Idol

by Carrie Duffy

  ‘See you in ten,’ Karl said sweetly, before hanging up.

  Five minutes later she was on Boulder Highway, heading north towards the Strip. The cab driver had obviously been promised extra if he could get her there quicker as he was weaving in and out of the traffic like a maniac. Sadie was starting to feel sick. She hung onto the door handle as he swerved in front of a huge truck; the driver pressed down on his horn as the cab sped away.

  She was already pretty stressed when her phone rang. Unknown number. She snatched it up angrily. ‘For fuck’s sake, Karl, I’m on my way.’

  ‘Uh … Sadie?’ It was a male voice she didn’t recognize. Deep, with an American accent.

  ‘Yeah. Who’s this?’

  ‘This is Tyrone.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Tyrone Cole.’

  Sadie wanted the car seat to open up and swallow her. ‘Hi,’ she managed to squeak. She tried to picture the guy she’d seen on the TV screen in Starbucks. Gorgeous face, broad shoulders, strong thighs.

  ‘Your friend Brooke gave me your number.’

  ‘Yeah, she told me,’ Sadie replied, and it came out harsher than she’d intended.

  ‘Have I caught you at a bad time?’ Tyrone was all politeness and Sadie immediately felt guilty.

  Just give the guy a chance.

  ‘Kind of … But it’s fine. I’m in a cab, so I can talk.’

  Another truck driver blasted his horn as the taxi veered across a lane.

  ‘Is it a runaway cab?’ Tyrone asked.

  Sadie smiled. ‘You could say that. I think the driver thinks he’s Robert De Niro.’

  Tyrone laughed, a rich, warm sound. ‘Listen, I really enjoyed the show the other night – you were great.’

  ‘Thanks, I’m glad you did. We had a really good night – it was one of our favourite shows,’ she rambled on.

  ‘I love your accent too,’ he told her. He sounded genuine, as if it wasn’t just a line. ‘It’s really cute.’

  ‘Thanks. It comes completely naturally to me,’ Sadie teased, and Tyrone laughed again.

  ‘Uh, Sadie, the reason I was calling – I’ve got tickets for that big concert at Caesars tonight. I wondered if you wanted to go. It should be pretty awesome.’

  Sadie could have laughed out loud at the irony. ‘You’ll never believe this, but I’m actually performing in it.’

  ‘Really? Wow. I didn’t know the Kandy Girls were on the bill.’

  ‘Oh, we’re not. It’s just me – I’m doing backing for … It’s a long story.’ Sadie realized she didn’t want to go into it. ‘I only found out myself about ten minutes ago.’

  ‘Jeez, talk about pressure,’ Tyrone sympathized.

  ‘I know. Crazy, huh?’ The traffic was stationary and Sadie relaxed into her seat. Tyrone was easy to talk to. He seemed quiet and polite – a little shy even – and in spite of herself Sadie felt herself warming to him.

  ‘Well, that’s perfect. We can have dinner afterwards,’ he suggested. ‘What do you like? Steak? Italian? Or I know a great sushi place—’

  ‘I’m really sorry, but I don’t think I’ll be able to make it,’ Sadie apologized.

  ‘Oh.’ He sounded disappointed. ‘You already have plans?’

  ‘Not exactly,’ Sadie admitted. ‘But I’m gonna be exhausted. I’ll be working all day, and then the show tonight …’

  ‘But you’ve still got to eat, right?’ Tyrone said easily. ‘We don’t have to make it a late one.’

  ‘I …’ Sadie found she was all out of excuses. ‘That’d be great, thank you.’

  ‘Hey, no problem. I’m really looking forward to it.’

  ‘Me too,’ Sadie said automatically.

  ‘Best of luck for the show, yeah? I’ll be watching. I know you’ll be amazing.’

  ‘I hope so.’

  ‘I know so.’

  He hung up the phone, and Sadie sat motionless for a few moments, gazing out of the window at the sun-bleached desert. She had a date. With Tyrone Cole – a rich, gorgeous football player. He could have any girl he wanted, but he’d chosen her.

  For the first time since all that shit with Paul Austin, Sadie felt a frisson of excitement, a glimpse of her old self. She was going to have a good time tonight. She deserved it. All she had to do first was get through this show.

  Sadie raced through the maze of corridors backstage at The Colosseum. It was absolute bedlam. Karl had been right – there were more stars here than at a pre-Oscar gifting suite. She’d already passed a host of famous names and had to force herself not to stare as she caught a glimpse of Madonna being shepherded to her dressing room surrounded by six enormous bodyguards.

  ‘Oh, sorry!’ she apologized breathlessly, as she collided with someone. A tall, masculine, broad-chested someone. She glanced up, flushing bright red as she realized who it was.

  ‘Don’t worry, no harm done,’ Nick Taylor said, in that glorious Southern accent. He held his hands up in a playful gesture and broke into a wide grin. ‘Are you okay? No broken bones?’ His eyes scanned over her slowly, and Sadie got the impression he was looking at more than potential cuts and bruises.

  ‘I’m fine,’ Sadie mumbled. God, he was so handsome in the flesh, all rugged cowboy good looks and twinkly eyes. She’d seen him on TV and in the papers, of course, but up close he was something else. Her first thought was that she wished she was wearing something a little more glamorous; she’d barely had time to fling on cropped sweats and a tank top before hurling herself into the taxi. Her second thought was that Jenna Jonsson’s boyfriend was currently looking at her like he wanted to throw her against the wall and bang her brains out.

  ‘You sure you’re okay … um …?’

  ‘Sadie,’ she answered the unspoken question. ‘Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.’

  ‘Sadie,’ he repeated languorously. ‘Hot accent by the way. Are you British?’ His manner was laid-back and easy-going, his smile effortlessly sexy. A woman walked by and stared at them, then glanced jealously at Sadie.

  ‘Yeah. Yeah, I am,’ Sadie purred. Maybe a little flirting could be fun.

  ‘Really? That’s awesome.’ He let his gaze run over her once again. He was blatant about it, didn’t even try to hide it. After his run-in with Amber, Nick felt he could do with a little ego-massaging. ‘So how come you’re in Vegas?’ He leaned casually against the wall, angling his body closer to hers. It was an intimate gesture, cutting off the craziness in the rest of the corridor.

  ‘I live out here now. I’m a dancer with the Kandy Girls. We perform at The Play Rooms and we’re pretty amazing,’ she told him boldly.

  ‘Maybe I should come check you out.’ That look again, straight into her eyes like he was picturing her naked.

  ‘Maybe you should.’ Sadie held his gaze.

  ‘You know, I’m around for another couple of days,’ he began lazily. ‘Maybe you and I should find a window to hook up.’

  A flicker of confusion crossed Sadie’s brow. Was he suggesting …? ‘Aren’t you dating Jenna Jonsson?’ The words came out before she had chance to think what she was saying.

  Nick shrugged. ‘It’s not serious.’ The lie came automatically.

  ‘That’s not what the papers are saying.’

  ‘Don’t believe everything you read,’ Nick smirked. She was playing hardball but he was confident he’d close the deal. It was like a game for him. Flirting with women came instinctively; he couldn’t help it. It was in his genes, after all. The occasional other girl on the side didn’t mean he loved Jenna any less – it was just that women got hung up about that whole fidelity thing. They didn’t understand the way men worked. If Nick was going to get married then he needed a final fling – and this girl looked like a pretty perfect candidate. Beautiful face, superb body, natural breasts. ‘So, how about it?’ he asked, sounding entirely sure of himself.

  Sadie was taken aback. Jeez, could no guy keep it in their pants any more? They were all disgusting, every single one of them. Out of nowhere, she felt a sudden sta
b of sympathy for Jenna – the last emotion she’d ever expected to feel where she was concerned. From everything Sadie had seen and read, Jenna was clearly head over heels for Nick. Sadie had thought he felt the same about Jenna, but apparently not. She smiled to herself. Time to have a little fun.

  ‘Actually the reason I’m here is that I’m going to be working with Jenna.’

  Nick’s face dropped, his smile slowly fading as he realized what she was saying. Beneath his tan he turned pale. ‘With Jenna Jonsson?’ he stammered.

  ‘Yeah. As one of her dancers. Good thing you two aren’t serious, isn’t it? Hope you don’t mind if I don’t give you my number but, you know, I think you should go fuck yourself. Have a good show.’

  Sadie grinned as she walked off, leaving a stunned Nick Taylor gaping after her.

  25

  The Night of a Thousand Stars had exploded into life. Backstage Sadie could hear the deafening screams from out front as yet another megastar tore up the place and the entire building throbbed to the pounding beat of the music. The excitement in the air was tangible.

  Sadie had spent the last five hours locked in a tiny, makeshift rehearsal room, with just a couple of breaks to catch her breath and eat a banana for energy. No run-through on the main stage meant she was going to be winging it out there, but she was feeling confident. Her partner, Juan, was a sweetie, the whole troupe was fantastic and Karl was a genius. Despite her earlier reservations, she was excited. This was the big league and she could feel it.

  Unconsciously, Sadie smoothed down her outfit – a tiny, red silk skirt that draped round her body and flared when she danced, paired with a jewelled bikini-style top in brilliant shades of jade and mango, displaying acres of honey-brown stomach. The theme of Jenna’s set was Brazilian carnival, and Sadie’s outfit was a dazzling riot of colour, intended to evoke images of hot, lazy days on Copacabana beach and long, sensual nights of erotically charged dancing.

  Her dark hair was loose, curled and backcombed for a wild, gypsy look. The make-up artist had painted on thick black eyeliner, with bold coloured make-up in blues and oranges. The brash, strong look suited Sadie, especially with the tan she’d acquired since living in sunny Vegas. She looked like a tempestuous Latina, a glorious Carmen.

  And now she was standing outside Jenna Jonsson’s dressing room, having been summoned to see the woman herself. Karl had told her that Jenna personally wanted to thank Sadie for saving their skin. Too bad she hadn’t turned up at rehearsals to say it herself, Sadie thought tartly, resenting the fact that she was expected to dance attendance on Jenna the way the rest of the world did. It wasn’t as if she had nothing better to do. She could really use a break to rest her body, maybe grab a sandwich and refuel …

  Yet she couldn’t deny that she was curious. More than curious – she was keyed up, totally on edge as she wondered how Jenna would react. Sadie could hardly believe that she was going to see her again after all this time. Would Jenna be ashamed, embarrassed about what had happened? Maybe she would break down and apologize. Perhaps, Sadie thought uncomfortably, Jenna wouldn’t even remember her. Maybe she’d never registered on Jenna’s radar – just another minor irritant to be stamped on and dismissed as she clawed her way to the top.

  Well, whatever happened, Sadie was ready for it. Bring on the showdown.

  Without giving herself time to hesitate, she knocked firmly on the door. It was opened by an enormous security guy who eyed her suspiciously.

  ‘It’s fine,’ she heard Jenna call out. The goon grunted, standing aside to let her in.

  Sadie stepped through the door, her eyes sweeping quickly around the enormous dressing room as she took in the scene before her. Jenna was standing in front of a full-length mirror, wearing a tinier, sexier version of Sadie’s costume, and surrounded by a small army of stylists. One girl knelt at her feet, fastening the straps on her stacked heels. Another was frantically fixing her hair, while a third applied blusher with all the skill of a fine-art specialist. It was as though they were playing dress-up with a life-sized Barbie.

  Sadie was shocked to see how stunning Jenna was in the flesh, without airbrushing or touch-ups. Even all those years ago she’d been pretty, but now she was glossy and groomed to within an inch of her life. She had that natural radiant glow that was anything but natural – it took a truckload of time and money, and was impossible for mere civilians to achieve. She looked every inch the superstar she was.

  ‘I’ll be with you in a minute,’ Jenna apologized, barely glancing in her direction. ‘Take a seat. Help yourself to anything.’

  Mutinously, Sadie remained standing as she glanced round the luxurious dressing room. She’d thought they had a pretty good deal at The Play Rooms, compared to some of the dives she’d worked in, but this was another level. She stared round at the soft, white couches, marvelling at the freshly cut flowers and the giant fruit platter on the coffee table. There were plates of sandwiches, a stand of beautifully decorated cupcakes and endless bottles of Bling H2O and Cristal. Jenna had restricted herself to water and a little fruit, Sadie noted, feeling pangs of envy sweep through her once more. This was what she wanted! This was what her life could have been like if it hadn’t been for that cheating …

  She balled her fists in fury, beginning to wonder if Jenna was on some sort of ego trip. How dare she make me wait around like this, thought Sadie, feeling a tight knot of rage begin to build in her stomach. She hadn’t come here to be some sort of spectator to Jenna’s sickeningly perfect life. She was on the verge of walking out when Jenna waved away the huddle of people and turned to Sadie with a disarmingly genuine smile.

  ‘Sadie Laine.’ Jenna looked her over appraisingly. Sadie felt pleased that she wouldn’t find anything negative. She looked good, and she knew it. ‘It’s been a while,’ Jenna said lightly.

  The hovering assistants pretended to be engrossed in their own conversations, but Sadie could tell they were eagerly listening in. There was a crackle of animosity in the air, an unexplained tension, and they sensed something was going to happen.

  ‘You’re doing pretty well for yourself I hear,’ Jenna continued.

  ‘Not as well as you,’ Sadie acknowledged, unable to keep the note of bitterness out of her voice. Jenna might be all sweetness and light, but Sadie didn’t buy it.

  ‘Karl Madison worships the ground you walk on. He always tells me I’m hopeless,’ Jenna smiled, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

  ‘I’m sure he doesn’t mean it,’ Sadie said tightly. She couldn’t help it. Seeing Jenna like this brought it home to her that while she thought she was doing well for herself, Jenna was in a different league. She had the glittering career, the shelf of awards and the superstar boyfriend – even if he was a total sleaze. All Sadie had was a job as a glorified stripper and a growing distrust of men.

  Jenna’s brow creased in confusion, a flicker of hurt passing across her eyes. Aware that the conversation was not going how she’d expected, she turned to the gaggle of people surrounding her. ‘Give me five minutes here, guys.’ Her tone was pleasant, but insistent. Without a word, they quickly filed out of the room, leaving the two women alone. Sadie stood her ground, determined not to feel intimidated.

  ‘Sadie,’ Jenna tottered across the room towards her. ‘I know this is a little awkward, but I’m so grateful to you for doing this. And I know Karl is too – he was going frantic.’

  ‘Well … thanks for giving me the opportunity,’ Sadie managed grudgingly, aware that she was behaving like a bitch.

  ‘No problem.’ Jenna smiled, a sweet, angelic expression that made Sadie long to slap her. Did this girl ever do anything that was less than perfect? ‘I’m so glad you’re okay about all of this. I just wanted to speak to you and clear the air – Karl said you were still kind of mad over what happened …’

  ‘Did he?’ Sadie’s tone was sharp. Jenna didn’t notice.

  ‘Yeah … But it was a long time ago and I guess we’ve both moved on, right?’

 
; Patronizing bitch, Sadie thought furiously.

  ‘I mean, I know it was probably disappointing for you at the time,’ Jenna gabbled on, ‘but I won fair and square so—’

  ‘Fair and square?’ Sadie burst out, unable to hold back any longer.

  ‘Yes,’ Jenna nodded. ‘Why, what are you—’

  ‘Why do you think you won that competition?’ Sadie’s lips were pressed into a tight line, her voice dangerously controlled.

  ‘Because I was the best dancer,’ Jenna stated incredulously, unable to understand why Sadie was behaving like she was. ‘You’re obviously still pretty hung up about it, but I really think that by now—’

  ‘Are you for real?’ Sadie asked in disbelief.

  ‘Sadie, I don’t understand why you—’

  ‘Save it, Jenna,’ snapped Sadie. ‘I don’t know if this is all some act, or if you’ve brainwashed yourself into believing this but—’

  ‘I’ve got no idea what you’re talking about,’ Jenna protested helplessly.

  ‘Do you really think that’s why you won?’ Sadie demanded, growing angrier by the second. Time for a few home truths.

  ‘Yes!’

  ‘No, Jenna,’ Sadie yelled. ‘It’s because your mother was sleeping with the head judge. She was screwing Dickie Masters!’ Her breath was coming fast and she felt her stomach lurch, wondering if she’d gone too far. Jenna seemed to crumple before her, and for a moment Sadie thought she might cry. Then she pulled it together, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Sadie.

  ‘That’s not true,’ Jenna whispered.

  ‘Isn’t it?’

  ‘You’re lying,’ Jenna insisted. Her tone was cold, the sweet demeanour gone. But the catch in her voice gave away her uncertainty.

  ‘I’m not lying. I saw them.’

  Jenna’s face clouded with confusion, her mind working furiously. Something, somewhere was making sense. She’d watched Sadie perform. She had known Sadie had been good – amazing, in fact – and she hadn’t thought she stood a hope in hell. She remembered moving awkwardly, messing up a few of the steps as nerves got the better of her. She’d been as astonished as anyone when her name had been called and the trophy thrust into her hand. Even more surprising was when Dickie Masters had turned up in LA to spend a few days with her mother while she rehearsed with Ghetto Angels …