Page 74 of Wicked Dance
Chapter 24
Even though we’re not filming, we still have plenty to do to prepare for the upcoming live shows. The series premiere with episode one is a week away, and this will set the tone for what the TV viewers will think as they learn they are now in control of the winner ofDance Blitz. Voting will begin on live episode two.
I didn’t realize there would be a red carpet premiere viewing until one day during ballet rehearsal, Jessie pops in to say I’m expected in wardrobe in five. This isn’t on my schedule.
I slip out of my toe shoes and head down the hall. Cameron and Kendra are there with a rack of glittery gowns.
“What are those for?” I ask. None of them look easy to dance in.
“Two designers are vying to show off their dresses at the premiere,” Cameron says. “These are on loan, so each of you girls have to choose one and send the rest back.”
I approach the row of dresses in a half-dozen colors. “So there will be cameras on us?”
Cameron and Kendra exchange a look. They have no idea that I was banned from TV and social media for years. Only in the past few months have I been able to connect with the world, and Blitz surely hasn’t done any premieres since I’ve known him.
“I’ve decided to let Blitz’s look be determined by yours,” Kendra says. “I assume you two will go together, no matter what the producers say.” She sorts through the rack.
“The producers don’t want us going together?” I feel lost and confused.
“Of course not,” Kendra says. “It spoils the illusion that this is actually a competition.”
The urge to snatch my phone and look at the other season premieres is intense. “Who did Blitz go with to the others?”
“Stag,” Kendra says. “Of course. It was in his contract. They must have known not to try it this time around.”
I walk up to the dresses. “We’re just in this to finish out his obligations. It doesn’t matter how it goes in the end.”
Another glance between the women. I know Kendra went on all the dates as the stylist, but I had insider information on that with Duke. Does anyone here actually believe the contest is for real?
I’ve been fairly isolated from the other finalists, but now I wonder why. Are they plotting things I don’t know about? A tremor of fear runs through me. Is there anything they can actually do to hurt us?
Kendra turns to the rack and pulls off an aqua-blue dress. “I like this one.”
Cameron considers it. “Do you think we’re overdoing the blue?”
“Possibly,” Kendra says. “But the public’s memory is short. Even with just four contestants, we want to make sure they always know her from Mariah.”
This makes me want to scream. Mariah and I look nothing alike.
Kendra sees my expression and says, “Livia, there will definitely be hard-core fans who will know your every expression, but for a lot of the casual viewers the two dark-haired ones are going to blend together.”
She holds the dress up to me. “I think it’s good to keep her in blue and the others out of it, like the Virgin Mary.” She laughs and I burn inside again.
“Go try it on,” Cameron says. “And don’t damage it. It’s all on loan.”
I take the hanger from her and head to the curtained section. The dress is heavy, beaded from top to bottom, shifting in color from almost white at the top to a medium blue at the bottom. All the beads are white, which lightens the overall tone of the dress. It’s very beautiful, and very simple, just slender straps on top with a square neck. When I put it on, it spills on the ground in the back like a wedding train. It’s a couple inches too long in the front as well.
I pick up the skirt as I walk back out to show the others.
I’m more than a little stunned to see Mariah and Christy in the room.
“More blue,” Mariah says simply.
“It’s the color Blitz loves on her,” Christy says in a singsong voice. The two of them laugh like it’s some big joke.
I ignore them and turn to Cameron. “It’s too long,” I say.
“Nothing some killer heels won’t solve,” she says. She tugs on the bodice, waist, and back. “It’s a good fit. Not a standout dress, but very pretty.”
