CHAPTER 7
Lex
Something happened to me in that theater with Theo. I couldn’t even explain it to Shane after I’d confessed what had happened, but for some reason, Theo’s cruel dismissal lit a fire within me. For the next three weeks, I signed up for every audition and supplemented every other hour in the studio with advanced lessons, workshops, and master classes—all to push my limits.
I was slipping my dance shoes off on Monday night after one of Janelle’s contemporary classes when she crossed the room and plopped down in front of me. My eyes shot up in surprise, then I laughed at the smirk plastered on her face. “What is that for? You’re scaring me.”
She scooted closer and pulled something out of her jacket pocket. The yellow paper had black words printed on it, words that I couldn’t yet read. She held it to her chest when I tried to sneak a peek. “There’s this audition tomorrow, and I would like to invite you to attend.”
My mouth went dry when her words sank in. “What? Really?”
She nodded then bit her lip before leaning in. “I can’t say who this is for, Lex, but it’s a big deal. It’s also kind of last-minute, hence my approaching you tonight and not weeks ago.”
I drew my brows together, curious. “Okay, well, when is it?”
“Tomorrow.”
My heart leapt then slapped back on the floor. “Janelle, that’s—”
“Don’t turn this one down. It’s perfect for you. I’m not making any promises or anything, I’m just saying, I’ve seen your work. I’ve seen how much you’ve grown in the past few months. I’ve seen how you shine when you take my fusion classes. You need to trust me on this one.”
She was still holding the yellow slip of paper when I yanked it from her hands. She smiled, then I stared at the words written on it.
GRAVITY DANCE COMPLEX AUDITION
INVITE ONLY
CLIENT: Undisclosed
CONTRACT: 8 Months
TICKET: #24
ARRIVAL: 9AM
*Bring your own lunch
I looked up at her again, my chest a mess of flutters. Eight months?
Janelle was staring at me, clearly waiting for me to say something.
“When will they tell us who this is for?”
“The artist will come in once we’ve narrowed it down, just like Dominic’s audition. That’s typically the way it works since an artist’s time is so limited.”
I eyed her, hearing something I thought I didn’t catch before. “Did you say once we’ve narrowed it down?”
She shifted a little, as if she didn’t want to divulge more than she already had. “I’ve been asked to help judge.” She held up her hands. “But that doesn’t mean anyone is getting special treatment. You have to bust your ass, Lex. It’s the artist who will have the final say. She’s who you need to impress.”
“She?” I grinned, and Janelle’s eyes shone with amusement. “How many dancers were invited?”
“We’re capping it at seventy-five. Twelve will be chosen, and out of those twelve, six are already guaranteed spots. I still think you have a shot.” She watched my face as I thought over everything she was telling me. “Look, the choreographers here were asked to choose five to ten students they thought could handle this gig. You were the first dancer who popped into mind. That should mean something to you.” She tapped the ticket in my hand and stood. “I’ll just leave this here. Whether you decide to use it or not, it’s yours.”
She drifted out of the room, leaving me shocked and alone. I immediately reached for my phone to call Shane, but as soon as I glanced at the time, I knew he wouldn’t be available.
Dominic’s video shoot was only one week away, so Shane had left the apartment early in the morning for a costume fitting that was supposed to last all day. I only knew that because he’d left me a cute note in the fridge. It was taped to the carton of milk he knew I’d guzzle the second I woke up. The sentiment made me smile, but my heart was heavy knowing that the closeness, that familiarity we shared, would soon fade.
Ever since he’d gotten the music video job, I’d barely seen him. Rehearsals were all day, every day for the past three weeks, and his lunchtimes rarely fit my schedule. He was exhausted when he came home, and he frequently passed out during conversations. But he was happy. And as cliché as it was, his happiness made me happy.
I shot him a quick message, anyway. “I got an INVITE. Janelle wouldn’t say who the artist was. Eight-month gig. I’m freaking out. Hold me.”
He shot a text right back, making me smile.
“HELL YEAH, GIRL. Tell me more tonight. My arms are ready.”
I fell asleep alone that night.
The scent of bacon grilling on the stove woke me before Rihanna’s “Umbrella” could sound from my alarm. My eyes flew open to find Shane dancing in the kitchen. Over his black briefs, he wore a ridiculous yellow apron with lace-edged frills. I laughed, drawing his attention. He grinned and proceeded to turn the music up as he danced even harder to one of my favorite songs by Winter, “Bring Me Flowers.”
“That better be an apology breakfast,” I warned as I lifted myself from bed and tossed on the closest shirt.
Shane gave me a pout before turning down the music and shuffling over. He wrapped me in his arms and buried his face in my neck. “It is. I’m sorry I wasn’t here last night.”
He’d already sent an apology text to tell me he got roped into a club event with Dominic and some of the dancers. Shane was at a point in his career when he needed to be immersed in the scene. I understood he needed that time to bond with his crew and Dominic. He’d even asked me to come, but with the audition in the morning, I hadn’t wanted to risk the lack of sleep.
I smacked his ass and pushed him toward the kitchen. “Apology accepted. But burn my bacon and I take it all back.”
He chuckled and turned to the stove. “You have time to hop in the shower. I’ll get you fed and walk you to the studio. I have a meeting at Gravity this morning with Dominic and a few of the dancers.” His head snapped to me. “Guess what?”
His eyes were so large, I knew it was going to be another opportunity. My heart couldn’t help sinking for a split second before I realized how selfish I was being.
“Tell me all the things. After my shower.”
My wake-up alarm was ringing when I stepped out of the bathroom, steam billowing after me. I pulled the towel snug around my naked body and walked straight to the closet Shane and I shared.
“Sexy boots, black leggings, black midriff, and wrap your plaid around your waist.”
I looked over at Shane, who’d just shouted out what I should wear for the day. “Really?” I hadn’t planned on wearing heels. “Janelle said this audition is perfect for me, which means sneakers might be better.”
He seemed to ponder my words then nodded. “On second thought, black sneaks with red trim. Definitely the plaid.” He cut me a look. “Hurry up. Breakfast’s ready.”
I shrugged and slid on my black leggings first, holding off on the shoes until I was ready to walk out the door. Out of my four black midriffs, I picked the one a little lower in the chest to show off my red sports bra. After brushing my hair and dabbing on a bit of makeup, I joined Shane for his apology breakfast.
I shoveled a huge forkful in my mouth. “So what’s the exciting news?” Shane didn’t seem to care I was mumbling past the food.
“Dominic’s looking for a road crew for a club tour he’s putting together since he’s not planning a stage tour until next year. He wants to be more low-key, connect with his people, but still stay out there, so he thinks this is the perfect idea. We’ll hang with him, perform a few songs, then move on to the next city. He’s talking twenty-four US cities now, but it could grow. The clubs seem to be loving the idea.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. Dominic really likes you, too.”
Shane threw me a look to tell me my comment was ridiculous. “Of course. Why wouldn’t he?”
I laughed. If I had an ounce of Shane’s confidence, I’d be set for life.
“Shit. We need to get you to the studio.” Shane popped out of his chair. “Do something with your hair, and I’m going to pack you a bag for today. Trust me, you’ll want some backups.”
“Backups?” I called after him, but he was already on the move, packing my duffel full of extra leggings, shirts, and shoes. Then he went into the kitchen and added some snack bars and water.
“Aw, babe,” I cooed when he met me at the door, my shoes and plaid fully intact. “You shouldn’t have.” I grinned, motioning to the bag he carried.
“This is the last of my apology. After this, we go back to even steven.”
He locked the door behind him, and we started making our way down the hall. “All right, now tell me about this secret audition. Did Janelle give you any hints?”
I shook my head against the breeze that whipped strands of my hair into my face. I’d curled it a little, but I was certain it would straighten by the time we got to Gravity. “She’s helping out with auditions. There are seventy-five dancers, and there are twelve spots, but six of those are already filled, unofficially.” I made air quotes around unofficially, and he nodded.
“Janelle is the real deal. You’re in good hands with her on your side.”
I let out a deep breath. “I hope so. But whatever, right? It’s just another audition. I’m either right for the part or not.”
Shane wrapped his arm over my shoulders and kept me close. “No, girl. This is the one. Don’t ever be content with failing.”
“But not getting selected isn’t failing,” I said, because it was what I’d been telling myself after every audition where I hadn’t been chosen.
He laughed. “That’s what losers tell themselves, Lex. Don’t be a loser today.”