A Rising Star

Talent Night

Stud calls a talent night. I know it is his way to help me regain my top ranking position. Not to mention apologize for eyeballing my sworn enemy and all.

After commissioning the Crew to create special set for me, I sneak out over the next three nights to practice my routine. Candid may have me beat in the looks department, but her minuscule singing talent pales in comparison to my skills. I'm just a little bitty aerial contortionist at your service . . .

When we arrive to the pier, the first thing Candid notices is the two large hoops suspended above the ocean. Between them is a large orange scarf the stretches nearly to the lapping waves. "When did that get there?" she demands.

"I told you it's important to get out more," Vivacious says. She's one of the few girls I can say with certainty supports me. "The crew installed them days ago."

"I think that since Bit just arrived from home and I put together this talent night as somewhat of a reunion for her, she should go last." Stud says this. The last act is a coveted spot, so I expect protest from Candid. She is already seething with the realization of my forthcoming aerial performance. The others in our group look at her. I can feel their silent smirks as they wait for an infamous Candid-Bitter fight.

I think we're all surprised when a large smile breaks out on Candid's face. "You're right Stud," she says. She steps so close to him that her breasts are pressed against his chest and looks up with him with innocent eyes that aren't fooling anybody, least of all me.

"Knock it out," I say. I don't know why it annoys me when she flirts with him. Maybe because Stud is one of the few genuinely good people on the Shows. Or perhaps it's because I know she only does it to rile me.

Stud looks beyond Candid, meeting my eyes as if to say he could handle the situation. He grabs her by both arms as his smile reveals every tooth. "I always knew you were understanding, buddy." With that, he gives her hardy shake and a smacking kiss on the forehead before pushing her away. Not without a subtle tap on her ass, I can't help but notice.

Candid sputters slightly, but before she can utter another word, Vivacious speaks up. "I can go first in order to get the party started," she says. "I know I'm nowhere in the league of either of you," she shoots Candid and I significant looks. "But I do hope you all enjoy this tap rendition I prepared especially for tonight."

And so the talent night begins.

I try to pay attention to the performances happening in front of me. However, my mind keeps returning to my Momma and the apartment I left behind barely a week before. The first week is always the hardest. I always forget how decadent everything is. How meaningless. What I wouldn't do for a little honey on stale toast right now. "Stop thinking so hard." Stud wiggles next to me, bumping into my arm before resting his head on my shoulder. "You want to slay Candid tonight, right?"

"It all goes away when I'm on stage," I say. And then, against my better judgment, I murmur the words. "The Viewers are gone. The Producers. It's just me."

"And me too, of course," Stud says, turning his head upward to flutter his eyelashes. I snort and shove him away. "Hey, don't be too mad, okay . . ." His voice trails off and I narrow my eyes.

"What did you do?"

"I should have told you earlier, but Candid roped me into doing a duet with her." The words come out in a rush and I push him off my shoulder. "I swear I didn't want to, but you know how she is. And I didn't want to upset you—"

"Just go be with your girlfriend." My nose crinkles and my arms cross as I turn slightly away. "I'm sure she wants to practice the notes with you."

"I swear I'm going to accidentally sing my line early to throw her off."

Stud is supposed to be my best friend so I didn't know why he had to be so accommodating to everybody. Especially her. I couldn't understand why he would do it, unless . . . I try to shake the thought away, but still the question tumbles from my lips. "Are you sleeping with her?"

Stud snorts. "Of course not, Bitty, I wouldn't do that to you."

A weight lifts from my chest, but I continue, "But you want to right? If it wasn't for me . . ."

Stud's ears turn bright red as the performer on stage finishes his tumbling routine. "Looks like I'm on deck," he says. "Don't worry, I promise to be awful." He tries to kiss me on the cheek, but I push him away in exasperation. My annoyance seems to roll right off him, however, as he jogs backwards for a few paces before turning and meeting up with Candid.

As promised, Stud misses half the notes and even starts singing lines that are obviously meant for Candid. She barrels through the song with a tight smile on her face that doesn't hide the fury in her eyes. I don't know whether I'm still angry with Stud or impressed by his sheer bravado. She is going to kill him after this performance.

Either way, I hope this bumps Stud up a few notches in the ratings. Candid is the girl everybody loves to hate and I'm guessing the Viewers will enjoy his obvious trolling.

Near the end of the performance, Candid steps into the center stage. The Crew shine the spotlight on her, the honey highlights in her voluminous hair glisten, and she delivers the last line with a determined power. I try to ignore how wonderful she sounds, even with Stud attempting to make her stumble along the way.

My reluctant admiration is short-lived, however, when the rings behind her—my rings—burst into flame.