He's not even paying attention.
He's sitting there, a scowl on his face, clicking away and staring at the computer screen as if it holds all of life's answers. I've seen that expression before; it's the same one he wore for the first hour of our date.
I'm gonna wipe that scowl right off of his face.
Initially, I'd planned on singing one of our Sassy Cats songs. Seeing that I don't even have his focus, I change my mind at the last second.
His head snaps up so quickly that it's got to hurt. Perhaps I'll offer to give him a neck rub later.
I wish I had my phone out because I would love to record his expression.
He rises from his seat, never breaking eye contact. I keep singing, praying I don't forget the words. I make it through my thirty-two bars, my voice trailing off at the end.
"I was looking for your headshot and resume. You're blonde. You're here,” Henderson says quickly. The other man at the table looks from Henderson to me and back again. He's got a devilish grin on his face. That guy looks fun.
"I didn't feel like myself as a brunette. I was doing it to hide. I'm done hiding."
"You're here," he says again.
I shrug, looking down at my feet. "You said you wanted me to audition. Wasn't that the whole point to that evening? Wasn't that why you got me drunk and took me to karaoke?"
The other guy at the table chokes on the water he was drinking. He coughs, trying to clear his throat, obviously amused by our exchange.
"You got yourself drunk, but yes, I wanted to see if you could sing. Which, I think we established, you can." Henderson's still standing behind the chair, immobile. "What are you doing here?"
I expected a huge grin.
I expected him to run to me and sweep me up in his arms.
I expected anything but what he's giving me.
I blink slowly, trying to figure out what alternate universe I'm in. I know they say New York City is out of this world, but I didn't think they meant literally.
Henderson's companion clears his throat and stands. "I think what Henny old boy here means …”—he claps Henderson on the back—“what I think my ever-so-eloquent compadre from Down Under is trying to say is that you are a very talented singer, and we'd love to consider you for a featured role this summer at The Edison."
I finally tear my eyes away from Henderson to his partner. "I don't think we've officially been introduced. I'm Tabitha Stetson." I step forward, extending my hand. The man comes around the table, accepting my gesture.
"Grayson Keene. Very honored to meet you. I've heard lots about you." Grayson glances over his shoulder at Henderson. "How about it? We'd love to talk to you about a part."
Henderson stands there, saying nothing.
Grayson continues, "We were thinking Morticia inThe Addams Familyor even Christine inDirty Rotten Scoundrels. We are getting to do a workshop performance ofThe Greatest Showman, so there is the possibility of Charity being available. We haven't fully discussed that yet." He glances over at Henderson.
"Um, Gray, I think we need to talk about this." Henderson looks at me nervously. "I don't know that this should be the plan. I'm not sure we want to go in this direction."
What the actual hell?
I came all the way here for him and he doesthis?
Maybe the whole line about Tawny Shane was bull, and he really was there for me. Like he planned this all along, getting me to come after him, seeking a part. I really thought … I really expected … God, I am so stupid. The guy left without even asking for my number. Why on earth would I think he might have felt something for me that one evening we spent together? Hell, he didn't even try to get into my pants. At least I don't think he did. And even if he did, he didn't follow through.
This is how I ended up getting knocked up in the back of a limo.
No, I will not be suckered again.
I take a step back. And then another. And then another.
Before I know it, I'm beating a hasty retreat out of the audition room. I barely stop long enough to grab my bag. My brand-new bag is big enough to fit my coat inside it, which I'm happy for because as soon as I run down the stairs and get out the door, I'm freezing.
