Against All Odds

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Opening night!" Arnold exclaims, excitedly, entering my dressing room with a large bouquet of lilies. I grin, turning in my chair. He kisses me on the cheek, quickly before he pulls back. He's dress in a tuxedo, dressed to the nines. He gestures me up.

"I'm so nervous," I get out, holding out my trembling fingers.

"You don't look it. Stand, show me this dress."

I'm in high, delicate stilettos that wrap around my ankle. They're beautiful but hard to walk in. The dress was tailored to fit me, a rich emerald color and ends just above the shoes. It's tight, formed to enhance the curves I actually do have, so basically, I'm struggling for breath.

"You are honestly a vision, Mia. Wow," he murmurs, appraising me. I look down, blushing, finding myself thinking that Arnold isn't what I expected. It's been three weeks since the audition and we've actually spent most of the days since going around London, playing tourist. He makes me feel wanted, he wants to show me off to everyone all the time, proud that I'm with him but he hasn't pushed for more since that day at the club, which I'm grateful for.

"Thank you," I utter, rolling my eyes. The door opens and Oliver is there. He looks just as excited as I am.

"It's a full house," he informs, stomping his feet. My eyes widen and Arnold laughs.

"I will get to my seat now," Arnold says, grabbing my hand. He squeezes reassuringly. "Break a leg, darling."

I swallow, nodding as he leaves with Oliver, shutting the door behind him. I turn, looking down at the flowers. I grab them, putting them into the empty vase on the small table beside my vanity. My dressing room is large, larger than I expected. It's fancy, everything is fancy here.

I glance at the clock, reading three minutes until I'm on. Three minutes.

My cheeks are flushed with excitement when I look back into the mirror. The longer I stare, the more I begin to feel a dull pain as my mind takes me to places I won't allow myself to go anymore. The ache, the longing is too great- I have to forget. It's been six months... I have to find a way.

I blink, forcing the tears back.

"This is your life now," I breathe to myself, turning for the door.

...

I exit from the stage and my wide smile transforms into a mask of shock as soon as I'm in the dark. The audience is on their feet, applauding loudly. There are even red roses on the front of the stage, like every dream I've ever had.

I run my hand over my forehead, my adrenaline pumping as I hear Octavio call my name again. I remember it's my cue to come back. I turn, chuckling in shock to myself as I make my way back out. When the noise loudens, I'm speechless.

Octavio is grinning wide, holding a bouquet of flowers that are the size of both his arms combined.

"Miss Mia Tyler, once again, on her musical debut at The Fountain!"

He leans in kissing my cheek and hands me the flowers. They weigh a ton. I look at him, surprisingly emotional. He nods, clapping.

"Well done, Miss Mia," he says, backing up. I look out into the audience, swallowing. I pray to see Henry out in the crowd, knowing that he's not. I scan the room, but realize he'll never be there. Arnie raises his hand to his lips, whistling loudly. I walk to Oliver, who's standing beside the piano. I hold onto him and we bow together once more before exiting off the stage for good.

He laughs, loudly, slapping his hands together. "Ah ha! My word, that was amazing!"

I bite my lip, humming, shaking my head. "I love this job."

Octavio comes from the curtains as the band begins to play light, up-tempo music. "You both, together, are pure talent."

I look at Oliver, grinning. "Thank you, Octavio."

"Celebrate well tonight, huh?" he says, patting my back. I nod, watching him go.

"What do you have planned tonight?" Oliver asks.

"Dinner with me," I hear. Arnold is standing, gloves in hand at the curtains. "You're welcome to join us, Oliver."

"I won't pass up a free meal," he says, turning. "I'll get my coat."

"You were- amazing," Arnie says when we're alone, walking towards me as the stage hands run around us. I smile, strangely, catching a different expression on his face. I freeze when he clasps my face, gently. He doesn't move any closer, he just stares at me.

Oh... I look away, quickly, clearing my throat.

"I- will get my things too... I'll be out in a bit."

He lets me go when I turn, thankfully. I shut the door to the dressing room quickly and lean against it, breathing in deeply, my eyes towards the ceiling.

I feel like I'm betraying love. I'm betraying Henry. I leave my place by the door, walking to the vanity. As I set the flowers down onto the chair, my eyes catch sight of a long, slender box placed in the middle of the vanity, a card attached.

Oh god... Oh, it can't be.

My heart has stopped. I stare, afraid to touch it.

I reach for the card, hesitantly, feeling tears well up in my eyes. I can still smell his aftershave, he was here. He was here.

I can barely see his scribbled handwriting.

Your biggest fan.

-H

I hear a sound escape my lips as I remember those exact words, said in the apartment he bought me half a year ago. I set the card down, reaching for the lid of the box. As expected, a single, perfect rose is inside, just like the first night we met, when he entered my small dressing room on the day I thought would be the biggest day of my life.

My hands crash down onto the vanity as the sobs rack through me. I slowly descend until I'm on the floor, my hands clutching my face.

...

I rest my hand holding the cigarette over the balcony, leaning against the edge in only a robe. It's past three in the morning, the streets are empty. Quiet. I don't move to wipe the wetness on my cheeks. I've thought so many times of calling him, of begging him to come see me. I had planned it- even called off my celebratory dinner to do it.

But something stopped me every time I reached for my phone.

I don't know what it is but I'm suddenly content here, in my misery.