Page 19 of This is Me

“An opportunity has come up for me to audition for a show that would take me to Europe,” Bradly filled me in, and I nodded along with what he was saying. “I mean, it’s a crazy big deal, and it could open a lot of possibilities, but I’m not sure. Also, game console fixes all emotional damage, you baby.”

“Well, the good news is, you may flop at the audition. And not even get in, then you won’t have to worry!” I said with a smile, and Bradly gave me a slight glare.

“Okay, fine. I’m sorry about the prank,” Brad said, before muttering, “dick.”

“Look, Brad. I think you’ve already got an answer to your problem,” I said, taking another bite out of my bland breakfast.

“Which is?” Bradly asked, sitting up a little straighter in his chair and looking over at me.

“Well, this thing is a big deal, yeah?” Bradly nodded at my words, so I continued, “and you’re excited about it? I mean, you’re excited about the opportunity?”

“Well, yeah, I guess, but—” Bradly started, but I cut him off.

“Then go for it. Look, I know that there’s doubt in your mind and that you’re a little freaked out about heading overseas to perform, but isn’t that the dream? Didn’t you take up dancing because you loved the feeling you got when you did it? You loved the adrenaline when people watched you?” My face held a questioning look as I asked Bradly these questions, and I could see that he was thinking a lot of things through.

“Yes, but it’s a big step, Pete,” Bradly challenged, and I shook my head at him.

“What’s different about touring around this country than it will be touring around another? Dancing is dancing, Brad. People don’t have to speak your language, or look like you, or believe in what you believe in. If they love dancing, they don’t care, as long as you’re good at it.

“As much as it pains me to say this, and I will do my best not to repeat it, but… I’ve seen you dance, Brad, and you are good at it. So, it shouldn’t matter where you dance, or who you dance for, or how many people you dance in front of because you’ll smash it. Go for the audition. The worst-case scenario is you don’t get it. But think of what’ll happen if you do. Think of where you’ll go.”

Bradly looked at me as I finished speaking, and I turned away from him. The kitchen had become silent, and the toasted cheese sandwich in my hand had gone cold, but after a few more moments of not speaking, Bradly broke the silence, clearing his throat.

“I think you’re right.”

“What’s new? Now don’t catch me being supportive again,” I mumbled and jumped down from the counter, downing my cold sandwich and putting my plate in the dishwasher. “And also, your birthday next year isn’t happening.”

“Thanks, Pete. But you know you’ll forget about the whole birthday thing by next year.”

“Don’t mention it. Ever. And also, fuck you.”

I gave Bradly one last look and saw him smile stupidly at me before resting his head on the counter, letting out a sigh. Knowing that there was nothing else that I could say to help him, I headed out of the kitchen and dashed through the house and up the stairs to grab my bag and car keys.

“I’m off to school!” I called out as I made my way back down the stairs, and I heard a few muffled voices call back.

The morning pushed forward, and I was soon walking through the parking lot of The Coffee House with four coffees in my hand, shaking my head at Andy, who was modelling on my car.

“Geez, you took your sweet time!” he called out and slid off the hood of my car. “We were just having a shoot.”

“For the disabled?” I questioned and received a chuckle from Blaire and Leroy.

“Just give me my coffee, Peter.” Andy scoffed and grabbed one of the coffees from my hand after I showed him which one was his before jumping into my car’s backseat.

I looked at the others questioningly.

“Blaire called shotgun,” Leroy informed me, and Blaire laughed at the surprised look on my face.

“I know, right? I’m getting good at this game!”

“It’s not a game!” Andy called from the car, and Blaire closed the door in his face.

“Whatever. Anyway, what took you so long?” Blaire had turned her attention back to me, and I averted my eyes from her and looked at Leroy, who was already facing me.

The truth was, the cute waiter had been working, and there was a possibility that I had done my best to keep the conversation between us going. If I was honest, it didn’t go as well as I had hoped, mainly due to the immense amount of awkwardness that seeped from my body, but I did manage to get his name. Not from him directly, but from the badge on his shirt. It was Samuel.

Leroy and Blaire didn’t need to know about my flirtatious attempt on Sam though. Hell, Sam didn’t even know about it.

“Something happened with the coffee maker thing,” I lied, finding it challenging to come up with something to explain why it had taken so long to get four coffees.