To Outwit an Angel

7. Bitchfit Extravaganza

Loretta's POV:

I tried to grab Sharlene's attention all morning, but just like I expected, that was impossible. She loitered around the opera, unsure what to do since the real Carlotta had been booted from this production. Although it sounded like she'd have nothing to do, she was kept busy by people constantly fawning over her or inquiring about the future of her career at the opera.

 But I needed to speak to my friend. Not Carlotta. Not their stupid "beloved prima donna." My best friend named Sharlene, and that was that.

 Good thing I'd written that note yesterday and remembered to bring it to the opera today.

 While Sharlene occupied herself with endless inquiries, I passed by her in some hallway or other. Our eyes locked. She knew I was here, even knew I was her friend, yet she made no signal of it except the slightest upturning of her lip in a smile.

 I managed to stick out my hand, the note tucked into my palm, and she extended hers just enough for me to drop the note without anyone noticing. To others in the hallway, it looked like I had merely passed by, maybe brushed her shoulder, then moved on.

 Hopefully, she managed to slip away, read the note, and find me soon.

 Luckily, she did. I was spending a short break in my dressing room, when knocking resounded against the door.

 "Come in." I called, never removing my gaze from the mirror, where I hoped the Phantom would suddenly appear.

 Of course, I hadn't made the best first impression by ripping off his mask yesterday, yet the real Christine also did that. Best of all, he still liked her after it, so I didn't entirely discount my plans of running away with the Phantom.

 Sharlene opened the door and stepped into my dressing room.

 "I got your note."

 I turned from the mirror to face her, as she sank onto the nearby sofa.

 "What do we do, Sharlene? Stay here forever?"

 Sharlene shrugged, eyes focused on a random point on the wall.

 "Why not? Sure, we have the whole kidnapping and murder thing to contend with, but other than that, it's a pretty sweet gig."

 "For you! I might get kidnapped, and if we don't change things, my consolation prize is a rich asshole!"

 A smirk brightened Sharlene's face, and she smoothed down her elaborate skirts, the same ones from yesterday. Had she not changed clothes? I'd have to ask about it later.

 "Then, we change what's meant to happen. You run away with the Phantom, I'll achieve stardom, and everybody wins."

 I was still pouting, and Sharlene must have sensed that. She rose from the sofa and came over to me. Taking both of my hands in hers, she kneeled at my level.

 "Listen, everything's going to be fine. You get to marry the man of your dreams, and I'm going to be a star. But, first, let's try to remember what happens next in the musical so we can be prepared."

 This was an easy enough task. We had the original cast recording nailed down to when everyone took a breath between lines.

 "Easy. 'Notes' and 'Prima Donna' come next, then 'Il Muto'." I said.

 Sharlene's face dropped.

 "Right..." she trailed off, looking at something over my shoulder, "we need to change how the plot goes, Lori. My whole idea of being ultra famous will be royally screwed over if we don't stop the Phantom from his little... croaking thing."