Watch Me

Chapter 24

This is it, Zoe thought to herself as Heather finished up her hair. This is what the last six weeks have been all about. I can't wait to hit the stage.

"Ok Zee," Heather said as she turned the chair towards the mirror, "You're all set. I'm just going to give you a quick spray and after make-up, I'll double check you." Zoe closed her eyes as she lifted a can of hairspray and dusted Zoe's hair in a few quick flourishes.

Zoe opened her eyes and smiled. She turned her head and got a look at it from both sides. "It's perfect. Thank you."

Heather squeezed Zoe's shoulders. "Well, you make it easy babe." She stood up straight. "They'll be ready for make up in a few minutes. Eat now or forever hold your peace." The two of them laughed as Zoe got up from the chair. Zoe gave Heather a quick hug and headed over to her bag. She grabbed her water bottle and a protein bar. She heard someone walking up behind her as she stood up.

"Looking good love." She turned and saw Colton come in, a smile on his face. "Seems like I got here just in time," he said as he put his bag down. She looked at him confused. He leaned down, laid his hand on her neck, pulling her closer to him and kissed her lips with a gentle force. He felt her smile against his lips before he deepened it, sliding his tongue along her lips before pushing past them. She moaned softly as he pulled away with a smile. "I got here before they did your make-up."

"Colt, I swear if you mess her hair up, I'll give you bright pink highlights," Heather said as she leaned on the chair, looking at the two of them, causing the people in the room to laugh.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Heather. I was careful. See? No damage done," he said as he smiled at her. She shook her head and started to get ready for the next person. He looked at Zoe. "How are you feeling?"

She smiled at him. "I'm fine. Just getting excited to get out there. How about you? First performance for Brightbrooke and all."

"Honestly, I've been a bit nervous since I woke up," he said.

She took his hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. "We've got this babe. You know I don't mind carrying you on stage." She gave him a wink as she let his hand go and unwrapped her protein bar.

"Ok, Colt," Kerry said from a chair. "I'm ready for you."

Colton smiled at her. "Guess it's time for me to get prettied up." He kissed her again. "I love you."

Zoe smiled at him. "Love you too." He gave her a wink as he trotted off. She finished her protein bar as Cindy walked over to her from the make-up area. "Got another one of those?" she asked. Zoe nodded her head and grabbed another one from her bag. "Thanks." Cindy said as she took it from Zoe. "You two are so cute together. Digging the love vibe you got going on."

Zoe laughed. "It's been a while, but I'm digging it too." She turned and looked at Cindy. "See, it's not so bad dating another dancer."

Cindy smiled as she unwrapped her snack. "Maybe."

"Ok, Zee," Iris said as Erica got out of her chair. "You're up." Zoe smiled at Cindy as she made her way over to have her make up done, still smiling at Cindy's comment.

This is it, my love. Tonight, it's all for you. You'll perform and you'll show everyone in that audience what grace and beauty really are. You'll show them with every step and each movement that you are the best dancer in the company. They'll be enthralled by you in every way my goddess. They'll see what I've always known...you're perfect in every way. After you dance for them, you'll finally be all mine...

"Ok, everyone gather around," Jesse said as he stood center stage with Robert and Anna. He looked around at everyone and smiled. "It's been a hell of a six weeks, but we made it. We're here and tonight we'll show everyone a different side of Brightbrooke and ballet itself. You all have worked so hard to make this happen. You all stepped out of your comfort zones and have shown Robert and me just how truly remarkable you are. For that, I thank you and am so proud of each of you. Now," he said with a gleam in his eye. "Let's go kick some ass." Everyone laughed. The three of them smiled and walked away. The lights flashed and everyone took their opening positions off stage. Zoe looked up and saw Colton, a bit of worry in his eyes. She smiled as he stretched his arms, taking deep breaths. He finally caught her eyes. She stuck out her tongue at him and he smiled. She mouthed We got this, and he nodded at her.