The ‘T’ is Silent

“I go by that name because that’s the name my father gave me,” Polite Beach reiterated for the thousandth time.

“You’ve got it, you’ve got it,” Colby Enoch said.

The two men worked backstage before the honorary moment when the Tony would be awarded, making Beach an EGOT winner.

“I always wanted to grab that award. I walked the planks before I got into TV, movies and music.”

“Well, you’re going to get this goddamn award and that’s that,” Enoch pumped up his boss.

“Yeah, this makes it official. Let them write on their blogs and show in their vlogs about this. I’ve come from Wilmington, Delaware just to nab a completion. It’s all about earning this. I didn’t come all this way to be knocked down in the dust,” Beach stated.

“That’s right. We’ve come too far to just give in and give up,” Enoch said.

“You can put that on my father’s grave. I first nabbed the GRAMMY®. You remember that was for Record of the Year.”

“You’re right!”

“Then I got the Oscar® for Actor in a Lead Role and Best Adapted Screenplay….”

“I count two.”

“Then I took my talents to the small screen. I won an Emmy for Best Writing for Television.”

“Do it like you’re doing it for TV.”

“And now…. the Bard’s territory. I get to grab Best Play. Funny they don’t have a writing category in Drama. Just musicals.” He shrugged.

“Well, we’re about to get this award and make it our own.”

“We? I mean I thank you for coming along with me all these years, but what did you write? Song or play?”

Enoch looked up. “You remember I gave you that idea for Signal Time. That scene where the lady steps out of the car. I helped you write that scene. They should’ve given me the award.”

“I don’t see a writer’s credit with your name on it. I don’t see you staying up these nights coming up with material. Again, I thank you for supporting me. I thanked you every time, didn't I not?”

“You’re right.”

“I know I’m right. I’m about to go out on that stage and thank you again. You’re my friend. But don’t ever forget who you are and who I am. I am proud of my work and express gratitude personally and publically, which includes you.”

Enoch sighed. “Pardon me. I’m not trying to stir up any trouble. I’m just trying to keep your head on your shoulders.”

“You don’t need to worry about my head, Colb’. All you have to do is keep my suits together and balance my books. That’s it. I’ve got a lawyer, accountant, and investor and I don’t trust them above you.”

“I appreciate that, Beach.”

“What?! You call me a bitch?”

“No, no, I—-”

“I got you! You know people have been messing around with my name since my inception. I’ve been fighting noth names. But I’m proud of both of them and in forty-five minutes they’re going to call my name and I’ll be glad.”

“That’s right. You had to power your way through the industry.”

“Yes, and when I get this EGOT, the T is going to be silent. Just like griot. I want it to be the meaning of all the awards. My ego caused all of this. My selfishness did, not to be confused with narcissism.”

“What’s the difference?”

Selfishness is about earned greed. Narcissism is undue avarice.”

“Oh. Well, that’s the truth. That’s the truth anyhow.”

Enoch fixed Beach’s bowtie. He looked at the man he had rode with for twenty-two years. “Your Ego is the reason for your EGOT.”

He purposely left off the T.