What should I do—what would you do if you were in my robes?
“It’s nothing, I swear,” I say, like the terrible liar I am. “I just didn’t expect that extra little part at the end.”
“Yeah, it’s something the network decided to add since a lot of other shows use it successfully. Viewers like knowing that their favorite is safe.”
“I’m their favorite?” I stutter, confused since the show hasn’t aired officially.
“According to the test audience viewing the trials. They’ve been carefully selected to represent the American population.”
I don’t have a remark for that—the network is clearly dedicated.
“Well, that’s. . . awesome. Super awesome. Wait until my gram-gram hears. She’s going to be so excited. In fact, I better get home so I can tell her immediately.”
I hitch a finger behind me as another network employee comes up behind my coach.
“Preston, they need you on stage,” he says.
“I’ll see you tomorrow!” I call to Preston as I sprint away like a coward.
The poor man looks torn between chasing me down and doing as asked but eventually turns to follow the other guy.
Phew.
Cat-astrophe averted.
Get it—because Kai was a cat. . .
Sorry.
I thought it was punny.
My mind is still jittery as I dash into my dressing room.
“Kai?” I call.
“Yes?” comes the sexy purr from the other side of the room.
“Ahhhh,” I moan, slamming the door shut and locking it.
He’s still naked.
“Could you like, I don’t know, find some clothes?”
“I tried.” He shrugs. “They’re all yours. I figured you didn’t want me wearing any of them—although, I can’t wait to see you in that silk dress.”
“Yeah, that’s not happening. We need to figure out how to get you out of here. The whole place has cameras!”
Fuck a shadow spirit duck.
What am I going to do?
“A window!” I crow triumphantly, spotting the possible escape route. “You can climb through it and get in my car.”
Kai arches a questioning brow.
“That’s going to be a tight squeeze,” he remarks.
“Just. . . tuck your massive junk back! Okay, I’m going to get my car. Stay right here. When I call for you, crawl through—and be quick!”