Page 71 of Wicked Dance
Chapter 22
When we arrive back at the studio the next day, Devon stops by the workout room to congratulate me on some amazing moments.
“It was gorgeous,” he says. “The castle, your dress, the way you and Blitz were together. TV magic!”
I press my forehead down, easing into a stretch. “I’m glad it went well.”
“Spectacular!” he says. “Now we just have to get you ready for the live shows. The host, Barry Winston, will be by at some point to chat with you, then you’ll do some quick spots with him, sometimes dressed and made up, sometimes more natural in here during practice.” Devon looks around the practice room. “The other ones have more light. We might switch you and the other girls around.”
“I understand,” I say.
“You’ll do great,” he says and heads for the door. “Loved the castle work. Really truly did.”
I’m glad he’s happy about how the date went. And I’m not worried about the next two dances. Mypointeis looking really good and ballerinas are always special. It’s something none of the other finalists are trained in.
It’s the sexy dance that scares me. I’m not like that. I don’t prance around. I don’t know contemporary style. I feel my confidence from last night starting to wane.
Plus, I know tonight is Giselle’s date. Blitz is feeling some fatigue. I can see it in his eyes. The girls only have one late night. Blitz has to do them all.
I think the others see it too, because they cancel my rehearsal with Blitz in the afternoon. He goes on to wardrobe for the Giselle date. Since this leaves an empty space for me too, I decide to go see him.
When I arrive at his dressing room door, I hesitate. I’ve never gone inside. Then I berate myself for that. Out of everyone in this cast and crew, I have the most right to walk in there. I’m the one who sleeps beside him every night!
But still, it feels like trespassing, as if this version of Blitz doesn’t quite belong to me.
I knock on the door.
Hannah answers it, and I’m shocked to see her. I thought Blitz wasn’t speaking to his manager. She’s smug and put together in a pale yellow suit.
“Can I help you, Livia?” she asks.
“They canceled our dance practice,” I say. “I thought I’d hang out with Blitz while he’s in wardrobe.”
“That’s not a good idea,” she says. “They’re doing some candid filming.”
“I can hide with the crew,” I say. “I saw last night how it works.”
Hannah’s face is set. “Not going to happen. Now run along.”
Oh my God. My face flames. She’s treating me like a little girl! When Blitz is mine!
“No, thank you.” I push her aside and head into the dressing room.
I am completely unprepared for what I see.
Giselle is in there, wearing only a pair of panties. Her arms are draped over her chest for modesty. A camera is aimed at her and a crew member holds a panel so that it lights up her bare skin.
And she is sitting on Blitz’s lap!
I feel faint, absolutely faint.
Blitz’s back is to me, but Giselle can see me perfectly. She gets this smirk on her face, but keeps her arms where they need to be for the shot. “Oh, look who has arrived.”
Blitz sees me, and there is no shock there. Just tiredness and resolve. “Up to their old tricks,” he says. “Television drama.”
I immediately understand what he’s doing. If he talks like that, they can’t use the shot, because it’s not right for the show. It’s talking about the show.
I could follow his lead. Talk about the producers or the director or something that isn’t usable.
