

  “I’ll be renewing my contract with the show,” Drew said, his eyes daring Randy to step just one inch closer. “And I’ll be taking some time to play newlyweds with my wife.”

  “Next question?” Jeffrey stepped in with a knowing glance to Drew. “Daily News…”

  Maxine fumbled with her own fingers in front of her as that little scene unfolded. On the surface, Randy was merely doing his job—attending a press conference and securing a quote. No one else could sense the sinister workings that lurked beneath the normalcy of the situa
tion. Now, though, Maxine was thankful for the security team Drew had hired. The bodyguards been following them all night, and doing a damn good job at remaining anonymous in the huge crowd.

  Always sensitive to her mood, Ben crawled his arm across her back to hold her close. “He’s just some runt reporter, Cap. Don’t even give him a second thought…”

  Although she appreciated his attempt to soothe her, Ben didn’t know about the dungeon photos sent to Drew’s phone. Now Maxine began to wonder if Drew’s suspicions on the matter might be true—if Randy somehow managed to get into their building to send the shots along.

  Putting her rampant thoughts aside would be a daunting task, but she had to clear her mind for Drew’s sake. This was his night, and he deserved to celebrate it sans drama.

  “You’re right, Ben,” she said, dismissing her fears. “You owe me a dance tonight, too, alright?”

  Catching her in his arms for a whirl, Ben twirled her around. “A toast and a dance for my favorite girl in the whole wide world…”

  “Uncle Benjy…” Maxine sighed. “I’m your only girl…”

  # # #

  With its walls covered in lively murals depicting a celebration of music, Café Carlyle was a legendary sojourn on the New York cabaret scene. Everyone who was anyone played that room at one time or another—Debbie Reynolds, Eartha Kitt, and Judy Collins, to name a few. Even Woody Allen’s jazz band kept a weekly stint within those hallowed halls.

  This was the last and final stop of the night for the McKenzie party among many Tony soirees. They simply couldn’t attend them all. It was nearly two in the morning, but Drew was still running on champagne and adrenaline.

  “One more photo of the newlyweds for Playbill, please?”

  Lifting her into his arms, then dipping her backward à la Rhett and Scarlett, Drew planted his lips upon Maxine’s only to prompt an uproarious laugh from the photographer. As the flashes and photos snapped away, Maxine kicked her feet, so deliriously thrilled to live in just that moment with Drew.