“I did something...Don’t kill me.”The last joke hits, the crowd cheers, and our names are called.What I said about Gabriella being nervous, forget it.At the sound of our names, her smile ticks up, eyes bright, as she presses through the curtain onto the stage.I follow a few paces behind because I’m scared to find out what that something is.
Chapter 49
Tate
As soon as Levi hitsthe stage, I prepare to make my exit.
That’s when I notice something’s off with him.His strides are small and choppy, and he seems way too hyper-focused on Gabriella...Maybe it’s a part of their act?Maybe...something more?They’re seconds from being tapped in and I have to go.Just as I stand to leave, Levi catches me, blue eyes pinning me to the floor.Everything else stays in place.I mouth bathroom and smile.It must satisfy him because he turns back to Gabriella and the announcer discussing different highlights from the show.
I make it up the row and through the back doors before the instrumental music starts.The lobby is mostly empty with just employees stationed at different spots.From this angle, I can see the red carpet we walked through the glass doors.The crowds stationed there earlier either came inside for the performance or went on home.I turn towards where my Spidey-sense tells me the dressing rooms are, flashing my badge at the door.
“Tate!”Kim calls when the second the door shuts behind me.
“Hey, Kim, how are you?”
“The dressing rooms are this way!Hurry!”she says, skipping all niceties.I reach for the tail of my dress, bunching it in my fist as I fast-walk behind the Amazon blonde.A few doors in and she stops in front of one with the name “Gabriella Martinez” taped to the front.
“All your stuff is in there.The stage entrance is down that way, first door on your right.Break a leg.”Kim is a spitting image of her mother, not bothering to breathe or get a response before hugging me and departing.All business.
I let myself into the small dressing room brimming with the scent of Gabriella.There’s a portable wardrobe rack holding a couple different garment bags with sticky notes on the hangers.The first says Win, the second says Lose, and the last says Tate.I pull mine from the rack, unzipping it to reveal the most Sandy outfit I’ve ever seen.Tight black leather pants with a matching black off-the-shoulder top.My insides fizz and bubble with excitement as I quickly slide into the look.It’s tight—Gabriella and I aren’t exactly the same size—but it’s on.Under her vanity, I find the red pumps, completing the look.Kim taps on the door before saying, “It’s showtime, Tate.Let’s move.”
“Coming!”I say, about to walk out when I notice the tube of lipstick.What kind of Sandy would I be without a red pout?I roll the cherry color over my lips, watching them come alive on my face.Ready!
