His mind wandered back to their workout a couple of weeks ago, and what he said to Dean in the sauna…
“I like you, Dean. You’re really fun. I’m glad we started hanging out.”
He meant what he said. He was glad that they were becoming friends.
And he wouldn’t be opposed to working out with Dean again. The way his muscles engaged and strained during their session was a thing of beauty. Colton enjoyed pushing him to his limit, and it was probably the most enjoyable session he’d ever had. By the end of their workout, Colton had clearly been flirting with Dean, but he had no idea why. Something about Dean just brought that playful side out of him. It was a hell of a lot of fun. Did he feel bad about it? No fucking way.
And after watching more of Dean’s videos, realizing just how commercially successful he is, Colton felt a surge of pride in his chest.
He admired how Dean overcame adversity and made something great for himself. Most people would completely collapse after being disowned by their family. Colton certainly would. But not Dean. Somehow, that trauma made him stronger, more focused.
How did this happen?He wondered. How did he become friends with a major rock star? Okay, maybe he’s not a rockstar in the normal plays-in-a-band, trashes-a-hotel-room sense. But he’s still a musical superstar. How the hell did he end up hanging out with some dumb jock?
Sure, Colton had his own level of success, and legions of his own adoring fans, but from what he was seeing on the DJ DVLN YouTube channel, Dean was on a whole other level!
Colton smiled, mentally going through their timeline. And with that thought, Colton’s smile widened as he grabbed his phone…
Colton: Hey stud! Hope you’re good! Was just thinking of you and realized we haven’t hung out in a while. Let’s get together soon.
Dean: Hey! That’s so funny! I was just thinking about you, how we haven’t hung out lately! Great minds and all that. Yes! How does next week look for you?
Chapter 10
Dean
“Do you have a minute to talk about Benny?” Jordan asked as he walked into Dean’s studio.
“Ugh! I guess.” Dean groaned and dropped his face into his hands. “Benny is a great guy and a fantastic dancer. And I hate that he’s leaving.”
Dean could feel his stress level creeping upward. His bookings had been steadily increasing, each venue bigger than the last. He had very few open weekends or blocks of time available over the next few months, not to mention the massive undertaking he was planning for the very near future. He didn’t have time to lose an important staff member and then hold auditions to replace that person. He couldn’t be mad at Benny for leaving, it certainly wasn’t his choice but life would be so much easier if he’d just stay.
“He doesn’t want to leave.” Jordan dropped into a chair next to Dean. “But he has to move back east to help his family. Sincehis dad died, his mother and brother can’t do it without him. He feels terrible about leaving you in a lurch.”
Dean deflated, immediately feeling guilty for blaming Benny for his stress. “Oh no, tell him not to worry about me! Let him know that he can use me for a reference at any time. And we need to plan a going away party for him.” Dean sighed. “But we also need to schedule a date to audition a new dancer.”
“I’ve already drawn up an audition announcement for the trades.” Jordan handed his iPad to Dean, showing him the document. “If you approve, I can post it today.”
“This is great, Jordan. Thank you. Please, post away. And let’s schedule auditions as soon as possible.”
Within an hour, applications came in fast and furious.
There were the usual, ridiculous unqualified applicants. How on earth does someone working at Target or Walmart as a greeter, with no actual experience or credentials, justify even a remote qualification for the position of professional dancer?
Then, there were the applicants who seemed too good to be true…from Broadway, traveling productions of Broadway shows, reality dance competition shows, local ballet and theater groups, and on and on.
In the end, they had just over fifty applicants who were actually qualified for the job.
It was an embarrassment of riches, and a good problem to have. With so many applicants in such a short time, auditions could be scheduled quickly without affecting any upcoming performances.
“Do we have to auditionallthese people?” Jordan huffed as he sifted through the resumes and head shots of qualified applicants spread across Dean’s dining table. “We’ll be here for days, maybe weeks!”
Dean chuckled. “I think we should narrow it down to twenty, maybe twenty-five. Although, all of these,” —Dean swept hishand over the stack of resumes and head shots— “look like great choices, but I don’t think we’ll have time to audition all fifty of them.”
Jordan sighed. “I need more caffeine.” He stood and headed to the kitchen. “You want some?”
“Yes please, and make it a double!”
Jordan returned to the table with two large bottles of iced coffee.
