STAGESTRUCK - The Complete Series (8 page)

Max and Megan didn’t spot us immediately; I was the only one they’d recognize, and I turned my back to them so I could compose myself. Mark arrived with four shots just as I was considering darting off to the bathroom and climbing out the window.

“The waitress is coming with the beers; I told them to bring us a fresh round in twenty minutes, and to keep them coming every forty-five minutes after that.” Mark explained. I grabbed a shot out of his hand and slammed it back. The vodka sent warmth through my body but did little to relax my nerves.

“Have mine too, I’m already three ahead of you.” Janette insisted. “Hurry up and throw it back; we’ve been spotted.”

I swallowed the second shot; as I placed the glass back onto the table, I heard Max’s voice call out my name.

“Kate?”

I turned and smiled at them as they approached the table. “I’m so glad you guys could make it.” I smiled and gestured to the two empty seats. “Please, sit down. Max and Megan, this is Janette, Parker, and Mark.”

Everyone said polite hellos and then an awkward silence came over the table. Megan looked uncomfortable and Max seemed to be rethinking his decision to join us.

“So, how were things at Orlando’s after I left?” I asked, struggling to make conversation.

“It stayed pretty slow.” Max sighed. “It runs in cycles… when new shows open, business slows down. A month or so after opening night, the dinner rush will pick up again.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Janette broke in. “I’ve got to get on stage. I hope you enjoy, I’ll see you after the first set.”

“Good luck gorgeous,” Parker told her. He stood and kissed her on the top of her head. “I’ll keep drinks coming your way.”

“You’re too good to me.” She laughed and then darted to the stage.

“So, how long have you and Janette been together?” Max asked Parker. Mark and I burst into laughter.

“Janette and I aren’t a couple,” Parker with an amused grin. “I’ve actually been with Mark for almost five years.”

Max blushed. “Oh man, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it!” Parker assured him. “It’s an easy mistake to make. We’re really good friends, and I can flirt with her without Mark getting jealous.”

A waitress arrived with our next round of drinks; she took Max and Megan’s orders and disappeared back into the crowd. I’d been so focused on what was happening at the table that I hadn’t noticed the bar fill up.

“I can’t believe there are so many people here.” I observed. “I’m so glad you guys got here early and saved the table.”

“I hope you don’t think I’m going to just let you sit her all night.” Mark smiled. “As soon as the band starts, you and I are hitting the dance floor.”

“Alright, but I’ll need at least two more shots first.” I laughed. “I need to forget this past week completely before I can have any fun.”

Max leaned in close to me and whispered. “Maybe you should slow down a little… isn’t getting shitfaced what led to your awful week in the first place?”

I was drunk enough to be enraged by his words but sober enough to react appropriately. “I’m fine, Max. I can handle myself, I’m just having a little fun.” I whispered back. He didn’t seem satisfied by my answer but he didn’t push it. Max leaned back in his seat; Megan shot me a look that said she would like to punch me in the face. It was obvious that she’d never wanted to be there; I wished that I’d never opened my mouth and invited them. As I tried to think of a way to offer them an out, Underground Revival started their sound check. The band played through half of a song before they were satisfied that their equipment was set properly. The music stopped suddenly, the band members each took a long drink, and then Janette approached the microphone.

She wore an elegant, simple black dress with long sleeves and a modest neckline. Her hair fell loose around her shoulders and she reminded me of a cross between Steve Nicks and Janis Joplin.

“Good evening and thank you all for coming out to see us.” She said to the crowd. “We’re Underground Revival and tonight we’re going to perform a variety of classic covers, as well as some of our own original songs. If anyone out there has requests, we’ll be happy to try and make them happen. Right now we’re going to start with one of our favorites, so relax, order a drink, and enjoy.”

The music started and Janette launched into the lyrics of ‘Creep’ by Radiohead. Her sultry voice hit the notes perfectly; I glanced at Max and Megan and could see that they were impressed. The waitress reappeared with their drinks; they whispered back and forth for a minute and then ordered a second round.

“You’re friend is really good.” Megan said as the waitress disappeared.

“She’s fantastic.” I agreed. “Wait until you hear her sing ‘Summertime’.”

Megan gave me a confused look and I realized that she had no idea what I was talking about. “It’s an old school blues song.” I explained.

“Oh!” She replied. “I think I know what you’re talking about. They use that one a lot on American Idol, don’t they?” She asked with a proud smile. Mark tried to stifle a laugh; it came out as a snort instead.

“I’m sure they do.” I agreed kindly. Personally, I’ve never watched the singing competition, but I wanted to be friendly and agreeable.

“Well, we were thinking about leaving after the first set, but maybe we’ll stay for the whole thing. I didn’t realize the band was so good.” Megan smiled.

“Oh, you have to stay until the end.” I insisted. “Summertime is usually the encore.” ‘Damn it, I did it again.’ I realized. ‘First I invite them, now I’m giving them excuses to stay. I’ve got to get control of myself.’ I turned to Mark as the band started a faster tune.

“I believe I owe you a dance.” I said with a smile. I shot Parker a look and hoped that he’d realize it meant ‘get rid of them’. He nodded at me with a grin; Mark took me by the hand and led me onto the dance floor.

“I have to tell you Kate, when you fuck something up you do it all the way.” Mark teased me as we moved against each other. “You realize that you basically just begged them to stay?”

“Yes, that’s why we’re out here. I had to get away before I made it even worse. Do you think that Parker will be able to get rid of then?” I asked hopefully.

“Sure, he’ll just bore them to death.” Mark laughed. “He’s so excited about the new account he just landed. By the time we get back to the table, Max and Megan will know more than they ever wanted to about the world of advertising.”

“Could we dance towards the bar and get another drink?” I asked.

“Your wish is my command.” He smiled and spun me towards the bar. He ordered us each two shots. We did them back to back and then made our way back to the dance floor.

“We should find a new guy for you to spin me into.” I suggested as we swayed to a slow song. “That worked pretty well last time.”

Mark laughed. “I’m not spinning you into another man until you learn what to do with one.” He teased. “I still can’t believe you blew him off like that and then ended up working with him.”

“Yes, it’s hilarious.” I replied sarcastically. “A comedy for the ages. Now, could we focus our attention back to the task at hand? What about that blonde guy over there?”

Mark pulled me close and looked me in the eye. “Kate, you’ve had a horrible week. Everything that could go wrong did, and you’re emotional. You’re also drunk. It’s my duty as your friend to keep you from doing anything stupid. You can’t hook up with some random guy, it won’t make you feel better.”

“Alright,” I sighed. I laid my head on his shoulder. “You’re a pretty good friend, you know that?”

“Thank you. I promise that when you’re feeling better, we’ll go dancing and I’ll spin you in to as many men as you want.” He laughed.

The music died out and Janette announced that it was time for the band’s first set break. “I guess we should get back to the table.” I sighed. “I hope Parker managed to get rid of…” my voice trailed off as our table came into view. Parker was nowhere to be found; Max and Megan were taking advantage of their alone time. They kissed passionately, their bodies entwined like two trees that’d grown together. We reached the table and Mark cleared his throat.

“Hey there,” he smiled as Max and Megan pulled apart. “Did you enjoy the set?”

“Yes,” Megan blushed, “sorry… I guess we got a little carried away during that last slow song.”

“That’s always good to hear,” Janette replied as she came up from behind me. “That’s the whole reason we’re up there, to move people.”

“You’re fantastic, Janette.” Megan gushed. “I may become a groupie. Does the band have a website?”

Janette shook her head. “No, just Facebook. But all our shows are posted there.”

“Great!” Megan squealed. “I already liked the page… during the second song.” She blushed. “I sent you all friend requests too.” She added with a smile.

To be polite, we all took out our smart phones and approved her requests. Max grew more uncomfortable by the minute, and finally stood.

“I hate to be a party pooper, but we really do need to bounce early tonight… we’re both working the brunch shift tomorrow morning.” He explained.

“Okay,” I smiled brightly. I hoped that the relief didn’t show on my face. “Well, thanks for coming! I’ll see you both next week!” I stood and gave Megan an awkward hug; she returned with a genuine one.

“It was nice to meet you all.” Max said politely. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.” Everyone said their goodbyes and then Max and Megan made their way to the door. We waited until they were out of the building before we burst into laughter.

“Great Kate, now we all have to be Facebook friends with her.” Janette laughed.

“I hate to say this, but she’s not awful.” Parker said with a shrug. “She’s a little too perky maybe, but she’s sweet.”

“She’s adorable.” I groan. “I’d never really talked to her before… and now I fucking like her.”

“She’s still no you.” Parker insisted. “Max would have to be out of his mind to pass up a chance with you. You just need to spend some one on one time with him…”

I shook my head. I was drunk, sad, and in no mood for plotting to steal Max. “They can just have each other. They’re a good match.”

“Kate, are you alright?” Mark asked.

“I’m fine,” I assured him with a smile, “just thirsty. And I need to pee. Would you mind getting me another drink while I run to the ladies room?”

“Sure,” he agreed and turned to Parker. “Care to join me? I feel like I haven’t seen you all night.”

The guys set off for the bar while Janette and I went to the ladies room. It had a lounge area with soft couches and big mirrors; the door on the far wall led to a separate room for sinks and stalls.

“Are you sure that you’re alright?” Janette asked me skeptically as I collapsed on one of the couches.

“I just need a minute.” I explained. “They’re really fucking cute together, aren’t they?” I sighed.

“Yes, they are. I’m sorry that you had to see them kissing like that, I know it must have hurt.”

“Maybe it was good for me to see it… I see now that I need to just leave Max and Megan alone… but that leaves ME alone… I’m happy for them I guess…” Janette cut me off midsentence.

“You just wish that you were the one with him.”

I nodded.

“Well, if you don’t want to figure out a way to get him back, you have two other options. You can wait it out and hope they break up, or you can accept that they’re together and move on. Which will it be?”

“The only decision I’m making tonight is how many more drinks to have.” I told her as I struggled to my feet. “Who knows? Maybe Prince Charming will show up later and I’ll forget all about Max.”

“Stranger things have happened.” Janette laughed. “I’ve got to get back on stage, are you sure that you’re alright?”

“I’m fantastic.” I assured her. “Go sing your ass off, and I’ll see you after.”

I spent the next two and a half hours listening to the band play, drinking shots, and watching Parker and Mark tear up the dance floor. They were adorable together and watching them, I wondered if I’d ever find what they had. When the show finally ended, everyone joined me at the table.

“You were fantastic tonight.” I told Janette. “Completely amazing.”

“Thanks, but I missed all of the drama! You have to tell me everything that happened while Max and Megan were here.” She insisted. “Let’s grab a cab and go dancing! You guys can fill me in on the way.”

“I’d love to go dancing.” Parker agreed.

“I don’t know, I’m pretty hungry,” Mark argued. He turned to me. “Kate, how about you? Do you feel like dancing or eating?”

What I felt was drunk and overwhelmed with confusion; I burst into tears.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Mark asked. He wrapped an arm around me.

“I don’t know… I don’t know what I’m doing, or why I’m here.” I sobbed uncontrollably. “And now I’m making a fool of myself.”

“Alright,” Janette said soothingly. “Everything’s going to be alright.”

“Parker, why don’t you and Janette go ahead and go dancing? I’ll take Kate to a diner; we’ll have some food and coffee and sober up. We’ll join you after.”

“We can go to the diner.” Janette insisted.

Mark leaned in and lowered his voice, but I could still make out his words. “She might be a little embarrassed once she sobers up. She won’t want an audience. I’ll take care of her, I promise, and we’ll meet you after.”

Janette looked from me to Mark and then nodded. “Alright, if you need us, call us. Otherwise we’ll see you in a little while.”

Mark helped me to my feet and led me out the door. The cool night air was refreshing, and I took a deep breath as he directed me down the street. “There’s an all night diner just a few blocks away. They make fantastic pancakes and waffles, and great coffee.”

We arrived at the diner, took seats in a small booth, and Mark ordered a pot of coffee and two glasses of water. I was too nauseous to read the menu, so I let him order my food as well. I was suddenly tired, so I laid my head on the table. In no time, a plate of hot food rested in front of my face.

I sat up and ate the waffles, hash browns, and bacon. I washed everything down with coffee and felt better almost immediately. Mark smiled at me from across the table.

“Better?” He asked.

I nodded. “I’m sorry I broke down like that… it’s just been an awful week. I feel… defeated.”

“That’s understandable.” Mark assured me. “The question is what are you going to do about it?”

“To be honest, a part of me wants to just pack up and go home. My money would last a lot longer in Waterloo than it does here. It would be a safe, comfortable life.”

“Kate, I’m surprised at you.” Mark scolded me. “If safe and comfortable was what you wanted, you’d have never come here. You want a phenomenal life, and you can have one if you fight for it. Don’t give up the fight so soon, Kate.” He smiled.

“Thank you Mark.” I smiled and considered his words. “You’re absolutely right. I just need to figure out HOW to fight these particular battles. How do I overcome that awful Phantom audition? And how do I come to grips with Max and Megan?”

“We’ll figure all of that out,” he assured me. “But right now, we have some more dancing to do.”

Mark paid our bill and then hailed a cab. Mark gave the driver the name of the club we were meeting Janette and Parker at and I let the thrilling excitement of New York City sweep me off my feet once more.