Page 47 of Ex in the City
Rebecca gives me a lingering look, and there’s a hint of suspicion in her gaze.
‘Yes, us too,’ she says to Lisa. ‘We have lots to do, don’t we?’
‘Oh, absolutely,’ Lisa agrees. ‘See you soon, Nicole.’
‘Yeah, see you around,’ I tell them.
I head to the main hall, where the stage is, and where Dylan said they were holding the auditions today. I told him I would catch him up, as I wanted to arrange some interviews for him – getting him the right press in the right places right now is crucial, with the reunion tour announcement on the horizon. I frown to myself, as I wonder what Rebecca might be up to, but the thoughts are quickly pushed from my mind as I finally enter the hall.
I hear the music first, the familiar tune of ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’. I’m pleasantly taken aback when I realise it is Dylan up on the stage singing – I’m even more surprised when I hear that he’s singing the female parts too, making his voice super squeaky for his audience. He looks like he’s having a blast, like he isn’t just performing for the kids, he’s one of them.
The kids are completely captivated. They laugh at Dylan’s onstage antics and mimic his playful dance moves. Hisenthusiasm is clearly infectious. I can’t help but bob along to the music too, smiling as I watch him up there doing his thing.
Dylan takes his final bow, and the applause and cheers from the children roar through the hall. He grins, acknowledging their cheers, like the natural-born performer that he is.
‘Okay, Miss Pallett, dancers,’ he says, addressing a petite blonde teacher and her group of excited teenage girls. ‘That’s the song I want you to work on a routine for.’
‘We’ll get right on it,’ Miss Pallett replies with a gleeful nod and – of course – a flirtatious smile.
Dylan’s attention shifts to the rest of the room.
‘Now, who is the naughtiest boy?’ he asks, a mischievous glint in his eyes. ‘Be brave, point him out.’
Laughter and chatter fill the hall as every finger in the room points toward the same boy, who somehow just looks like he would be the class clown. He stands up with a proud smirk.
‘What’s your name, kid?’ Dylan enquires.
‘Calvin Conley,’ the boy replies confidently.
‘Not any more,’ Dylan tells him. ‘From now on, you’re Fat Sam. Apparently, that’s how they cast the movie, so that’s how we’ll do it.’
Everyone laughs, and Calvin – or should I say Fat Sam – celebrates with a bit of a victory dance.
‘Assuming you’re any good, though,’ Dylan quickly adds with a wink. ‘Anyone who wants a big part, stand over on that side of the room. One at a time, we’ll have you sing a few lines, and we’ll see who is best placed for each part.’
I love how naturally Dylan handles the children, bringing out their enthusiasm and creativity. I didn’t know he was good at anything, apart from music, but he seems like a born teacher, as well as an entertainer, and the kids clearly adore him already.
Dylan’s eyes meet mine from the stage, and his smile lights up the room. He quickly hops down from the stage and makes his way over to me, wrapping me in a warm hug.
‘Okay, this is seriously fun,’ he tells me, as though I might not have realised either. ‘Honestly, I’m so excited about this musical. Come on, sit down with me, help me audition the kids.’
I can’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm.
‘Okay,’ I reply with a smile. ‘We’ll be like Simon and Sharon.’
Dylan’s forehead furrows in confusion.
‘Who?’ he asks.
‘I was just making a noughtiesX Factorreference,’ I say with a laugh, batting it away with my hand.
‘You watchedThe X Factor?’ he replies in disbelief.
‘I was a music journalist,’ I remind him.
‘Exactly,’ he replies with a playful roll of his eyes.
Dylan takes his seat behind the audition table. I join him, and while I’m not sure what someone with minimal musical talents like me can offer, I am kind of looking forward to getting involved.
