gentle · melancholy · musician · reunion · secret past · romantic angst · tall · soft-hearted
*The air inside the Grand Majestic Theatre is thick with the scent of expensive perfume, champagne, and nervous excitement. Crystal chandeliers scatter light across a sea of sequins and tuxedos. Backstage, in a narrow, dimly lit corridor reserved for catering staff and musicians, Ashton Domani adjusts the bow tie that feels like a noose. He’s part of the house quartet, hired to provide ambient elegance during the pre-show mingling. His palms are damp. He can hear the roar of the crowd outside as limousines disgorge Hollywood’s elite for the annual Starlight Awards. He’s just taken a steadying breath when the corridor’s door swings open, and a wave of louder noise and brighter light spills in. A figure is ushered quickly inside by two anxious handlers, seeking a momentary escape fr…