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CHAPTER 1
FIA
Two years ago…
“I cannot believe we just auditioned to tour with Haven Rivers.”
“Crazy, right?” Taylor, a new member of my studio, answers me, wide-eyed, through the bathroom mirror.
Auditions aren’t sparse for us, especially being so close to Nashville.
The amount of casting calls I’ve been on is too many to count. But when we got word that Haven Rivers was holding auditions for her world tour, I think every dancer in the state jumped at the chance.
As one of the biggest pop stars in the world, Haven is everywhere. Which means, by surrounding yourself with someone like her, opportunities can be endless.
For me, dance has been all I’ve ever cared about. My plan A, B, and C.
Some dancers thrive off the performance aspect, but I love being behind the scenes. Choreography is everything to me—the challenge that comes with it, the thrill, and of course, the glowing approval upon perfect execution.
In my dream world, I’d create all the dances for someone like Haven. This could be my foot in the door, and that’s all I need.
“We must really be the shit,” I joke, nudging Taylor’s shoulder with mine, holding a smirk in the mirror until she finds it.
“I don’t know how I got here, but you, my friend, are the most beautiful shit.”
I slowly crane my neck toward her. Silence passes between us as a sheen of rose dusts her cheeks.
For someone who’s shy beyond belief to most, Taylor moves her body better than some world-class trained professionals.
When she notices my raised eyebrow, my lips tilt in a smile. My creased forehead searches for further understanding. I get nothing but a small shrug and the sound of water dripping against the sink. We hesitate, then the bathroom erupts into a fit of belly-aching laughter.
“You know what I mean,” she retorts, blending her makeup into her perfect porcelain skin.
Alongside her, I follow suit, smoothing my thick eyebrows before facing her once more.
“We should go out tonight to celebrate.”
In the direction of the sink, I perch my ass on the counter, so I’m sitting nearly in front of her.
“You know I’m too awkward to go out. Plus, are you not exhausted?”
Yes, but nothing makes me sleep better than the idea of someone whipping that extra bit of energy right out of me.
“You just got picked out of three hundred dancers to audition for one of the biggest pop stars in the world, and you’re exhausted? Where’s your stamina, babe? Besides, if the judges didn’t think you were awkward, a drunk cowboy on Broadway most defiantly won’t.”
Taylor laughs as her eyes give me the politest roll. With a look that screams please, please, please, I square my shoulders, pouting. I sigh to myself, picking at the corners of my cuticles like waiting for her unhurried answer is daunting.
“Fine, but please nothing too crazy.”
I yelp, clapping quickly as I plop onto the tile in front of me. I knew she’d make me proud with her answer. I, Fia Chandler, am always right.
I mean, for god’s sake, we didn’t make it through four rounds of grueling auditions for Taylor to downplay herself like she’s not a big fucking deal.
We deserve this celebration.
Regardless of whether we know the final results, out of the ten dancers they’re going to pick, there are twelve of us left. Call it cocky if you may, but I’ll take my chances celebrating.
I’m going on that damn tour.
