“What the hell just happened?” Carly asked, in the midst of the most intense rush of her life. She placed a hand over her chest. “Do you feel that?” she asked Lauren. “Because I do.”

Lauren laughed, every bit as giddy as Carly. Trip raced down the hallway whooping. TJ put Kirby in a celebratory headlock. Lauren threw her arms around Carly’s neck and hugged her. “That completely just happened, and it was amazing.”

Lauren was in Trip’s arms next as they all took turns hugging each company member. “Lala, my eyes only misted over eight times seeing you up there like a star.” He kissed her cheek with a smack. “Maybe twelve. You dazzled.” Carly couldn’t have agreed more. Lauren had been versatile, charismatic, and lovable tonight, and the audience adored her.

“Cast party at The Argyle in an hour,” Trip announced to the celebrating company.

Once alone, with the door closed behind her, Carly danced around her dressing room in silence, as one did when they’d just conquered a grave fear. She leapt onto the couch wearing her black pants and a bra and played air guitar in her private celebration. She couldn’t wait to see her friends, eat some food, drink some wine, and maybe even dance a little bit more. Yet it felt so different from the partying she would do in LA. She couldn’t get trashed. Didn’t want to. Tomorrow, she needed to be sure she was fresh and ready for show number two.

“Are you coming?” Lauren asked, bag on her shoulder. Somehow, she’d opened the door without Carly hearing her. “Or do you have another guitar solo on the way.” She held up a hand. “Don’t let me stop you. It’s an enjoyable view.”

Carly glanced down at her nearly bare torso and the tops of the breasts she had on display. Never one to feel modest, she hopped off the couch and walked slowly to her clothing rack. “If I’d known my performance was being enjoyed, I’d have worked it a little more.”

“I’m not even sure that’s possible,” Lauren said, with a lazy grin. She wore a tweed jacket with a black belt and black boots that made her appear both smart and sexy.

“Give me ninety seconds and I’m yours.” Carly pulled a red sweater over her head and began to pack her bag. She joined Lauren, and they walked down the hall together, with Carly’s arm around Lauren’s waist.

“Shall I drive or would you like to?” Lauren asked.

“Well, if you’re offering, how can I say no? I never pass up a jaunt in a Mini Cooper.”

“And why would you?”