Things had felt off with Caleb since the hike, but he chalked it up to the mess the show had been last night. Archer figured once things settled down, it would feel normal with Caleb again. After all, their relationship was meant to be light and fun, not something to stress over. He finished his salad and took a few more deep breaths before gathering himself and heading back to the theater.

The whiteboard was out when Archer got back early, and it looked like Mateo and Stewart had mapped out all six of their shows with new partners so Beau and Ben wouldn’t have to dance together. Mateo was standing back, gaze flitting over the board.

“Did you get a chance to eat?” Archer asked him, studying the names for tonight’s show.

Mateo nodded. “I had an apple.”

“Okay. Make sure you have a proper dinner before we go on, though.”

Mateo sighed, idly popping the cap off and on a whiteboard marker. “I don’t need you to look after me, Archer.”

Archer blinked. “I’m not looking after you, I just…” The words care about you died on his tongue. “I’m only trying to help.”

Mateo plunked the marker down on the ledge and ran a hand over his hair. “I know. Sorry.”

Archer opened his mouth to say it was okay, but Mateo turned on his heel and marched off, saying something about needing to talk to Stewart. Archer watched him go. Okay. He really doesn’t like me. Time to let it go, Arch.

Caleb popped up beside him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Hey. I didn’t see you at lunch.”

“Hi. Yeah, I needed a little quiet time. Things have been…” He looked around, shrugging.

“I get it,” Caleb said, taking his hand and kissing his knuckles. “It’s going to be okay.”

They were startled by a gasp from Betty. Her eyes were wide as she gaped at the backstage door.

Archer whirled. What now?

Ben and Beau stood in the door. Holding hands.

Archer’s jaw dropped.

“Yeah…” Ben said. “We’re back together.”

Beau grimaced. “Sorry.”

There was a thump as Mateo dropped a box of medical tape. “Are you f—” he started.

“We know,” Ben said sheepishly. “We are so sorry for all the drama.”

Beau slid his arm around Ben’s waist. “We had a good talk and worked some things out. And we’re really sorry.”

There was a beat of shocked silence, then another.

“Excellent!” Stewart said. “Well, we have things figured out for the next time you break up, don’t we? Mateo, did you write down our plan? In the meantime”—he breezed right over Ben and Beau’s protests—“let’s run through tonight’s show, shall we? From the top!”

16 Rainy Day