Page 78 of Flirty Dancing

“You could get one again likethat. Any agent who watched this show would be clamoring to sign you.”

“No agents are watching this show.”

“They could be! I heard that lots of people from the business vacation here. You never know who’s in the audience.”

“Well… I still think we should audition together. It would be fun.”

Archer imagined how it would feel when Mateo inevitably booked the role at audition one, while he chalked up rejection number thirty-eight. He decided to change the subject back to whatever had brought Mateo here so late. “So… what’s up?”

“Oh, I was wondering, do you think Eileen’s invitation for tea is still open?”

Archer blinked. “I’m sure it is.”

“Great. The sooner the better.”

“Now.” Eileen settled across from them in her floral armchair, eyes wide with concern. “Tell me what’s been going on.”

Archer and Mateo were on her couch, saucers in hand, coffee table laden with finger sandwiches and still-warm baked goods.

“I don’t know,” Mateo said. “Everything is a mess. We’re so sloppy, and no one seems to care about the show.”

“What makes you think they don’t care?”

“It feels like the job is not a priority for them, that they aren’t taking it seriously. I try to keep them in line, but… that only makes things worse.”

“Well.” She tilted her head. “Perhaps this crew needs a leader.”

Archer took a sip of his tea, eyes darting between Eileen’s wispy frame and Mateo’s bulk on the dainty couch.

“Maybe.” Mateo shrugged. “But Stewart’s gone again, so…”

“Yes, Stewart is certainly a wonderful director, but, as you said, he’s not here.Youare the leader, Mateo.”

“Me? I’m not a leader.”

“Archer said that Stewart put you in charge when he left. That was for a reason.”

Mateo snorted. “Clearly the wrong reason. Caleb hates me, and everything is a disaster.”

“Caleb doesn’t hate you,” Archer cut in.

Mateo threw a side-eyed glance at Archer. “He hates me.”

Archer paused and took a muffin. “Okay, he hates you a little.”

“What would you say your leadership style is, Mateo?” Eileen asked, leaning forward and studying him.

“I don’t have one.”

“Hmm.” Eileen took a sip of tea. “What do you think, Archer?”

Archer turned and narrowed his eyes at Mateo. “I would say he’s a lead-by-example type. Responsible. Methodical. Dedicated to his craft. He does what others should do.”

Mateo met Archer’s eye. Archer smiled, sure he could detect a faint blush to Mateo’s cheeks.

Eileen nodded. “That sounds right, from what I can tell. And it’s admirable. But maybe it’s not the most effective style for this group? Maybe they need a leader they can connect with.”

Mateo shifted. “Connect? Not really my thing.”

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