Chapter 5

After Trish gets Brad set up with a flute of champagne and a comfy spot to sit, she leaves the bar area to seek out the dance instructor. During intermission, audience members are not allowed into the back, but Trish knows how to work the connections. After all, Brad is the one funding the whole production.

Trish approaches the front-of-house manager and says who she is, and that it is urgent she speak with the dance instructor because Brad Halliwell has some important concerns about the show.

The front-of-house manager looks shocked and deeply concerned, and immediately takes Trish to the back room.

“There she is, madam,” pointing to the instructor. “Just give me a moment to explain this to her.”

Trish nods and looks around the dressing room. She can see all the girls getting changed into their second act outfits. There are bouquets of flowers at each dancer’s changing station, except at Jane’s. Trish looks over and tries to assess who this girl is. She seems lonely and isn’t getting along with the other girls. Why hasn’t anyone given her flowers?

Trish maneuvers to go and chat with Jane.

“Hey there, my name is Trish Munroe of Halliwell Corporation,” she introduces herself, stretching out her arm to shake the girl’s hand.

Jane looks at it, then looks around, wondering if one of the girls has set her up again. She tentatively reaches out to shake Trish’s hand.

“I’m Jane. Jane Bryden.”

“I’ve never seen you dance here before,” commented Trish. “You really have a way of moving, so delicately, like you’re on a cloud.”

Trish knows how to butter people up and to get Brad what he wants.

“Oh yeah, it’s my first time. I just moved to New York a year ago and started school here,” shares Jane.

She has not yet learned that you should never let strangers in on your personal business.

“If you don’t mind, I have to get changed before second act,” Jane says.

“Of course. Would it be okay if I asked you a few questions while you’re getting ready?” Trish asks boldly.

“Well, I guess so,” replies Jane, feeling a bit perplexed about why this woman wants to speak with her.

At that moment, the dance instructor walks over to Trish, reaching out her hand to greet her.

“Hi, my name is Martha Donaldson, the dance instructor. I believe you wanted to see me?”

“Oh yes, I’m Trish Munroe of the Halliwell Corporation. I was just going to ask if I could have a quick chat with Ms. Jane here, at Mr. Brad Halliwell’s request.”

Jane is shocked and surprised at the same time. Brad Halliwell, the one who is funding the production, sent this woman to see her? But what for? Now Jane is nervous and self-conscious.

“Oh. Well, of course, Ms. Munroe, I suppose that would be fine. But the girls have to be on stage in 10 minutes.”

“Why, yes, of course. Thank you, Ms. Donaldson. We greatly appreciate your flexibility,” replies Trish graciously.

“So, I’m going to cut to the chase with you, Jane, seeing as we don’t have much time. Brad saw you dancing up there and is quite impressed. He wants me to ask you a few things, just to get to know where you are in your career. Would that be okay for you?”

Jane is shocked but also flattered at the same time.

“He really likes my dancing?” asks Jane, flabbergasted anyone would have taken notice of her.

“Oh, yes, dear, more than you know.” Trish winks. “So, tell me, how are you liking New York so far?

“Honestly? It’s been tough.”

“Really? What is the problem, dear?”

Unable to think of a quick response that doesn’t make her sound like an idiot, Jane goes with the truth.

“It’s lonely, I’m flat broke and I can’t seem to make any friends here. I’m really thinking about going back to Utah. At least I have family there.”

“Oh no, dear, that would be a shame! You have such budding talent, Jane,” encourages Trish.

“Really? You think so?” asks Jane.

“Sweetie, I’ve seen it all in this place. I’ve watched girls come and go for quite a while now. You got talent and you gotta use it,” Trish said, cheering her on. “So where can we find you after the show? Is there a place you ladies hangout these days?”

“Well, I usually go home right after. I don’t really like the rest of the girls too much,” Jane said, feeling ashamed.

“What? No boyfriend to go home to?” asked Trish.

“Ha! I wish! Not in this lifetime,” quipped Jane. “But if I were to go out with the ladies tonight, the spot would probably be The Virgin Cocktail on Main and 5th.”

“Oh yes, I know it. Pretty swanky joint,” said Trish, with heavy sarcasm. “Look, I gotta go and you have to get on stage. Hopefully we’ll chat later. Now go out there and break a leg!” she says.

“Uh, yeah, sure,” replied Jane, unsure of why this woman and her boss would ever want to chat with her.

What a weird night, Jane thinks to herself. She looks up and sees that someone, probably Valerie, posted a picture of a naked firefighter on the inside of her locker and wrote ‘Jane’s dreamboat’ on it.

Jane looks at it and does notice that his bulge is quite big, and the ripped muscles, especially around his groin, look delicious. She is starting to develop a bit of an appetite for men these days, despite all the teasing. Maybe I’ll try something a little bit wild tonight, she fantasizes.

“Come on girls, line up in a row! Get those pretty, peacock costumes together and shake some tail for the crowd. They are loving you,” Martha claps and orders.

Trish is back in her seat next to Brad and whispers to him, “Her name is Jane. She’s from Utah. She’s flat broke. Doesn’t believe in herself. Desperately lonely. It’s possible she’ll be at The Virgin Cocktail tonight. Go get ‘er, Tiger.”