Watch Me

Chapter 18

It's 8am and there she is, my queen. I know you learned your solo yesterday and now you will show all of them just how angelic you truly are. Wait, what the hell is he doing there?! Why is he in your sanctuary? We allow him there on Wednesdays, sure, but this is our time. My goddess why is HE in OUR place?! Why have you allowed him there? He desecrates it with each step he takes. My love, what has he made you do? ZOE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?

"Ok, guys listen up." Jesse said. "Today, I'll be working with Zoe and Colton on the rehearsal stage, which means I want every group rehearsing in the studios today. Cindy, Sarah and Nadine the guys may join you after an hour, but I want you to rehearse by yourselves either way. We have a few weeks till the show, so let's make them count. See you upstairs in 30." He turned and walked out.

"So, the rehearsal stage today for you guys? I wonder why," Kristen said as they all continued to warm up.

"It's Jesse. You know how he craves perfection," Zoe said as they laughed. "Besides, it's the first time Robert has let him do a show practically by himself. You can't blame they guy for being a bit controlling."

Natalie scoffed. "Jesse? A control freak? You don't say." She looked at Zoe. "I blame him for you wanting to be perfect sometimes you know."

Colton looked at Natalie. "What do you mean?"

"The first lead Zoe got was with Jesse and he always wanted to practice," Natalie said. Colton looked at Zoe.

Zoe shrugged. "It was his last performance and he just didn't want to get anything wrong. Besides, I was still kind of new and didn't mind the extra rehearsal time. But I have always felt the need to be at my best."

"And now you've corrupted our poor Colton. Making him come in at 7am with you," Kristen said with a smile as she shook her head.

Colton laughed. "Nah, I volunteered to come in early with her when she told me she was going to do it. She just corrupts me in other ways." He smiled and winked at the women as they burst out laughing.

Zoe feigned hurt as she put her hand over her heart. "Sweet, innocent me? Corrupt people?" She turned as she heard laughing coming from behind her.

"Sweet and innocent, huh?" Sarah said as she, Davis and Mack stood there laughing. "I might believe that if I didn't know you."

"Nah, she's got trouble written all over her," Mack said.

"Hey now, I'm at least sweet," Zoe said as she laughed with the rest of them. She picked her bag off the floor and looked at her friends.

"Yeah you are. Especially on a stripper pole," Kristen said with a wink.

"A WHAT?!" Colton, Davis and Mack said at the same time.

"Hey, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, remember?" Zoe said with a smirk.

"Do you realize that might be the only secret Kristen is holding onto?" Natalie said as the women laughed and headed for the door.

"Wait, I want to hear this story," Mack said as he and the guys ran to catch up with them.

"All right you two." Jesse said as Robert and Grace looked on. "We're going to run this one last time. Zoe, this time I don't want you to leave the stage until you see Colton come out. Colton, I want the first expression on your face to reflect seeing her walk away with her face doubtful. I want to see real emotion from both of you, ok? Take five and get some water."

They both nodded and walked off to the side. Zoe grabbed her water from her bag and took a big sip. Colton laughed as he did the same. "Kind of glad we decided to practice our solos this morning."