I sigh, unable to match his enthusiasm. At this point, I don’t care if we win or lose.
‘I’m not ready to let go of you again.’ Ben’s dark pupils match his slicked-back hair as they bore into mine.
I thought I’d explained myself pretty clearly already. Now it seems he’s making no secret of the very one he kept for years.
Clutching me against his chest, we wait along with the live audience for the band to begin their version of ‘I Put a Spell on You’.
When the first chord sounds from the band, the spotlights centre in on us and we begin the familiar steps. Ben’s hold is powerful – his upper body strength makes him the perfect partner. The way he expertly manoeuvres me around the fire, spinning, stomping, displaying his dominance demonstrates he’s an excellent leader. With his dark hair and piercing pale eyes, he makes a very convincing devil.
Even through the heartbreak my own devilish rogue instigated, I can appreciate the physical temptation Ben offers. He is a poster pin-up specimen of masculinity. He’s slick and smooth. More polished topaz than rough diamond. Yet I crave my rough diamond more than ever before, no matter what he’s done. And it kills me inside to even think about it.
The tempo decreases to a dramatic finale and Ben sweeps me into the air in a daring lift. The crowd erupt with applause, wolf-whistling ensues and I find myself scanning row upon row of faces to locate the source. I’d nearly swear I recognised the ear-splitting shrieking whistle, but it’s impossible to tell through the darkness.
The girls scream, ‘Mammy!’ from the front row, their faces shining with sheer ecstatic delight. Blowing them kisses, my eyes fill with triumphant tears. At least, whatever happens, I have them. For that I’ll always be grateful.
The judges award us 7’s, which isn’t great for a semi-final, but given the week I’ve had, I’ll grab it with both hands. Backstage, we run straight into Gemma and Sonny, the only others left, apart from the wild card couple, Ava Armstrong and whoever she’s been paired up with. For maximum drama, it’s the only secret on this show. Apparently, they’ve been practising at a secret location all week. The big reveal is a bid to attract more ratings for tonight’s live show.
Teddy and Aaron crack a few cheesy jokes to entertain the audience while Layla touches up Gemma and Sonny’s make-up, and the stage production team assemble their set. They’re both dressed as sexy zombies (if that’s even possible) and the scene is supposed to be a suggestive modern depiction of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’. I only hope the girls aren’t scared out of their wits.
While Gemma and Sonny deliver the performance of their lives, Ben and I watch on the huge screen backstage. Their desire to win is reflected in the set of their jaws, the impeccable way they execute each move. The beam on Gemma’s plump lips is genuine. This show seems to bring out the best in her. They’re unbelievably talented dancers and, as an added bonus, Gemma’s attitude has improved with each week . Do I dare believe she might have warmed to me?
Possibly. She even flashes the odd smile in my direction most mornings.
The roof virtually blows from the studio amid the chanting, stomping and catcalls when they finish. The three judges each award them a ten.
When they join us again backstage, she throws her arms around me. ‘Shelly, I never thought you’d make it this far. Fair play to you, you’re mighty. I’m sorry I was such a bitch to you in the beginning. This industry though…’ She rolls her eyes high and exhales an exasperated sigh. ‘I’m used to kill or be killed. Trample on, or be trampled on. But you’re not like that. And neither was Natalie, or Aisling. Maybe after all of this, we could all grab a bite to eat? I could do with some genuine female friends – if it’s not too late to start over?’
Squeezing Gemma back in a tight clinch, I could weep at her kindness. My trust issues weren’t only with Marcus, they extended to everyone, hindering my ability to form friendships too. Yet, after the events of this week, I’ve never needed a friend more. With Aisling and Natalie out of the competition and Nadine on the other side of the world, I’m beginning to realise how beneficial it would be if I could allow more people into my life.
Her apparent personality transplant is an unexpected turn of events, but I’m beginning to understand that what you expect is not always what you get. ‘I’d love that. I’m sure Natalie and Aisling would too.’ I glance between Sonny and Gemma, dying to know if there really is anything romantic going on between them. If there isn’t, the two of them are both fantastic actors, the chemistry each week on stage is utterly convincing. ‘You were amazing out there.’
‘Thanks. Sonny and I share the same goal. When this is over we’re both hoping to transfer into acting. Touring the world, performing a hundred and fifty gigs almost on the trot is too much. At least as an actor, you can pick a project, go on set for a few months, then take a break. Spend more time with loved ones. My husband would like to start a family at some point. As one fifth of a girl band, that’s simply not possible.’
Holy shit. I had it all wrong. Utterly convinced they were getting it on. Shows how off the mark a person can be. The picture of Marcus and Maddy infiltrates my brain again, but I force it away. That’s different. If I truly was wrong about them, then where the hell has he been hiding all week?
Ben places his arm around my shoulder, gazing at me with a worrying fondness in his eye. Regardless of the state of my marriage, if he thinks I’m going to embark on something with him, he’s wrong.
Gemma stands to my left, leaning on Sonny for support, all of us staring at the screen, my co-stars’ anticipation palpable leading up to the big celebrity unveiling. At this stage, I couldn’t care who comes on with Ava.
The whole experience has been one huge learning curve. It’s reminded me of my love of dancing, but that nothing compares to the love I have for being a mother. If I go home tonight, I’ll be satisfied with that. I never dreamed I’d make it this far, let alone come out with a few new friends along the way.
Though, if I’ve lost Marcus, I’ve lost more that I’ll ever gain. But as Sylvia said, it’s out of my control, and clearly Maddy was a factor long before I decided to accept my place onSexy Come Dancing.
It’s surreal watching Aaron and Teddy on the screen in front of us, while the sound of their voices travel over speakers all around us. Goosebumps ripple across my bare arms. Ben rubs them, pressing a kiss to my temple. Yeah, he’s definitely getting carried away. I’m going to have to nip that in the bud – again. If he thinks this is his opportunity to get one over the line, he’s very mistaken.
‘So, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…’ Aaron winks at the camera and twirls for the audience.
‘Please give a huge, warm welcome to our wild card couple…’A thunderous drum roll beats boisterously before dying down again to leave absolute silence. Swept into the moment with the daunting beat of the drums, my heart hammers erratically in my chest. I remind myself I don’t care. That woman, Ava, has done me no favours this week, she’s not about to start now.
‘Ava Armstrong and her partner… Marcus Williams.’ Aaron’s eyes glint with mischievous glee as my husband steps out onto the stage dressed as some sort of fallen angel. A white waistcoat hangs open against his ripped abs, and fair hair dusts his perfect pecs, narrowing into a fine line, lightly smattering a trail below his belly button. Low slung trousers hang on his narrow hips displaying his delectable V. I know that body so well, yet it never fails to awaken something in my belly, and lower. His skin is glowing, as are his huge hazel eyes, but his jaw is wired in a tight line of determination. He means business. What business, I’m not sure.
He swore nothing in the world would persuade him to come on this show. Yet here he is. So what’s the meaning of it? And withherof all people.
My head swims, my throat tightens and my knees buckle beneath me. Ben catches me a split second before I hit the floor.
