The Spotlight

Chapter 16

The second the judges enter the living room, the air instantly intensifies. We contestants snap to attention like soldiers at inspection. Wedged between David and Dean on the oversized sectional, I find myself absently twisting the silver star bracelet Gary gave me, its weight against my skin now a familiar comfort.

Gary is last to enter. His eyes sweep the room and catch on mine for a half-second longer than appropriate. My skin prickles with awareness. He's wearing a black polo and white khackis that makes the green in his eyes pop, and I hate that I notice this. Hate that I catalog every detail about him like I'm studying for an exam I didn't sign up for.

"Good morning, everyone!" Louis chirps, clapping his hands together. "Hope you've all recovered from the weekend's performances."

Nicole steps forward, her smile dazzling. "We have some very exciting news for you all. The theme for this week's live show is..."

The judges exchange theatrical glances before shouting in unison: "Movies!"

The room erupts into chatter. My mind immediately starts flipping through potential song choices.

"We're not just announcing the theme today," Gary says, his voice cutting through the noise. Everyone falls silent instantly.

"You're all going to attend a film premiere!" Louis blurts out, unable to contain himself.

Nicole smacks his arm playfully. "Louis! I was supposed to announce that part!"

But it's too late. The room explodes with shocked gasps and excited squeals.

"Not just any premiere," Tulisa adds, clearly enjoying our dumbfounded expressions. "Tomorrow night, you'll all be attending the London premiere of 'A Star Is Born.'"

Holy. Shit.

I glance at David, whose face is split into a grin so wide it looks like it might break him. "Can you believe this?" he whispers, his hand landing on my knee with casual familiarity. I fight the urge to shift away. It's innocent enough, but I'm hyper-aware of Gary's eyes flicking toward the point of contact, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly.

"This is a fantastic opportunity," Gary continues once the initial wave of excitement ebbs. "Not just to experience a premiere, but to begin establishing yourselves as artists in the public eye."

"You'll all be styled professionally," Nicole adds. "Hair, makeup, designer outfits—the works!"

"The media will be watching your every move," Louis chimes in. "So remember to shine but stay professional. You're representing the show now."

Trisha practically preens, already looking like she's mentally selecting her dress. David's hand is still on my knee, and I can practically feel Gary's gaze burning into us from across the room.

"You'll each select a song from a movie soundtrack to perform on Friday's live show," Tulisa explains.

"Choose something that speaks to you personally," Gary adds, his eyes sweeping the room but deliberately skipping over me. "The best movie songs transport the audience into another world while revealing something authentic about the performer."

As the judges finish explaining logistics and file out, Gary lingers a moment. His eyes find mine across the cluttered room, and he gives me a small, private smile that makes my stomach flip. Then he's gone, leaving me breathless and irritated with myself for being so affected.

"What are you thinking for your song choice?" David asks, his face suddenly much closer to mine than necessary.

I stand abruptly, needing space. "Not sure yet," I say, stretching my arms overhead. "There are so many options."