Idol. Carrie Duffy

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СКАЧАТЬ watched, adored and idolized?

      ‘Okay, one final time, make it good people, give it everything …’

      Sadie barely heard the teacher as he restarted the music. Her body was racing through the steps instinctively, her mind not stopping to think. This was blissful – she felt like she was flying. She was strong, sexy and powerful. She felt her body move, her hips grinding, pelvis rolling, ribs slinking from side to side. For a second she closed her eyes, imagining the adoring crowd below her, wowed by her every movement and in awe of her talent.

      Then the fantasy changed and she imagined she was dancing for Paul. She visualized his face in the crowd as she put on the performance, his pale blue eyes trained on her intensely, that handsome face unable to tear his gaze away from her. He’d probably come in his pants right there, she thought with a grin. He’d love the way she was moving, all that rolling and grinding. She couldn’t wait to see him again. She’d barely stopped smiling since that afternoon in the May Fair. Maybe she’d do a private show for him next time. Yeah, persuade him to book a suite somewhere with its own pole …

      ‘And pow! Hold the final position … and finish! Okay, great class people.’

      The group collapsed, exhausted but elated. Some clapped – a few even whooped. Then they quickly dispersed.

      Sadie headed downstairs to the changing rooms. Her limbs were aching but she felt amazing. She showered quickly, dressing casually in skinny jeans, vest top and a cropped jacket with an oversized scarf from H&M wound several times round her neck. She pinned her damp hair up and applied a little Maybelline mascara. She didn’t bother with any other make-up. She didn’t need to – her skin was flawless and glowing, flushed pink from the exercise and the hot shower. Swinging her bag over her shoulder, she headed back upstairs.

      ‘Bye Faye,’ she called out to the glamorous bleached blonde on reception.

      ‘Great to see you back again,’ Faye grinned, giving her a little wave.

      Stepping outside, Sadie turned up towards Selfridges, wondering if she could afford to treat herself to a little something. Maybe a new lip gloss, or even a pair of shoes for her next date with Paul …

      She felt her mobile vibrate in her bag, and her heart leapt. She hated to admit it, but her very first thought was that she hoped it was him. As she pulled it out, Sadie saw her agent’s name flashing on the caller display.

      ‘Hi Gill.’

      ‘Hi Sadie.’ Gill got straight down to business. ‘I’ve got you an audition for this afternoon. Three p.m. in Soho, can you make it?’

      Sadie felt a jolt of excitement shoot through her stomach. Every audition was a chance to progress her career. Even if you didn’t get the job, there was always the opportunity to meet people and make new contacts. Who knew where it might lead?

      ‘Sure,’ she replied. ‘No problem. I’m in town at the moment and I’ve got my dance gear with me. What is it for?’

      ‘It’s a commercial,’ Gill explained. ‘For some new shampoo. You’re looking all down and miserable, then you use the shampoo and suddenly you’re up and dancing. The brief says elegant – you’re floating and twirling like a ballet dancer, not raving at the disco.’

      ‘Okay Gill, no problem.’

      ‘Excellent, I’ll text you the address. Have you picked up a copy of The Stage this week?’

      ‘Not yet …’

      ‘Get one. I’m not your skivvy, y’know – you’ve got to put some effort in too.’

      ‘Okay Gill, will do,’ Sadie smiled.

      Gillian was always on the go, gabbling at a hundred miles an hour in that south London accent. She was a hustler, an ex-dancer who’d turned forty, divorced her husband and started her own agency. She tended to bark out details and Sadie kept her answers as short as possible.

      ‘Great. Speak to you later, hon.’ Gill hung up.

      Swiftly, Sadie turned around, heading into the maze-like backstreets of Mayfair to find a newsagent. She had a spring in her step as she walked. Not only did she have a hot, sexy, loaded new guy, but her career was getting back on track as well. The hip-hop class had left her full of energy and boosted her confidence. She looked good and she knew it. She felt the familiar tingle of excitement and nerves at the prospect of an audition, but she was up for it, eager for the chance to get out there and prove herself. Yeah, Sadie Laine was back in the game and she was going to be more than just a contender – she wanted to be a serious player. With self-belief, hard work and a shed-load of talent, how could she possibly fail?

      She found a newsagent and headed inside to pick up a copy of The Stage, but something else caught her attention. It was the headline on the front of every tabloid, and the accompanying photos of Jenna Jonsson and Ryan Jackson.

      Well, well, well, thought Sadie, her mood brightening even more as she saw the battering her old rival was getting from the papers. Looks like both of us got laid last night.

      9

      ‘Jenna, what the fuck is going on?’ Gerry King screamed down the phone.

      ‘I don’t know, Gerry, I don’t know. Oh God, I’m so sorry. I swear nothing happened – it’s all lies, I promise,’ Jenna apologized hysterically.

      ‘I’ve been trying to get through all fucking morning – where the hell have you been?’

      ‘I’m sorry, Gerry, I’ve only just woken up. I guess my mobile was off and—’

      ‘Jesus, it’s all right for some,’ interrupted Gerry, under his breath.

      ‘… And then this morning when I saw the news I turned it back on, but it wouldn’t stop ringing, Gerry, the phone just wouldn’t stop!’

      ‘Do you know what a mess this is Jenna? I’ve spent all fucking night trying to sort this out, while you were blissfully unconscious.’

      ‘I’m so sorry, Gerry.’ Jenna was crying now, struggling to get the words out. ‘It wasn’t my fault, I don’t know what …’ She trailed off, not even knowing what she was trying to say.

      ‘Look, get yourself over here and we’ll take care of it. Figure out some way to get out of this hole.’

      ‘Just tell them it’s all lies – sue their fucking arses.’

      ‘It might not be that simple,’ Gerry warned ominously. ‘I didn’t want to do anything before I spoke to you, but we need to put out a statement – my people can’t hold them off for much longer.’

      ‘You want me to come over? You think I’m in any state to go out?’ Jenna exploded. ‘I look like shit and there are a pack of photographers out there. Do you know how many people are out there, Gerry?’ she demanded. ‘The street’s packed and it’s absolute mayhem. My neighbours are going to be so pissed off,’ she added irrationally.

      ‘Okay, fair point,’ admitted Gerry, forcing himself to stay calm as he realized how upset Jenna was. ‘But I need to talk to you. I’ll come over, okay? Stay put until I get there.’

      ‘I’m СКАЧАТЬ