Page 14 of Tempt Me

Chapter Eight

Melissa

By some miracle, the show is ready.

Backstage, I’m transformed back into an actor, no longer the director, stage manager, and set designer.

I get to do what I came for and that means the world to me.

I won’t lie.

This week my heart has felt like a deflated balloon.

But every time I get sad about Blaze, I remind myself that I am so much more than one guy. Even though I would love to have him here tonight, watching me do my favorite thing in the world, I am okay just being here by myself.

I can lose myself in the role.

And that’s an amazing feeling.

Makeup done.

Costume on.

Waiting in wings.

I am ready for my entrance.

I wait for my line and I float out onto the stage, standing in front of the beautiful backdrop that he and I created.

I sink into character, feeling amazing with the lights touching my face.

I was born to do this.

When I deliver my lines, I gaze out into the sea of audience faces.

I look at no one in particular.

I just wantthemto see me.

But, I can’t help what my eyes catch.

And there’s no mistaking that face.

Blaze is here.

I take a deep breath.

I will not let him ruin my performance.

I don’t know what game he’s playing, but I will not join.

* * *

When the show is over, I take my bow onstage to thunderous applause.

Blaze is still here, but I do not give him my energy. Instead, I focus on an amazing first performance. I did this.

Not just my performance, but all of it.

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