Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Finally, the synth-beat of Rhianna’s “Sexuality” came over the speakers. This one was all about sex. Hip shaking and body rolls mixed with classic jazz moves that coupled with the music like they were made for each other. It was all sensual heat and seduction with subtle invitations hidden throughout that would, if they could ever perform it for an audience, drive people crazy.
He hoped.
This was the first time it’d been tested. A risk, yeah, but Tam hoped it would pay off.
During the entire sixteen-plus minutes of performance, he hadn’t dared look at their audience. And even after they ended with their final group pose, he couldn’t do it. He stared at the floor, breathing heavy and concentrating on keeping his emotions under control.
He’d chosen those songs for very specific reasons and they’d brought up all the things he was trying to forget. For the first time, dancing hadn’t lifted his mood at all.
Would he ever be able to fly again?
At this point, there was a chance he’d never find the same kind of joy in anything.
Swallowing back the disquiet that left him unsettled, he followed the group to the edge of the stage to face judgment. He hid behind Z and Ansel with Hop and Jae on either side. He felt protected, as if they’d subconsciously known he’d needed a barrier. As mixed up as he was, he both appreciated and resented it at the same time.
He needed to be stronger, more courageous. Otherwise, how would he face every day for the rest of his life?
When he finally raised his gaze, he found Georgia’s wide smile shining for him. He couldn’t bring himself to smile back, but seeing the pride on her face helped a little.
“Well?” Ansel asked, impatience clear in his tone.
“I don’t think we have anything to worry about,” Mark said as he stopped recording. “My boss has the best instincts in the business, I’m sure he’ll want to sign you immediately. I’ll send this to him today and call Georgia when I know for sure.”
“Thank you,” they all said at the same time.
On the way out, his friends celebrated, chatting wildly about their fortune. Tam was...happy?
He knew he should be. Even though there was a definite sense of relief, happiness wouldn’t come.
“Who killed your puppy?” Ansel poked him.
Tam swatted him. “Back off.”
“You’ve been moping all day and I’m sick of waiting for you to open up.”
“Too bad,” he said.
“Oooh, that’s a challenge.” Z smirked as he straightened his hair.
Tam really had no energy to hide behind his normal mask. Working on barely any sleep with no appetite, it was tough enough just to breathe. Handling the audition had been hard enough, never mind pretending he was fine. He just couldn’t do it.
Ignoring Z’s taunt, Tam changed out of his heels and stuffed them into his bag. He tied the laces of his sneakers, then grabbed his sweatshirt. He crossed to the door, but Ansel got there first.
“Seriously. What the hell, Tam?”
“Move.”
“Not until you spill.”
Tam tried to push Ansel out of the way but his friend was solid and a lot stronger than he looked.
“You really don’t want to fight me, babe. You know I’ll take you down without breaking a sweat.” True. Ansel had learned self-defense from a homeless Navy SEAL.
But right then, a fight sounded like the perfect solution. Hell, it sent adrenaline racing through Tam’s veins. After such numbness and pain, the euphoria was potent. He took a step forward and smiled at Ansel’s widened eyes.
“Shit,” Hop cursed.
“Guys.” Jae moved between them.
An arm snaked around Tam’s waist. “Whoa, killer,” Z said. “Don’t get into something you can’t get out of.”
“Let me go.” He shook Z off.
“All right, that’s it. Tell me what’s going on with you, right now.”
“If he doesn’t want to talk, he shouldn’t have to.”
Tam wanted to kiss Jae for taking his side, but he knew it wouldn’t stop Ansel and Z.
“I gave him a few hours to get over it, didn’t I?”
“Just let it go.” Tam tugged at the roots of his hair in frustration. He stank and needed a shower. Really, he wanted to be alone as soon as possible. He needed to sleep. To forget, for just a little while.
Z took his hand and guided him to one of the seats that lined the wall. They sat. “When I went through all that bullshit a couple months back, you said we shouldn’t keep things from one another. When we need help, we ask our friends. That’s why we’re family.”
Tam sighed. “I don’t need help. I’m fine. I’m just...” What exactly? His brain insisted that he’d only known Driver a few weeks. It was crazy that he felt more connected to a guy he’d just met than the friends in this room.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were heartbroken.” Ansel sat on his other side.