I hate her.
I want to hate her.
I should hate her.
What kind of person just disappears? Ten years ago, the term “ghosting” didn’t exist, but that's exactly what she did.
Once we left STP, it was like I never existed for her. Or she no longer existed for me. Except she did. She took up a lot more mental space than I care to admit. Maybe I didn't actually need her, but I thought I did because of my parents.
It was a lot to lose all at once.
But I thought we were friends—more even—and when I needed her most, she wasn't there for me. Hell, sheblockedme.
Grayson slides up to me. "How was the ride? Does she seem interested?"
I think about the way she practically tackled me. "Yes, I think she'll stay."
"Good. She's in with Kori, Levi, and Jas now, so we'll see what they have to say. She's got a lot of ground to make up."
"She's a hard worker."
Grayson cocks his head. "How do you know?"
Damn. I wasn't going to tell anyone. Mostly because I don't want them seeing what a fool she made of me.
"I mean, she's a professional ballerina, isn't she? Isn't that what you said? You don't get there by coasting."
"True. I'm not sure what her voice is like. H, man, come here," Grayson yells to Henderson, who is speed walking by. Henderson's always in a rush or grumpy. Those are pretty much his two moods.
"S'up, mate?"
"How was Leslie's voice at the audition? Josh here wants to know what he's in for."
Henderson gazes toward the ceiling trying to recall. "Um, I reckon quite decent. If it weren't for the name bit, I prolly would've cast her as Lise."
"Name bit?"
"Yeah, mate. She didn't put a name on her application. She said she was torn about using a stage name. She should totally use a stage name." Henderson shrugs. "But you know me. I don't like drama, and that one had drama written all over her."
Can't say he's wrong there.
Grayson narrows his eyes a bit. "I still don't buy it."
Henderson shrugs. "Well, maybe it was because you were up my arse about having Tabitha come out here. Also more drama."
Grayson playfully punches Henderson on the arm. "Ah, now we get down to the truth."
A stage name.
It would make sense. She's always been sensitive about it. It's an unfortunate name, especially for someone in her profession. But on the other hand, that's a crappy reason to lose out on a role.
But that's the thing with auditions—you never know the one thing you'll say or do that will end up either sealing the deal or breaking it for you. This business is not for the weak-spirited, that's for sure.
My dad always said that.You've got to have a strong will and thicker skin. Let it all roll off you.
"What'd she sing?" Grayson asks.
Henderson's staring up at the ceiling again as if it holds all the secret answers. I glance up too, just to make sure it doesn't. "Um, I thinkLes Mis," he replies.
