Page 15 of C*cky Best Friend
She blurts, “You in the show, too?”
He locks eyes with her. “Yeah, what part do you play?”
So he’s not background then. The guy wouldn't have asked that loaded question if he were. It implies he has a part.
I answer, “The brother.”
Samantha glances to me, knowing I saved her from saying she didn’t have one.
He nods to me as we all walk on, but he’s interested in her. “I’m playing Donovan, the lead.”
“Oh wow!” Sam whispers as she begins to understand. “You’re from New York, aren’t you?”
“Yeah. Name’s Asher.”
“Samantha.”
I thrust my hand out like a dumbass. “Looks like we’re family for the next three weeks plus performances.”
We shake, and he returns his curiosity to Sam until she gives him a shrug, “Background dancer.”
“You should be up front.”
Her grin is his reward.
I want to punch the guy.
I’m not a fighter.
Or at least, I wasn’t one.
Put someone in the right situation and they’re capable of anything. I can feel my knuckles twitching as he glances to her ass. Sam’s standing just ahead of us enough with her eyes on the ascending numbers. He and I lock stares and he holds my look, gauging me.
A cacophony of first-day excitement breaks the tension as doors slide open to over thirty dancers, actors, and singers, gathered in the waiting room.
Ms. Galloway appears, motioning for us all to join her in the twelve-hundred-square-foot rehearsal space. “Okay, everyone, get a move on.”
I’ve worked with her on four productions, and she never sits down once rehearsals begin. The woman is powerful, a famous dancer who, when she was younger, traveled the world in company after company. We’re lucky she settled in the south; says she likes the weather here best.
Galloway motions for the three of us to come to her. We walk over and she dismisses Sam, “Not you Samantha. Go join the dancers.”
My chest tightens as I watch Sam give a quick smile, “Oh, okay, thank you,” bouncing off like she doesn’t mind. I know better. I’m sure Galloway does, too, but she’s got no time for hurt feelings.
“Have you met?” He and I nod. “Good. One of the reasons I cast you, Logan, is because I know you.” With a bland wave she explains, “Your ego won’t get in the way. You’re to support Asher and not pull focus. He’s the star.”
I snort, “Gee, thanks.”
She cocks an eyebrow, and I lose the sarcasm. She’s right about me if it had been any other guy. But this one checked out my Sam.
I don’t like him.
At.
All.
“Your dancing is superb, better than any one else who auditioned. But it’s your energy I really wanted. You’re the perfect nice-guy type.”
Chewing on my cheek I nod, “Awesome.” Glancing over to Sam I see her watching us, eyes on the choreographer who could have changed her life. She idolizes Galloway. We all worship the woman. Every dancer in this city has watched the videos. Nobody danced like Tasha G. back in the day.