Page 94 of The Last Dance

25

Star Struck

Ambri

I’ve been on the treadmill for two hours. I even ran in the middle of the night. Noah’s been working nights, so I haven’t had a lot of time to talk to him. I know it’s gonna have to happen soon though because Henry is doing things to me that I never thought possible. Last night, after we talked, we sat in silence until it was dark. To be honest I kind of wish I never had to leave. Being there with him, near him, felt right.

When he walked onto the stage the other night dressed as Billy Idol, making a complete fool of himself for me, I felt like my heart exploded in the best of ways. He hates going to eighties night because of the dressing up. So, I know he was completely out of his comfort zone, like he said he was, performing like a fool in love, not even caring what anyone but me thought.

The treadmill isn’t helping at all. My phone buzzes on the coffee table in front of me. I hit the stop button and grab it.

Are you busy?

It’s Taylor. I’ve been nervous about this call. I sent her an email last weekend letting her know about my whole PDX Weekly snafu. I didn’t want her to think I’d forgotten about her. I plan to do a whole big piece on her when the site goes live. But the website won’t be ready until sometime Friday.

Henry’s been working on the site as well as trying to secure some early advertisers and sends me updates every day. Tomorrow I’m headed to his office to learn how to use it. I’ve never been more nervous to see someone in my entire life. Every time I see him that feeling gets more intense. In the best way.

I type back a response.

Nope.

My phone rings two seconds later.

‘Hi!’ I say, excited to hear her update.

‘Hi, Ambri. How are things?’

‘Things are great. How about you? Everything good?’ I ask, knowing full well exactly how good it’s going for her because I’m now glued to the show.

‘Everything is going fantastic. I’ve made it to the top two!’ she squeals, unable to contain her excitement.

‘I know! I haven’t missed a second of the show!’ I squeal back with a leap. ‘It’s so amazing. You aresogonna win this thing. I can just feel it. You know, I was at my parents’ house the other day and they are your biggest fans. They think you’re the most talented singer on the show.’

‘Really?’ she asks, as if it’s not possible. ‘That’s so nice. I dunno though. The girl I’m up against is a real powerhouse. It could easily go either way.’ I can hear the uncertainty in her voice. The seventeen-year-old pushing through her old soul.

‘You got this, Taylor. You’re talented, kind, and beautiful inside and out. You’re really the exact type of person who deserves to win this.’

My phone beeps with an incoming call. I glance at the screen, seeing only an unknown number flash across. I pull it back to my ear, ignoring whoever is at the other end.

‘Thanks. I actually wanted to ask if you’d be interested in coming to the finale? This is short notice, I know, but I can get you a couple tickets if you want to bring someone and you can get interviews with everyone on set.’

‘Really?’ A finale piece would really help pull everything I’ve got together. A plane ticket would definitely eat up part of my savings but I’m sure it’ll be worth it. ‘Taylor, I’d love to come. When should I be there?’

‘It’s being taped live on Friday night.’

The day after the Infusion show. I guess LA is only a few hours’ flight from here. I could leave in the morning and still get there in time.

‘I’ll be there.’

‘Perfect! I’ll email you all the info. I’m really excited to meet you in person!’

‘Same here. We’ll talk soon.’

A voicemail notification flashes when I hang up. I dial through to voicemail, clicking through the options.

‘Hi, Ambri.’ A man’s voice greets me. ‘I’ve got a story opportunity you will not want to miss. I heard about your new website, Sound Bites, and I think you’re the perfect journalist for this. Why don’t you meet me at Starbucks on west Burnside at eleven?’

I glance at the clock. Ten-forty. Who could this be? And who leaves a message asking you to meet them in the next twenty minutes? What if I had been busy or had a job? I change my clothes as quickly as possible, grab my bag and phone and head down the street to the Starbucks I used to work at.

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