Page 1 of Courting Envy
Chapter one
Rava
Myfingersstretchedoutas I delivered the last notes of my performance, my voice ringing in the air. As the sound died away, people shot to their feet and the applause began. My heart swelled with the pure joy associated with a performance well done. I clasped my hands together like I was praying, offering up thanks for the audience’s time and energy, then I bowed my head, the perfect figure of the humble opera singer.
My insides tingled though, adrenaline and pleasure, the release of tension swimming through my veins. I had nailed it and I could practically feel Stefanie’s eyes burning a hole in my back, raging at the fact that I’d done it again.
I waited for the applause to die down before I approached the front of the stage, taking a slow, deep bow. Another wave of applause washed over me in waves. I couldn’t stop the grin from spreading over my lips so when I stood to my full height, I basked. Literally. Soaking in the glory of being at the peak of my career. This sold-out theater was for me. These cheers, all for me. Individual flowers landed on the stage, piling up in messy clusters, the aroma of them hitting my nostrils, helping me to stand straighter.
I cast a quick look to the side and saw Stefanie waiting in the wings. She was always there, just hoping I would fuck up so that she could step in.Not today, Stefanie. Not today.My eyes travelled across the audience, catching on a handsome man in the third row. He seemed to stand out from the others, like there was a barrier around him, an aura luring me in. Hopefully, he’d stick around after and help me blow off some steam
Further on, I spotted my twin sister, Marie. Her grin was wide, but her lips were pressed together. I could feel some tension there – that old twin connection thing – but there was no time to dwell on it now. She would come backstage, let me come down from this rush, and then tell me what was going on.
Someone called my name, and I drew my attention back to the stage, where, Darren, the director of the theater was bustling toward me, his suit tails flapping behind him as he carried a large bunch of roses to me.
Inwardly, I groaned. We’d had this conversation. The only flowers I wanted on stage should be from the audience. Not from someone whose job it was literally to make me feel good about my performance. I didn’t need him or his offering.
Still, I took them from him, graciously. Knowing that he just wanted to bask in some of my glory; I couldn’t blame him. It was delicious.
I just didn’t like sharing.
Before the applause began to die down, I swept an arm out, the gesture embracing the audience, took another extravagant bow, and headed for the safety of the wings, clutching my bouquet with one hand as I waved with the other.
Leaving Darren to foolishly stumble along in my wake.
“Rava!” he called after me when he’d made it off the stage.
I’d been hoping to make it to my dressing room before he had a chance to get my attention, but tonight wasn’t that night. I drew to a stop at my door and turned to face him.
It wasn’t that he was ugly, or mean, or anything else. In fact, I didn’t think I could put my finger on what repulsed me about him; maybe the way he constantly tried to get closer to me, to weasel his way into life outside of my work.
I had a manager though and I wasn’t looking for more people on my team. I’d been singing to packed crowds for years now and my parents had made sure I had excellent management before they’d met their unfortunate death via car accident.
It had been four years since then, and even if I’d had my qualms, I had a feeling I’d still keep the team intact simply because it had been the last big thing they had done.
“You’re going to come to drinks, aren’t you?” he said. It wasn’t really a question though. I would come to drinks because some very wealthy patrons of the arts had been in the audience tonight and they wanted to share a drink with the belle of the ball.
Me.
“You know I am. Just give me a few minutes to change.”
“The town car is already here, so whenever you’re ready.” He didn’t move, as though he expected something more.
“Okay…” I shrugged at him and walked into my room, moving to close the door behind me. Darren slipped his foot into the door though.
“Was there something else?” I asked, one eyebrow raised. Tonight better not be the night he turned into a creep. I still had four more shows here and I didn’t need things to be awkward.
“I just…” He exhaled, his body deflating a little. “No. Don’t worry about it.” Darren shook his head and turned to walk away. “Just, maybe wear the red dress.”
The red dress? I closed the door and locked it. I would not be taking fashion directions from Darren. I put the flowers in a vase and turned to the wardrobe, pulling out a dress that was green and slinky, with a deep vee at the front. If these patrons wanted a show, well, I would give them an eyeful.
I changed quickly, wondering where Marie had got to. She should be here by now. My phone vibrated on the vanity and I reached for it, swiping the screen to reveal the message.
Sorry, R. Not feeling the best. I’ll see you soon.
I frowned, not liking the feel of this. She’d looked okay in the audience, and she hadn’t told me of any trouble she’d been having lately. Perhaps she was waiting until this run of events finished, not wanting to put any drama on me while I was working hard.
All good, J. Love you. Feel better soon.I text back, though the tight feeling in my chest didn’t move. I just hoped it wasn’t anything too major.
