“That doesn’t prove anything!” Gen snaps. “You can’t accuse me of tampering with her costume if you don’t have proof.”
Lexi agrees with her. “Fair enough. But even if you didn’t do it, it’s another indication of your extremely poor attitude. Just like the photo of Taryn and Tucker at Starstruck that mysteriously landed in Carole’s inbox.”
“That wasn’t me either!” Gen yells.
Jodie and I look at each other. We both know that Jodiesent that photo to Carole when Andy began blackmailing her.
My best friend opens her mouth to confess, but I shake my head. Even if Gen is innocent of that particular crime, she’s done everything else they’ve accused her of and doesn’t deserve a spot on the team.
“Our minds are made up, Genevieve. Please pack your things and empty your locker and your room.”
“You can’t do that!” She screams. “My daddy pays for this team. He built the entire complex. He pays your fucking salaries. I’m gonna give you one last chance to apologize to me and to make me team captain, and I’ll pretend none of this happened.”
Carole and Lexi look at each other before Lexi delivers the final blow. “Your father is aware of the situation, Genevieve. And he agrees with us that with your conduct you embarrassed yourself, him and the team.”
“But, I—” the realization that she’s shit out of luck dawns on Gen. “Mommy!” She screams. “You tell these old, fat bitches that they can’t do that to me. Speak to Daddy. He listens to you.”
Adrianna shakes her head before hammering the final nail in her daughter’s coffin. “I already did. And he accused me of spoiling you. He said that if I even try to let you have your way, he’s going to file for divorce. So I’m sorry, sweetheart. We’re canceling your platinum credit card. We’re going to pay for your tuition and living expenses and for some reasonable extras as long as you keep decent grades and graduate on time. Step out of line and you’ll be completely cut off.”
“No! You fucking bitch! You can’t do this to me! I’m gonna fucking sue you and Dad. I hate you!”
“Adrianna, please walk your daughter out. Do you want us to call security to help you?”
Gen’s mom nods. “It’s probably a good idea.”
We watch as two of the private security who were hired to keep away the press come in and escort a kicking and screaming Gen out of the room.
CHAPTER THIRTY
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
TARYN
Once some semblance of order is restored, the meeting continues.
“That was even worse than I thought.” Carole sighs.
“I can’t say I’m surprised, though.” Lexi chimes in. “Genevieve thought our friendship with her mother and her father’s financial involvement with the team made her untouchable. This was a long time coming.”
The team’s director looks at me, Jodie and Talia. “Girls, are you ok?”
We all nod. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Taryn, considering that there aren’t going to be any exceptions to the no fraternization clause, are you still determined not to sign the contract?”
I’m sad to leave the team, but I’m at peace with my decision. “Yes, ma’am. I’m in love with Tucker, Colsen, and Nash. They’re my priority. But I wish you and the team all the best.”
“Very well.” Carole touches her tablet’s screen with a resigned expression. “That will make us one dancer short.But we can operate with thirty if needed, so thirty one works out since not every dancer will be called for every performance. Jodie, this leaves you. Congratulations on making the team, and we hope you’ll accept the position of captain. We were going to offer you the alternate, but circumstances have obviously changed.”
Jodie looks uneasy. “I’m flattered, ma’am. But I don’t know if I…” she looks at me, and I nod at her.
Not staying is my choice, but she’s a terrific dancer and she’ll go far with the kind of exposure even one season as a Shooting Star will offer her.
“Thank you, ma’am. It’ll be my honor to be team captain.”
Carole and Lexi shake Jodie’s hand.
“I guess we need to address the rest of the team.” Carole muses.
