Tom Foster has his life planned out, and he's systematically pursuing his goals. At twenty-two, he's been organist and choirmaster at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd for three years, he's working on his doctoral thesis, and he's beginning a secondary career performing in concert. There is no room in his schedule for romance ... until Noah Webster, a gorgeous green-eyed blond, walks into the church one evening to audition for the choir.<br><br>What starts as an arrangement of convenience -- Tom's usual page turner is unavailable, and Noah agrees to do the job-soon turns into a fast friendship. Then Noah, who is saddled with an obnoxious roommate, rents the spare bedroom in Tom's house, and ultimately the two men become lovers and partners in life.<br><br>But before they can ride off into the sunset together, they must face one major obstacle: Noah's violent, homophobic Southern Baptist father.

Love Turns the Page

They reached the assigned meeting area for the musicians and settled down to wait. Tom went into the chapel when the other musicians did, but Noah and the other four soloists had to wait until everyone else was in place. In addition to the usual SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) soloists, there was a boy soprano singing the part of the youth. Finally, it was time, and Noah and the tenor followed the two female singers and the boy out onto the stage. The orchestra did their tuning thing, and Dr. Woodruff came out and took his bow.


After what seemed an eternity, Dr. Woodruff nodded at Noah, and he stood, poised to sing. The familiar four chords floated up into the room, and he began the opening recitative. At the end of the first half, he took his bows along with the other soloists and went to the waiting area, where he made a quick pit stop and drank a small amount of water. Tom caught up with him at the water fountain.


Chapter 58