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“You are magnificent, Blush. Amazing.”

“You still think so?”

“More than ever.”

CHAPTER 23

Blush

I pace backstage, hoping Whisper shows up. I slept like shit after he left. What if he’s changed his mind? What if he thinks I’m more trouble than I’m worth, like so many people in my life? What if he doesn’t want to see me again?

Ugh.

Why do I even care? I’m not supposed to. I can’t stop thinking about our talk last night though, and how this isn’t casual anymore. Did he mean that? Does he still today?

I really want him to see my set tonight. It’s a vintage burlesque style, and I’m planning to sing Beyoncé’s version of “Fever.” It’s rare that I sing, but I think he’d like it. It’s classy and sexy at the same time.

Pixie pops backstage, a huge smile on his face. “Your man is here.”

“What? He is?”

Pixie nods. “He’s not alone though. He has several of his hot friends with him.”

The news calms my nerves. Whisper came to see me, and he’s with his brothers.

I make my way to the stage, waiting behind the curtains and getting my head into performance mode. When the music starts, I slink onto the stage, focusing my gaze on Whisper. He nods appreciatively at me as I start, gripping the mic stand seductively as I purr out the words.

Whisper’s eyes widen as a slow smile spreads across his lips. As I sing, I tug at the fingers of my elbow length gloves, slowly pulling them off and tossing them towards my man.

My man.

Oof. That’s heavy.

I have a man.

Focusing on the lyrics and my performance, I revel in the silence of the room, all eyes on me, entranced as I slink through the song.

I twist around, sliding up and down the mic stand as I belt out the words, and as the song finishes, Whisper is the first on his feet, clapping for me. Everyone else joins him, and the standing ovation startles me. I get my fair share of praise around here, but not like this.

Whisper reaches down for something then walks towards the stage, and I realize he’s carrying a bouquet of flowers. My eyes sting with emotion as he hands them to me.

“You’re exceptional, Blush.”

“Thank you.” I take the flowers, making a point to sniff them before I bow and leave the stage. I should sing more often if that’s the reaction I get.

I put the flowers at my station and grab my robe before I sit down to soak in what just happened.

“He gave you flowers,” Ivy says. “Swoon. Are you in love?”

I open my mouth to deny such a ridiculous notion, but the words won’t come. Instead I just shake my head and pat powder onto my face.

“How do I get an invite into that circle?” Ivy asks. “First Cashmere, now you. Any of them still single?”

“Several are, I think. I could introduce you.”

“They know me.” He pouts. “I guess if they were interested, they’d make a move.”

“I approached Whisper. Maybe you have to be bold.”