ODAAT: Volume 1, Chapter 25

 

Chapter 25

Improvements

“Jesse!” I yell, running across the dressing room. He's wearing a smile almost as bright as the reflection in his thick-rimmed glasses. The lights of the stage are casting a glare from the lenses, but it doesn't slow him down any. His arms are open wide when I get to him. I wrap mine around his back, smiling to greet him.

“Hey, long time no see.” He greets, stepping back with his hands on my shoulders. He's looking me up and down, like he's analyzing everything that's changed. His deep brown eyes are sparkling as he looks over the outfit I'm in. Crystal picked this evenings' attire. I'm wearing black dress pants with a built-in belt adorned with crystals. The shirt is long sleeved, but the sleeves flare out at the ends creating what looks like wings. My normally wild hair has been pulled into a bun. There's a crystal headband on top of the mess, with a few bobby pins holding it all together. She insisted I wear make up, decorating my face like a show girl. There's thick black eye-liner and a blended gray eye shadow with sparkles in it. I can tell Jesse is taken back by the attire. It's probably the most classy he's ever seen me dress.

“What's the occasion?” He asks, now letting his arms fold over his chest. Unlike me, Jesse is always dressed classy. He's wearing a black, three-piece suit with polished black shoes. His short brown hair is gelled back, drawing attention to his face. I'd be flattered if I thought he dressed this way to impress me. But I know this is his typical attire. He's a big deal in New York, so he has to look the part.

“I haven't the slightest clue. My partner in crime dressed me tonight. Insisted on this attire.” I answer, looking around for the guilty. She's no where to be found though, so I shrug. He nods, now looking long enough it can be considered a stare.

“I'm glad you came out tonight. I know it was short notice.” I thank, motioning around the room. He nods, leaning against the back of the couch in the dressing room.

“I wouldn't miss it.” He assures. Looking over my shoulder. I notice we're being approached, turning around to greet the pair. Jesse stands up, holding his hand out.

“Jesse, this is Frankie and Crystal.” I introduce, motioning to them. Jesse nods as Frankie shakes his hand. He's wearing a suit as well. Black dress pants and polished shoes. He's wearing the same black

t-shirt he wears every night as well. But over his shirt, he's wearing a silver suit jacket that sparkles in the light. I notice that his outfit matches the one Crystal put me in.

“It's nice to meet you.” Jesse greets. Frankie raises his eyebrow.

“Marci?” He asks, resting his arms on his chest. Jesse nods, slightly raising his eyebrow.

“I'm a big fan of your work.” Frankie announces, which seems to please Jesse. Even though he has dark skin, I can see the hint of red crawling on his cheeks. He shakes his head, looking towards Crystal. She ignores his hand and throws her arms around his neck. He seems startled, but returns her hug.

“Any friends of hers are friends of ours.” She greets, motioning from me to Jesse. He smiles, looking over at me. Frankie steps forward and wraps his arms around my shoulders.

“You look dazzling.” He compliments, looking me up and down. I nod, motioning to Crystal.

“Her doing.” I dismiss, still unsure of the outfit myself. Frankie looks over at Crystal and smiles.

“She does a great job.” He adds. Crystal smiles and takes a bow.

“It's my pleasure.” She insists.

“Well, I have to get back to work. The show can't go on without me, after all.” Frankie announces, looking around.

“Of course.” We all dismiss.

“Jesse, I'd love to work with you sometime. If you're free.” He adds, making eye contact. Jesse nods.

“I'm never free, but I think I can make an exception.” He jokes. Frankie looks down at the ground. I push his shoulder, motioning to the stage. He lifts one of my hands to his lips and softly kisses it.

“I will catch you later, beautiful.” He assures, smiling widely. I nod again, looking over at Jesse. He's flashing an award-winning smile, like he couldn't be more proud. Frankie jogs back to the stage, briefly looking over his shoulder and smiling in our direction. Crystal follows, skipping along behind him.

“I see you've certainly made improvements.” Jesse jokes, looking over at me. I shrug, letting my eyes wander the dressing room. It's awful, with bright orange couches and mirrors everywhere. I trust New York to try and be trendy when it comes to venues. But I expected it would be more modern. I feel like we've landed in the 70's. There should be a lava lamp on the table in the corner.

“I guess.” I dismiss, my eyes landing on the stage. It's only about 20 minutes before the show is about to start. Crystal is going on stage with him tonight as one of the back-up dancers. He hasn't used performance techniques in a long time, but Crystal convinced him to let her choreograph something. She called a dance troupe she knew in New York and they came in a few hours ago.

“You're still hung up.” He observes, putting his hand on my shoulder. I look over, trying to hide the obvious dismay in my eyes. But I know he can see through my attempts, so I nod.

“It's been over three weeks.” I mumble. He nods.

“It's hard, but, you know it had to be done. It was a long time coming, right? I think Sam would be happy to know you've moved on.” He offers. I shake my head.

“He made it perfectly clear that I was to lose his number. He'll never speak to me again.” I argue. Jesse shakes his head.

“You know Sam. He gets hurt easily. I think, he just couldn't see you give more of yourself to someone who would never appreciate you.” He continues. I nod, then shake my head. I don't want to think about everything I lost and everything I left behind. Samuel was one of those things. We had been friends for years. He helped me out when nothing made sense in my life. We even lived together briefly in 2014, until he helped me find my own place. I had just moved back to California after Luke, and I was in a rough place. But of course, I ran into Hunter in August. By December, I told Sam I was moving back in with Hunter. We got into a fight about all the chances I gave him to hurt me. We patched things up, but, he told me he didn't want to talk to me again. He wished me luck and said he hoped for my sake that it was going to be different this time. But it wasn't. I couldn't bring myself to face him now. I shake my head.

“Let's head over to the stage.” I suggest, changing the subject.