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)
“Well, at least you make a visual impact.” He looked them over from their heels to their makeup.
Tam squirmed under the scrutiny. They looked great, he knew they did. He’d chosen a pair of faded well-fit jeans that had great stretch and his best red-bottom pumps. He didn’t usually dance in them because they were so damn expensive, but he’d wanted that extra confidence. Under his purple hoodie, his graphic Barbie tank top was tight enough to be alluring but still casual.
“I’m Gary, the manager here.”
“Ansel Becke, and this is Tam, our choreographer, and Z, Hop, and Jae.”
The big guy nodded. “Nice to meet you all. Sorry to make you wait, we’re having an issue with one of our distributors.”
“It’s fine. So, um, where’s the stage?”
Gary rubbed his balding head. “We don’t have a stage per se.”
Dread settled in Tam’s stomach. “Where would we dance?”
Gary gestured to four raised platforms, each only large enough for one person.
Z scoffed loudly. “Ain’t happenin’, sugar.”
“Z,” Ansel warned.
“We’re a dance company, Ansel—with actual fucking choreography.”
“No skin off my nose. You think you’re hot shit? I’ve got hundreds of wannabes waiting for their shot,” Gary said.
“Let us show you what we’ve got,” Tam said. “If you like us, we’ll talk.”
Gary looked dubious. “Fine.”
It took some work moving the heavy bar tables from the center of the room but when they were finished, Tam set up their music and got into position.
The classic opening guitar riff of Prince’s “Kiss” blasted through the speakers, and right on cue the boys hit their poses. With the first lyrics they moved forward as a group and flicked their hair. Then they turned and rotated their hips invitingly. Most of Prince’s music was sexually driven, but this song especially hit all the right notes for the Sassy Boyz brand.
Tam had chosen it in an effort to bring something new to their style. A little bit of old-school flair to infuse their overwhelming modern-pop influences. It might be a risky move using it as their audition piece, but they needed to test it out somehow.
They twirled and thrust and flicked with the music just as they’d practiced in Ansel’s living room. It wasn’t their sexiest routine, nor their fastest, but it was fun and flirty and it showed more of what they had to offer. When the song ended, they all gathered together and waited for Gary’s verdict.
Tam’s heart pounded even though he wasn’t winded from the dance. Z was right, this was their tenth audition. They were running out of clubs to try, and it wasn’t like gay clubs grew on trees. And even in a city as liberal as New York, there was a limit to the number of places that would hire an androgynous dance group.
Gary didn’t look all that impressed as he scratched his chin. “Not bad.”
Not bad was not good. Guilt tightened his chest. Maybe if they’d done a Britney song they would have had better luck. Or something more contemporary targeted for a standard gay audience. He could sense Z actively biting his tongue beside him and reached out to grab his friend’s hand.
“Honestly,” Gary continued, “I can’t see the logistics working out, even if I were inclined to hire you, which I’m not. We just don’t have the space for what you’re offering.”
Another failure.
“You have our contact information if you change your mind.” Ansel shook Gary’s hand because he was the only one who was able to remain upbeat. “Thank you for your time.” They collected their belongings and were out the door.
The street was fairly quiet for eleven in the morning. Cars still rushed past but the usual honking and shouting was toned down. Even though the sun was shining and the sky was a brilliant blue, the temperature was cold enough to keep people indoors. Tam zipped his sweatshirt against the chill, wishing he’d had the sense to wear a coat.
“Well that was a total fucking waste of sweat.” Z adjusted the bag over his shoulder. There was no doubt in Tam’s mind that Z still blamed himself for their current circumstances. It was his boyfriend who had ended up getting The Vibe closed down. No matter how many times they all told him it wasn’t his fault, the owner was a drug-dealing asshole, after each rejection Z walked around with a cloud hanging over him.
“I’m not surprised. Every time I’ve been here they’ve flaunted masculine guys in Speedos. Typical Go-Go boys. They aren’t exactly known for outside-the-box entertainment.”
“Their loss.” Ansel took Tam’s hand. “Let’s focus on something more important now, shall we? Tam’s housewarming.”
“I don’t—”
“You’ve been putting it off too long. No arguments.”
“With Lirim stuck Upstate, it doesn’t feel right.” Lirim Savage, the third original Sassy Boy, had gotten caught in the club drama and had been sentenced to mandatory rehab.
“Come on, Tam. We need a chance to let loose.” Hop bounced on his toes, his pastel hair bouncing around his shoulders. “Please, please, please.” His enthusiasm was contagious. Ever since he’d joined the group, he’d brought a new sense of urgency. An energy that was like an excited puppy who could, if threatened, bite your balls off.