Watch Me

Chapter 17

Oh, my love, it feels so good to have things back to normal. To see you in our studio, to watch as you begin your ritual to take the world by storm with your beauty. I only got to see you once this weekend, but now that our place has been restored, we can have this moment to ourselves. Oh, I've missed you my sweet Zoe. It seems as though you're pulling away from me. I know I messed up, but it was all your fault. I mean, if you had just been in our studio that day. If you had received my tributes, then I wouldn't have gotten mad. If you had thought of me just once, but you didn't, did you. It's okay, my goddess, I'll just have to show you how much you mean to me...

"Ok, everyone, gather around," Robert said. "We're at the halfway point of production now and so far, I have to say I'm very impressed with the work you have all put in and happy about the progression of the show. Today, as far as rehearsals go, will be both female groups and the couples' number. Zoe and Colton, you'll both be learning solos this week. Any questions?" Robert nodded and left the rehearsal hall.

YES! Zoe thought to herself as Robert left. I wonder what song it'll be. With the different types of music going on in this production, it should be interesting. I can't wait to see what it looks like. It's going to be a bit more work, too...

Her thoughts were interrupted by someone's arm around her shoulder. She jumped back a bit to find Kristen laughing next to her with her arms up. "Damn girl, how far into that head did you go?" Colton and Natalie laughed as Zoe glared at them all.

"Just thinking that I may want to start coming in at 7 every morning now till the shows done," Zoe said as she grabbed her bag. "Five parts plus a solo is a lot to get right."

"Oh, you know you've got it with or without extra practice," Natalie said.

Zoe shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, Robert is taking a big step forward with this production. I don't want to let him or Jesse down."

Colton smiled as he put an arm around her. "What was it you told me? I have confidence in us, but, if it will make you feel better, I'll come in at 7 to practice with you every day and we can use Wednesdays for our solo rehearsals."

Zoe raised an eye at him. "I can barely get you here one day a week at 7 and you want to now do it 5 days?"

Natalie and Kristen laughed as he looked at her. "Hey, I've gotten better. But you're right. Robert and Jesse are counting on us. Besides, I don't want you to have to carry me too much on stage." The four of them laughed as they headed upstairs for their first class.

Zoe stood in Studio 4 after lunch, waiting to learn her solo. She stretched out in front of the mirrors, trying to shake off her nerves. It's been two years since I've had a solo in a performance, she thought to herself as she waited. Come to think of it, I can't remember the last time there was a solo in a performance. No pressure, right? She took a few breaths in and out and walked around the studio. She stopped as the door opened, and Grace stepped in with a smile.

"Sorry I'm late Zee. Jesse had a few notes to give me." She rolled her eyes with a smile as Zoe laughed. "I had to convince him that he didn't need to be here for this. I swear, he's going to be the death of me." She put her bag down and set up the music in the studio's speakers. "So, how's everything going?"

"Pretty good. Colton and I are going to be coming in early to get a bit more practice in all week now instead of just Wednesdays," Zoe said as Grace looked at her.

"You guys are going to rock this show," she said with a smile. "So, you ready for your solo Miss Adams?" Zoe laughed and nodded. "Ok, I'll do it first so you can watch, then we'll go through it step by step."

Zoe stood by the mirrors and watched as Grace began the routine. Zoe smiled at how elegant Grace moved along the floor. She loved the song and mimicked Grace's movements with her hands. She kept an eye on her facial expressions and clapped when Grace finished. "That was so beautiful."