The Spotlight

Chapter 40

The heavy studio door clicks shut behind Kristin, the sound echoing the finality of the results show. I watch her go, the hug we just shared still warm on my shoulders. Last night, the three of us sang our hearts out for a spot in the final. Tonight, only two of us remain.

As David and I were leaving, Gary had offered a professional, team-wide congratulations. But as I went to get in the car, I glanced back and saw him, standing in the shadows of the loading bay, his gaze fixed on me. His face was a mask, impossible to read, but his eyes held an intensity that made the air thick and heavy to breathe. I broke the contact first, ducking into the car before I could second-guess our ending all over again.

Now, watching Kristin's car pull away from the contestant house, David comes to stand beside me. "Then there were two," he says quietly.

I turn to him, a sad smile on my lips. "We need to talk."

The walk to the living room feels like crossing a minefield. Each step brings me closer to a conversation I've been avoiding since that night at the arcade, when David's lips pressed against mine and a camera flash changed everything.

We settle on opposite ends of the sofa, the cushions between us like a demilitarized zone. David breaks the silence first, his voice gentle but resigned.

"This is about the kiss, isn't it?"

I nod, twisting my fingers in my lap. "It's more than that. I'm afraid I've... unintentionally led you on."

He sighs, and I watch a wave of gentle rejection wash over his features. "I like you, Riley. I have since that first day in the audition line." His honesty makes my chest ache with guilt. "You're beautiful and talented and—"

"David, I can't." The words come out sharper than I intended, and I soften my tone. "It's not about you. I just need to focus on the competition right now. There's no room for anything else."

"Is that really all it is?" His eyes search mine, looking for the truth I'm not giving him.

"Yes." The lie tastes bitter on my tongue.

He nods slowly, accepting what I'm offering even if he doesn't quite believe it. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. That was never my intention."

I pat his shoulder in what I hope is a purely platonic gesture. "I know. And I value our friendship. I don't want things to be weird between us, especially now."

"They won't be," he promises, though the slight strain in his smile suggests otherwise.

"Maybe we should clear the air online," he suggests. "Post something about being just friends, put those rumors to rest."

"No," I say quickly, too quickly. "That would just add fuel to the fire. Let's just... let it fade away naturally."

David studies me for a moment, then nods, accepting my decision without pushing. "It's weird, isn't it?" he says, changing the subject. "Meeting in the audition line, and now we're the finalists."

"Feels like a lifetime ago," I agree, grateful for the shift in conversation.

"Are you excited for the hometown visits tomorrow?" he asks. "I can't wait to show Gary around where I grew up."

A fresh wave of dread washes over me. The hometown visits. I'd almost forgotten. The producers will follow us back to our respective homes, filming our triumphant returns, capturing emotional reunions with friends and family. And our mentors will come with us, the cameras documenting their first glimpses into our personal lives.

Except Gary has already been to my flat. Has already slept in my bed. Has already left me breathless and moaning his name into my pillows.

"I'm just looking forward to sleeping in my own bed," I lie, forcing a smile.