STAGESTRUCK - The Complete Series (4 page)

Thursday morning, I woke to someone pounding on my front door. I stretched, disoriented at first, and wondered who could possibly be outside. ‘It must be Janette.’ I thought. ‘No one else knows where I live.’ I glanced at my bedside clock; it was nine-thirty in the morning. ‘Janette never gets up before noon. Something must be wrong.’

I jumped out of bed, darted to the living room, and flung the door open. Janette was jumping up and down in the hallway with a giddy smile on her face. “Kate! Oh my god! You’re never going to believe what’s happened!”

“What is it?” I asked, relieved that the news seemed to be good.

Janette jumped past me and into the apartment. “I just got off the phone with Serena. The new run of Kinky Boots is about to start. The actor that’s playing Lola has been really impressed with Serena’s work so he gave her five ORCHESTRA seats for OPENING NIGHT!” She finished with a shrill squeal.

“Are you serious?” I asked in disbelief. I backed out of the doorway and gestured for Janette to come inside. She stepped in and set off for the kitchen to start a pot of coffee.

“I’m completely serious.” She called out. “You, me, Bridget, and the guys will get to watch the show in some of the best seats in the house.”

I joined her in the kitchen and perched on the countertop.

“So when is it?” I asked with a yawn. As excited as I was about the show, I was completely exhausted. I hadn’t expected to see Janette until at least one o’clock, so I’d stayed up early the night before researching the best reviewed photographers to take a new set of head shots. As Janette answered, I reached up and grabbed a coffee mug from the cabinet.

“A week from today,” she smiled as she fetched a mug of her own. “Do you think you’ll be able to get off work?”

I groaned. “I’ll call Steve right now and ask off. But if things keep going the way they have been, I doubt that I’ll make it another week without walking out.”

“I take it things with Max didn’t go any better yesterday?” She asked knowingly.

I shook my head. “Still the cold shouldered silent treatment.” I sighed. “He’s got this sneer that he gives me every time I walk in to the bar area. Lisa noticed it yesterday and asked what I’d done to piss him off. I gathered from her tone that, no matter what I had to say, she was on his side. So now she’s being weird with me too…”

My second training shift had been exponentially worse than the first. Orlando’s was uncharacteristically slow on Wednesday, and Steve quickly cut the staff to the bare minimum. I stayed because I was technically still in training, though Lisa let me take tables on my own again after I passed the menu quiz. The entire shift had gone by at a snail’s pace; anytime the dining room was empty Lisa sat down at the bar, and I had no good reason not to join her without explaining my scandalous history with Max.

Lisa made polite conversation and I tried to play along, but I was uncomfortable and distracted by Max’s presence. I wasn’t really paying attention to what she was talking about, and twice I responded to her questions with completely inappropriate, unrelated comments. She was already irritated with me, so when she noticed that Max seemed upset with me she happily jumped on the bandwagon. I’d spent the rest of the night keeping my mouth shut and focusing on work; by the time I left the restaurant, every napkin in the place was folded into a sunburst and filled with silverware.

“That sucks, Kate.” Janette said sympathetically. “But on the bright side, you don’t have to think about that place again until Monday. We have a fantastic weekend ahead of us, and a once in a life time night just a week away.”

I smiled and agreed that she was right. For what seemed like the hundredth time since I’d arrived in the city, I thanked fate for dropping me next to Janette. She’d introduced me to some fantastic people and one of my biggest dreams was about to come true. I’ve always been infatuated with Broadway, but I’ve never actually seen a show on The Great White Way. But in one short week, I’d be sitting at one of the most glamorous events of the season. It suddenly dawned on me that I had nothing to wear to the big event. I took a long sip of my black coffee and turned to Janette.

“So… what do you want to do today?” I asked hopefully.

“Shop,” she replied immediately.

I beamed. “I was hoping you’d say that! I have nothing to wear to the show! I don’t even know what you’re supposed to wear to a night like this, much less where to buy it.”

“I’ve got you covered.” Janette smiled. “We played an after party during fashion week this year. I know all of the chic current styles. And as far as where we go, well that’s easy: Manhattan of course.”

“I’m not sure that I can afford anything from Fifth Avenue.” I sighed.

Janette laughed. “Not every store in the fashion district is high-end.” She explained. “Though I do want to browse through Fendi and Prada, just to drool and daydream. And who knows? Maybe you’ll stumble across something that inspires you to loosen those purse strings a little. You’ve showed amazing restraint since you got here, but if there was ever a reason to splurge, this is it.”

The comment about my purse strings made me a little uncomfortable. I haven’t told Janette how much money Mimi gave me; she hasn’t come right out and asked for a number, but she brings it up a little more often than she should. The number is in the six figures, which isn’t something I want to flaunt.

“We’ll see,” I said with a hesitant smile. I glanced at the stovetop clock and then looked down at my pajamas. “The next train leaves in forty-five minutes. I can be ready in twenty, if you want to get going.”

“Perfect,” Janette agreed with a happy smile. She was already dressed and ready for the day. “I’ll pop back to my place and make us a quick, portable breakfast. Do you have travel cups for the coffee?”

“I think they’re still in a box somewhere…” I said, glancing around the room. I’d unpacked all of my necessities, but the bulk of my things were still stacked around the apartment.

“Don’t worry about it.” Janette assured me. “I’ll grab some of mine. See you in fifteen?”

“Sounds good,” I agreed.

As promised, Janette returned fifteen minutes later with travel mugs and breakfast sandwiches.

“It’s nothing special,” she told me as she extended a sandwich. “Just turkey bacon and egg whites on wheat.”

“It’s delicious.” I assured her after swallowing my first bite.

I slung my purse over my shoulder and we ate our breakfast as we walked to the subway station. We spent the entire ride describing our dream outfit for the Kinky Boots premier. I envisioned myself wearing something bold hued and sophisticated. Janette, of course, had her heart set on something black.

We got off the train at Fifth Avenue and I was immediately intimidated by my surroundings. Back home in Waterloo our ‘shopping district’ is Central Mall, where the GAP is considered high-end. Stepping on to Fifth Avenue was like stepping on to another planet, and I didn’t know where to start.

“It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?” Janette observed; unlike me, she seemed completely at home on the busy street.

“I don’t know where to go first.” I said, my mouth agape.

Janette laughed. “That’s alright, I do.” She took the lead and I followed her into Fendi. The store was full of elegant bags, shoes, and clothing that had literally just stepped off the runway. I spotted a gorgeous red silk shift hanging on the left wall and approached it with caution; this time, Janette followed me.

“Oh Kate, you’d look absolutely beautiful in this.” She gushed.

“I’m afraid to even touch it.” I confessed. “It probably costs six months worth of rent…”

Janette reached up and turned the face of the tag towards her. “Not quite,” she sighed, “it’s more like four months of rent… but still unobtainable.”

“Let’s go somewhere a bit more… reasonably priced.” I suggest. “If I keep looking at these clothes, I’m going to lose my resolve and buy something.”

“Okay, but I still want to pop in to Prada.” She told me. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and find something spectacular on sale. I know that it shouldn’t matter, but I hate the idea of walking in to a gala performance in something from T.J. Maxx.”

I hated to admit it, but I felt the exact same way Janette did. The mention of Broadway invokes a sense of glamour and decadence; a discount dress didn’t really fit in with the rest of the fantasy.

“Alright,” I agreed, “we can go to Prada.”

A small, curly haired brunette sidled up next to us. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but it sounds like you ladies are looking for sales?” Janette and I nodded in unison. “My sister and I are visiting from Wisconsin and we’ve been on the avenue all day. Armani has some really nice stuff marked down… at least they did this morning.”

“Thank you so much.” I told her warmly.

“Of course,” she smiled. “I’m always happy to help out another bargain shopper.” She said before moving on.

Janette looked at me with a grin. “So, Armani?”

I nodded; we left Fendi and made our way down the street. I was glad that I’d had the forethought to wear my jogging shoes, since the stores seemed to be spread out endlessly. The moment we stepped into Armani, I knew that the long walk had been worth it.

I’m not quite sure what first drew me to the gown. It was on a rack with other marked down clothing, situated in one of the back corners of the store. From the front entrance all I could see was a sliver of soft, cream fabric, but I knew immediately that I’d found my dress.

“Where are you going?” Janette asked as I took off to the back of the store.

“I’ve found it.” I explained simply. We reached the clearance section and I pulled the gown off the rack. It was constructed of multiple layers of sheer cream fabric. The bodice was fitted, with wide straps and a plunging back and neckline; the skirt flared slightly at the hips and flowed to the ground. Fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystals were sewn into the delicate fabric to create jeweled vines and flowers. I didn’t have to check the tag to know that the gown was my size.

“Oh my god, Kate!” Janette gasped. “That’s absolutely beautiful! It would be perfect for the show!”

“It is perfect.” I agreed. At that moment, I heard my mother’s voice in the back of my head saying that the gown was a frivolous, irresponsible purchase. “But I don’t know…”

“For the love of god, don’t start this,” Janette sighed. “I’ll make you a deal. Try the dress on BEFORE you look at the price tag. If you decide that you don’t want it after that, I won’t argue with you.”

I ran my fingers over the soft fabric. “Okay,” I finally agreed.

“Am I going to have to go in there with you and make sure that you don’t peak?” She asked suspiciously.

I shook my head. “No, because a big part of me REALLY wants this dress… I won’t look, I promise.”

Janette signaled for a saleswoman, who escorted us to the dressing area. The large room was elegant and plushly decorated, and held eight individual changing areas. The saleswoman gestured for Janette and me to take seats on the overstuffed velvet sofa that took up one wall of the room. We complied, and she unlocked one of the doors and deposited my dress on a small rack.

“I’ll go ahead and open one for you as well.” She said to Janette. “I’m Maria, and I’d love to assist you ladies today. If you’re looking for something specific, I can gather a selection of items in your size and bring them to you.” As Maria spoke, another saleswoman entered the room carrying a tray with a carafe of mimosas, two champagne glasses, and a platter of fresh fruit.

“Welcome,” she greeted us with a warm smile. “My name is Livi. Please, enjoy a snack while you wait. If you need anything else, I’ll be close by.” Livi set the tray on the sleek coffee table in front of us, and then disappeared as quickly as she’d appeared. I knew that we were getting one hell of a sales pitch thrown at us, but I was too wrapped up in the VIP treatment to care. I turned to Maria.

“Thank you so much Maria.” I said as I poured my first mimosa. “I’m Kate and this is Janette. We’re going to the gala opening of Kinky Boots next week, and we want to be properly dressed.”

“Wow, the gala premier! Well, you’ve come to the right place. You’re both a size four, am I right?” Maria asked.

We nodded. “I’m pretty sure I’ve already found my gown, but Janette still needs something.”

Janette blushed. “Oh, I’m not sure I can…”

“It’s on me.” I insisted quickly. I turned to Maria. “Bring everything you have in black. It’s her signature color.”

“Nothing that costs more than Kate’s dress.” Janette said firmly.

“I still don’t even know what it costs…” I laughed as I poured a second drink. I’d already lost my resolve; I knew that I was about to give Armani way too much of my money, so I was going to drink all the champagne they offered.

“Ladies, just sit back and relax.” Maria smiled. “I’ll make sure you get exactly what you want.

Two hours later we stumbled tipsily out of the store; we each had a gown bag tossed over one shoulder and my bank account was eleven thousand dollars lighter.

Monday afternoon, I sat at the far end of the bar at Orlando’s and tried to choke down my lunch. I’d woken up that morning with a horrific hangover; most of the past weekend was nothing but a drunken blur. I’d downed a pot of coffee before leaving my apartment and had two quick shots of espresso before I clocked in for the lunch shift. I’d somehow managed to make it through service without passing out or getting sick in anyone’s food. I twirled spaghetti in my fork and prayed that the carbs would absorb some of the alcohol that was still in my system.

Every now and then I braved a quick glance to see what Max was doing. I wasn’t sitting at the bar by choice, but because I’d finally gotten around to reading the employee handbook and learned that that was the designated break area. It didn’t make much sense to me, but I’m not one to rock the boat, especially on my first official day.

It was three-thirty; the last of the lunch crowd had left an hour ago and we still had an hour and a half until the first dinner customers would arrive. I really wanted to go home but asking to be cut wasn’t an option; it wasn’t the impression I wanted to make and after my Armani shopping spree I needed the double shift.

I shared the bar with two businessmen who appeared to be huddled over a contract. They sat opposite of me, while Max cleaned glassware between us. I watched him work and for a moment I could almost feel the sensations of his tongue against my bare skin. He glanced my way and I quickly averted my eyes. A few moments later, I felt him approaching and looked up to see him in front of me with a glass of ice water and a mug of hot black coffee.

“Drink both of these.” He insisted as he slid the drinks to me. “You look like you had an… interesting weekend.” His friendly tone caught me off guard and I found myself laughing.

“You could say that.” I nodded. “I wish that I could remember more of it.”

“I’ll keep a fresh pot of coffee going during dinner shift.” He offered.

“Thanks…” I said with a hint of suspicion in my voice. I had no idea why he was suddenly being so nice to me. He picked up on my tone right away.

“Look, Kate,” he sighed. “I know that I’ve been acting like an ass. I guess my ego was bruised a little, and I didn’t handle it very well. I’d like to apologize and start over. I really liked you and now, I see you here and want to talk to you and ask how you’re handling the city… I want to know you, I guess.” He blushed. “Just as friends… you’ve made it pretty clear that that’s all you’re interested in, and that’s fine, really it is… so what do you say?”

“I’m not completely innocent in everything.” I confessed. “I’d love to get to know you… as friends.” I agreed with a smile.

“So, clean slate?” he grinned.

“Clean slate.” I nodded.

“I’m so relieved… so, how ARE you handling the city? Have you landed your first role yet?” He smiled.

“Not yet,” I laughed. “But I’m having new headshots taken tomorrow morning and I have another appointment with my agent on Monday. As soon as my portfolio is updated I’m going to start going to open calls.”

“I have to admit, I was surprised to see you here.” Max said as he poured me another mug of coffee. “I thought that you weren’t going to have to work for awhile.”

“I don’t want to burn through my savings.” I explained. “I’m in this for the long haul. Some people spend ten years auditioning for roles before they get their big break, I want to be prepared.”

“That’s practical.” Max nodded. “I admire that. So tell me, in between work and all of the partying you’ve obviously been doing, have you had a chance to see any of New York’s best landmarks?”

“I’ve seen Fifth Avenue.” I laughed. “But that’s about it.”

He grinned bashfully. “I’m off Thursday night,” he began slowly, “and I have tickets to a small production of The Glass Menagerie
.
It’s not Broadway or anything, but it’s at a great little independent theater. Would you like to join me? We could get dinner, do a little sightseeing… get to know each other as friends…”

I was both disappointed and relieved that I had to tell him no. “I’m so sorry,” I explained quickly, “a friend of mine has tickets to the gala opening of Kinky Boots. If it were any other night, I’d love to.”

“It’s alright,” he quickly assured me. He blushed as he spoke. “I’ll see if Megan wants the tickets, she likes the theater. We’ll do something another night… so, a gala opening, huh? Is that what prompted your trip to Fifth Avenue?”

I nodded.

“And all of the drinking that brought on this hangover… was that to forget how much money you spent on Fifth Avenue?” He teased.

I laughed. “How did you know?”

“Good intuition I guess.” He grinned.

I opened my mouth to reply but Steve interrupted us.

“Max, is the liquor order ready?” He called from the doorway.

“Almost, Steve,” he replied with a sigh.

“Get on it Max. I’m putting a lot of faith in you, letting you try your hand at the order this week while Chelsea is on vacation. I suggest that you focus on your work, instead of your coworker.” Steve warned.

“I’ll have it for you in five minutes, Steve; I just need to look over the gin inventory.” Max assured him.

“I’ll be in my office.” Steve replied. He turned to me. “Kate, the dinner rush will be here any minute. Clean up your mess and get to your station.” He left the room after barking the order.

“I guess I’d better get out there.” I sighed.

“I’ll have coffee ready when you need it.” He reminded me. He smiled, his smoldering brown eyes once again taking me back to the night we’d spent together.

‘Get it together.’ I thought to myself. I smiled back at him. “I’ll see you soon.”

I walked to the hostess station, trying to get the image of Max’s toned, naked body out of my head.