(Lauren’s Point of View)
“Why am I showering?” I asked myself aloud. “I’m going to dance rehearsal, and I’m going to get all sweaty anyway.” I am such a dork.
I got out of the shower and dried off. I put on a tank top and track pants, along with some concealer. I was starting to break out on my chin. Sick.
The clock read 7:57. I knew I had to get on my way to the studio, or I’d be late for my first rehearsal. Damn. I leaned back against the wall in the hallway. I wish Brittany was going. She loves to dance; I knew deep down inside that she really did. And I felt bad. I mean, I made the cut and she didn’t. I was the one getting her all excited about the tour, and now it’s not going to happen. And Nick. She has a severe crush on him. This was going to be tough.
I sighed and grabbed my car keys. The door slammed shut behind me, and I trotted slowly to my Jeep. I jumped in and sped off.
(AJ’s Point of View)
I waited nervously for Lauren to arrive at the studio for rehearsal. I sat patiently in my chair; like a dog waiting for its master. That sounds bad. But I was being for patient. VERY. The rest of the guys and dancers were getting on my nerves – jumping around, and goofing off. Well, except for Nick. He sat next to me, staring into space, in his own little world. I elbowed him.
“What’s on your mind?” I asked.
He shrugged. I knew what he was thinking, but I didn’t want to push the subject. It was going to be hard enough dancing without her here. Poor guy.
The door swung open. I stood up, peering in and looking for Lauren. Instead, another girl stepped in. She looked around nervously, and then walked over to me.
“Do you know where Fatima is?” she asked, averting my eyes.
“Yeah,” I answered. “She’s in the office over there,” I said pointing to the right. “Just around the corner. By the way, I’m AJ,” I said, and put my hand out.
“Hi,” she said, and scurried away. It wasn’t like she ignored my handshake; she just didn’t see it. I sighed and sat back down. Nick’s head was in his hands. I shook my head. The guy had it bad. Worse than I’d ever seen him have.
“Buddy, it’s okay. Long distance relationships work.”
“Shut up, AJ.”
I sat back in my chair. I guessed he wasn’t up for talking. I looked back to the rest of the group. They were laughing and talking while they sat on the hardwood floors. I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t in the joking mood today.
The girl and Fatima rounded the corner and came out into the room. Fatima was talking to her, patting her on the back while she walked her to the door. They hugged, and the girl left. Fatima turned to us and clapped her hands once.
“All right guys and gals,” she shouted over the commotion. “I’ve got a little announcement. Everyone, come over here.”
We followed her to the front of the room, and sat down in some folding chairs across from one another. Howie and two other dancers, Katrina and Betsy, sat on my side, while Nick, Brian, Kevin, and the other dancer Jennifer sat across from us. Fatima stood to my right.
She took a deep breath. “Okay, that was Taylor Young, our dancer. Well, our ex-dancer now.”
My eyes widened. I looked at the others, who mirrored my expression.
“Taylor isn’t able to join us on tour. We’ve got to find a replacement – and soon.”
As I knew he would, Nick spoke up.
”Brittany Shannon – we’ve got to ask her. She’s a great dancer, and I really like – um, she’s really cool.” Nick saved himself, but Fatima caught on.
“Nick,” Fatima began, narrowing her eyes. “You know how I feel about relationships that interfere with business.”
Nick blushed. “I know, but this is different. It’s not a serious relationship, and we’re not going to break up. Hell, we’re not even going out. I just know that the girl can dance and she is a wonderful person.”
Fatima smiled and looked at all of us. “I know, she really impressed me at auditions. She’s next on my list. I really think she can do the job. Do you guys agree?”
We all nodded. Fatima focused her gaze on Nick again. “Now Nickolas, I want you to promise me that Brittany will not interfere with the tour.”
Nick stood up and saluted her. “Scout’s honor.”
We all laughed, and the door opened. Lauren stepped in, looking as gorgeous as ever. I smiled and waved at her.
“Hi everyone!” she exclaimed. Her hand went over her mouth. “Oh no, am I late? Did I miss something?” Our little meeting must have looked professional.
Fatima laughed. “No, sweetie, you didn’t miss anything. But I do have some good news.”
Lauren smiled. “Oh, great! What’s going on?” She walked over and sat down next to me. I patted her knee instead of putting my arm around her; I didn’t want to have a lecture from Fatima like Nick did.
“Well,” Fatima began, “what’s Brittany doing tonight?”
(Brittany’s Point of View)
I must have flipped through all sixty-four channels twice. It wasn’t that there wasn’t anything on; it was just the fact that nothing could keep my attention. My mind was on Nick. And Lauren. And the tour. And the fact that Lauren has AJ, and I don’t have Nick. Man.
I sighed and got off the couch. My retriever, Corey, came galloping up to me. He smiled and panted, anxiously awaiting my hand to pet him. I smiled and knelt next to him.
“It’s okay, Corster. I don’t need him. I have you, right?” I whispered into his ear. He licked my cheek as if to brush my tears away. I hugged Corey tight; he always knew how to help me when I was feeling down.
“Come on,” I told him. “Let’s get you a bonie.” I walked to the cupboard next to the refrigerator and opened it up. Corey’s ears twitched, and he sat obediently next to the cupboard, waiting for his treat. The phone rang, and I tossed it to him so I could answer it.
“Hello?”
“Britt, it’s Lauren.”
“Hey!” I exclaimed. Curious, I checked my watch. “Hey, it’s 8:40 – shouldn’t you be at rehearsal?”
“I am. That’s what I called to talk to you about.”
My heart started to beat faster. “Lauren, what’s going on?”
“You’re not going to believe it.”
“Believe what?”
"You’re gonna freak.”
“Lauren, please tell me before I do freak.”
“Okay. Taylor, the dancer, you remember her right?”
I sighed. “Lauren, of course I do, how could I forget? Now cut the crap and tell me what’s going on!”
“Okay, okay. She can’t be on the tour – personal reasons, or something. And we need a replacement – what do you say?”
“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKK!” I screamed. “Are you for real?”
“My ear! Oh my goodness you have some lungs! My ear, my poor ear…”
“Lauren, are you serious?”
“I can barely hear you now that you’ve busted my ear drum; hold on.”
I almost started to hyperventilate I was so excited! I couldn’t believe it. I get to dance and have fun with Lauren, and I can be with –
“Hey sexy.”
“Nick!” I exclaimed. It was so great to hear his voice.
“Isn’t this great?” he said.
I sighed. “You have no idea.”
He laughed. “This is kind of short notice, but can you come to rehearsal tonight?”
I grinned. “You better believe it. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Aw sweetheart, I can’t wait to see you either. So, about fifteen minutes or so?”
“Yup. See you then.”
“Bye Britt.”
“Bye Nick."
LINKS
INDEX
Chapter Seven (coming soon!)
