Isn’t that the girl Rhyson Gray was dating? What’s she doing on Luke Foster’s tour?
I sang background vocals, danced in the centerpiece of Luke’s set, created my own opening act, and went on the grind to build my own following. I’ve worked my ass off to prove I’m no one’s footnote; no one’s afterthought. I’m satisfied with what I’ve accomplished so far. Heck, I think I may even be proud.
We’re just wrapping my sound check for tonight when Dub enters the arena, making his way toward the stage. I’m removing my in-ears and handing them over to the sound tech when Dub leaps onstage, grabbing me by my waist and lifting me up. My head swims a little and not just from the motion. Nothing I’ve taken for this cold has helped. My cough has only worsened. I’m slightly lightheaded, and if I’m not mistaken, sporting a low-grade fever. But you won’t hear me complaining. Not the last night of the tour. I’ll get through this final show with no one the wiser and no one disappointed, especially not all the people who paid top dollar for tonight’s tickets. But Dub spinning me around isn’t helping.
“Put me down.” My voice sounds weak to me, so I try to find a bright smile.
I was completely honest with Dub after Rhyson left Berlin. I told him that Rhyson and I were together, but just keeping it under the radar until after the tour. He said he understood, but every once in a while, I think he’s holding out hope.
“Sorry about that.” Dub sets me down. “You ready for tonight?”
I just nod because I need to rest my voice as much as I can. It feels withered in my throat. I’m surprised every night when it comes out strong for the show.
“I’m gonna let you get through this last show,” Dub says, grinning. “But I can’t stop thinking about that idea we had for your first video. Dancing in the tunnels. It’ll be fire.”
That’s one thing I haven’t done. I haven’t told him he won’t be choreographing for me going forward. I didn’t see the need yet. It would only have made things unnecessarily tense, and I wanted the last leg of the tour to be drama-free. But now we’re at the end, and he should know.
“Dub, I know we talked about a few preliminary ideas for my project,” I say, walking beside him off the stage and pausing at the front row. “But I think I need to explore some other options for choreography.”
His brows bunch together, confusion on his face for a moment before a wry grin quirks his mouth.
“Let me guess,” he says. “Your boyfriend doesn’t want us working together.”
I’m not sure how to respond without sounding like such a girl, and unprofessional on top of that. I don’t have to justify myself to Dub, but he’s been a huge part of the success I’ve had so far. There’s no rational reason for us not to continue what has been an incredible partnership.
Except my boyfriend. And I wouldn’t call him rational.
“Dub, you’re amazing.” My voice and my laugh grate in my raw throat. “The best actually, and I can’t believe my luck having you for this first tour. Artists would kill for that.”
“And you’re a once-in-a-lifetime talent, Kai. Your body was made for my moves.” His voice drops, his eyes darkening as they run over me in the cut off leotard and half shirt I rehearsed in. “We could be so good together.”
“We’ve been great together.” I give him a pointed look. “Professionally. There’s nothing else there.”
“You don’t believe that.” He lightly grasps my wrist, pulling me a few inches closer. “If Gray wasn’t in the picture, I’d already be in your bed.”
I jerk away, setting my jaw now that I see the hand he’s never shown this clearly before.
“I don’t think so.” I make my voice firm and sure. Neutral. “I’m pretty selective about who makes it into my bed. Rhyson’s not going anywhere anytime soon, and he wouldn’t tolerate company.”
“If you’d give us a chance.” He gathers my fingers into his, pressing a hand at the curve of my back. “Let me show you how it could be with us.”
I step back abruptly, pulling my fingers away.
“I’ve said no. I’ve tried to be nice, but you’re pushing, Dub. This only confirms that we should go our separate ways professionally.”
“What’s going on?” Malcolm asks from a few feet away, eyes sharp and darting between Dub and me. “Everything okay here?”
I draw a quick breath and nod. Dub’s expression stays hard, not giving the same assurances.
“Kai was just telling me she wants to go in a different direction creatively for her project,” Dub says. “And will be using a new choreographer.”
“Nonsense.” Malcolm spreads his lips over an unnaturally white smile. “You two are magic together. No need to fix what ain’t broken.”
“I don’t really want to get into it before the last show.” I smile at them both, really needing to lie down now. “It’s just something I feel strongly about.”
Malcolm’s smile slips a little before he recovers, turning to Dub.
“Hey, Dub, gimme a minute with my artist, okay?” he asks. “I think production had a lighting question about Luke’s set.”