Watch Me

Chapter 3

Robert's assistant Helen walked over to her with a smile. She was a sweet woman in her mid-50's that had been working for the company since it opened. "Good you're here early. Do you have your music for your audition?" Zoe nodded as she took out her phone and connected it to Helen's tablet. Helen looked at the title of the song and frowned. "I don't recognize this."

Zoe smiled. "I'm trying something new for this audition."

Helen smiled at her. "Break a leg sweetie."

"Ok, Zoe. We're ready for you." Robert said over a microphone.

Zoe took a deep breath as she took the stage. She smiled at Robert and Jesse sitting fourth row center. She took her opening position and waited for her music to start.

Oh, she's beautiful. I see you, just as you see me. Those moves she has could just make a person cry. I'm so glad she decided not to do the usual audition music and moves. She looks so at home, so peaceful when she's up there. The only thing more stunning than her face is her dancing. Anyone with eyes can see she's made for a lead. Look! You wouldn't see any of the other dancer try that move. Oh Zoe, what you do to my heart...

Once she was done, she gave a slight bow to Robert and Jesse as they stared at her. As she started to walk off stage Jesse called out to her. "Zoe, hold up a sec." She turned and came back to center stage. "What made you decide to that for your audition? Go with such a modern song?"

"It's something I was working on for my contemporary dance class at the studio, but after listening to the song a few times, I was thinking it could also work for my pointe class as well." She smiled at them both. "I figured I'd try something different this audition."

Robert nodded his head at her with a smile. "It was definitely different. Thanks Zoe." She bowed her head and headed off stage to grab her bag.

She was sitting outside the theater doors on one of several benches as Colton stepped out. His face lit up as he saw her. "Hi."

She smiled at him as she looked him over. His hair had been swept up into the backwards cap he had worn earlier while perspiration lined his hairline. The white tank wore a bit moist but hugged his body effortlessly. "How was your first audition?"

"I think it went well, but you know choreographers, so hard to read." He stepped towards her and looked around. "Were you waiting for me?"

She nodded and stood up. "As a matter of fact, I was. It occurred to me you might not know where everything is yet. So, I figured I'd wait around and show you where the locker rooms are. I mean, unless you're one of those people that doesn't shower anywhere but home. If you are, dinner with everyone is canceled." She smiled.

He laughed as he took her in. A few strands of hair had started to come out of the bun she wore while a light layer of sweat glistened on her chest. She had taken off her point shoes and replaced them with a pair of slip on sandals. "No, as comfortable as my dance clothes are, I think I'd rather be in regular ones. Thanks for looking out for me Zoe."

"No problem." She started walking. "So, how old are you?"

"I turned 23 last month. You?"

"22, two months ago."

"Have you always been a part of this company or..."

Zoe smiled. "Yes, I've been here since I graduated from high school."

"Really? You didn't want to go to a bigger company?" Colton asked as she guided him around.

She shook her head. "Not really. My dad used to live about an hour from here, so I guess I just wanted to stay close to him. Besides, I think a smaller company has more to offer than a large one."