But who’s counting?
I’m just about to call “Cut” on this dream, thank everyone for participating, and find a way to wake up and get back to my normally scheduled life, when Tinsley Barnes enters.
The same Tinsley Barnes from back in Greentree.
Only better, if you can believe it.
Her hair looks like it’s been washed with melted-down gold bars.
Her eyes resemble two very rare sapphires.
And as for her body, well, let’s just say it’s a little more…exaggerated in all the right places.
But what really stands out is the way this new Tinsley looks at me.
And by that I mean she actually looks at me.
Like, on purpose.
As though it wasn’t some horrible accident she instantly regrets.
I take a steadying breath and force myself to return the look. Only to see her lips lift at the sides as she switches her gaze to her shoes.
“Nick—wake up! You’re on!” the director calls, which is kind of embarrassing, since he caught me in the act of staring at Tinsley. But now that I’ve got an audience I actually care about, well, I put on a performance so good, the next words out of his mouth are “And…cut! That’s a wrap!”
Everyone springs into action, dismantling the lights and cameras in a way so frenzied it reminds me of the moment when the final bell rings back at Greentree. Which of course gets me thinking about Dougall—the one person who has yet to make an appearance (other than Plum, who clearly has no place in this dream), and it’s kind of too bad, because it might be fun to see him looking like a celebrity.
I unhook my mike, toss it onto the counter, and make a beeline for Ezer. Not that I have anything important to say, but since Tinsley’s standing beside him, it’s pretty much all the incentive I need.
Also, it’ll give me a chance to make sure she really did look at me in the way that I think, because if it turns out I’m right, I may not be in such a hurry to wake up from this dream.
Ezer looks at me but doesn’t say anything, which makes it kind of awkward, since I don’t know what to say either. So I end up standing there like an idiot, shuffling from foot to foot while trying not to stare too hard at Tinsley.
Despite repeatedly reminding myself that in this particular place and time I’m an International Superstar, I’m so used to being a dork that deep down I still feel like one.
Which means I still act like one.
“You remember Tinsley?” Ezer finally says after a long, painful silence. “I think you met a few years back. She’s one of your biggest fans.” He pats her on the shoulder. “She’s got a great set of pipes too. Maybe you two could collaborate sometime?”
I lift my gaze just as Tinsley lifts hers, her deep blue eyes meeting mine as I croak out something that sounds vaguely like “Sure, anytime,” while the dork who lives deep down inside dances like Snoopy when Charlie Brown puts food in his bowl.
Tinsley blushes, like a wave of pink has splashed over her cheeks. And knowing it’s all because of me pretty much makes this the best moment of my entire life.
“Great.” Ezer grins, looking the happiest I’ve seen him all day. “I’ve got a few songs in mind. Maybe you two can take a look?”
I nod like I’m okay either way, but deep down inside the happy dance continues.
“Nick, you’re clear for the rest of the day, and Tinsley, you have some time to spare.”
“Up to you.” Tinsley pulls her shoulders in and clasps her hands to her lap as she sways from side to side. It’s a move I’ve seen her pull countless times in Greentree when she’s talking to Mac Turtledove, only now she’s doing it for me.
“Yeah. Sure. Why not?” I shrug like the International Superstar that I am. Trying not to hyperventilate when Tinsley moves so close there’s only a few inches between us.
“I’m so honored you’re willing to take a chance on me.” The blush of her cheeks deepens in a way that’s impossible to resist. “I know how busy you are.”
I keep my cool and just nod in return, as if to say: My life as an International Superstar keeps me incredibly busy, but I always have time for a fan like you.
“I know Uncle Ezer would love to get something recorded for the final Christmas episode, but again, it’s yours to decide, Nick.”
The first thing I think is Tinsley’s related to Ezer?
Though it’s quickly replaced with Tinsley Barnes knows my name!
She looks to Ezer for confirmation, the two of them exchanging a look I can’t read, but who cares?
Recording a song together means spending a lot of time together.
Just when I thought I was ready to bail, this dream takes a turn that definitely makes it worth living.
“Why don’t you two head out to the pool?” Ezer says. “I’ll have Lisa bring you some drinks.”
I have a pool?
Cool!
And though I have no idea where it is, that doesn’t stop me from leading Tinsley toward a sliding glass door I hope leads to my backyard, opening it wide as I say, “After you.”
ALL THE SMOOTH MOVES