AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Suit yourself.” He busies himself getting out eggs and bacon and setting a frypan on the stove. Without turning around, he says, “Show go well last night?”
“Yeah.” I’d almost forgotten about the success of opening night. That makes me even more mad. This asshole doesn’t have the right to shit all over one of the best things that’s happened to me recently. “Yeah. It was great. In fact,” I say, setting my mug down on the sink, “I’m going to head in for some early rehearsals before tonight’s performance. I’ll see you later tonight?”
“Sure.” Maurice gives me a wave and cracks five eggs into the frypan. “Break a leg!”
There aren’t really any rehearsals on today. In fact the cast have the day off. But I really want to see William, even if all I can do is sit near him and see if it helps make me feel better. I have a feeling the only thing that’s going to settle my stomach today is his solid, reassuring presence.
So I brush my teeth and grab my bag, not bothering to change out of the sweats and sneakers I’m wearing around the house. No one will be there yet and when it’s time for the show, I’ll change into my costume. No way I’m going out after the show, either. Not tonight. Tonight, I’m letting William fly me straight back to the apartment, and I’m going to do my level best to convince him to stay so I can blow his bloody mind!
TWENTY TWO
Jessie
Sethos ambushes me as I’m about to open the door to William’s tower. “Jessie, you’re here early. Might I have a word?”
His tone is sly, like a fox which has spotted a mouse, but that’s the way he always is. I brush it off and follow him back to Grande Lounge, on the level below the lobby. The theater is closed, so the lounge is empty, and we take a seat on two facing black leather sofas. I tuck my hands between my knees and try not to fidget. I’d much rather be on the tower with William, but I can’t afford to piss off Sethos, not when he gave me a shot at the audition for this part when no other producer would consider me.
He regards me with his cat-like eyes and the tip of his tail twitches against the leg of the sofa. “Reviews for opening night have been outstanding.”
I relax a little. Perhaps he just wants someone to listen to him gloat about how great his show is. I mean it is a great show and he should be proud. “That’s wonderful. Then we’ll do the extended run?” The original contract said the show might run for an extra three to six months, if the initial response was good.
Sethos nods. “I think we will, but that’s not what I wanted to discuss with you.”
I wait, hoping he’s not about to say my performance was substandard.
“Almost all the reviews mention your solo,” he says.
“It was brilliant. You are brilliant. I have to say you’ve been quite a find.”
I’m temporarily speechless. This is not what I was expecting him to say. “T-thank you,” I stammer and my palms are sweating though the news seems to be good.
“I’d like to draw up a new contract tying you to the Grand Theater. In exchange for exclusivity, I’ll make sure you get lead roles in any production that goes on stage for the next five years. In fact, I’ve got a few things in mind that I think would suit your voice perfectly.”
“Exclusivity? I’d have to think about that.” I haven’t even really considered other theaters, but locking myself in feels like a bit of a commitment.
Sethos nods. “As a token of my appreciation, I’ve arranged for you to have your own private dressing room. I’d like you to consider what I’m offering. Know that I will take very good care of you.”
