Read Online Facade by Kim Carmichael - Free Book Online

her musical timing.
    “Yes, Christine?” He handed her the contracts she needed to turn in at the time of her audition and a small beaded bag that held her ID and other necessities she might need.
    “You’re going to be there, right?” Since she came to live with him, she never once saw him step outside, nor did he speak to anyone but her. Groceries and other things were delivered to them and left in the theatre loading dock, but no one ever came in their space.
    “Do you honestly think I would miss this?” He put on a long black overcoat, turned the collar up, then held his arm out to her. “Come along, you can’t be late.”
    Her mind was mush, and she was a mess. Without comment she took his arm and they left the theatre together.
    She stopped at a long, black limousine parked right outside with the door open. “Erik?” She held him tighter.
    “We cannot walk five miles, what did you expect?” He guided her into the car and slid in beside her. After closing the door, he knocked on the raised panel between the driver and them. “We’re ready.”
    The car glided away.
    “Erik.” She kept hold of his arm. Something was wrong with her if she was more enthralled with making sure she remained in contact with him rather than asking the identity of their mystery driver.
    “Yes?” He faced her and brushed her bangs off her forehead.
    Not sure what she really wanted to ask, she shrugged.
    “You are all warmed up and ready, you know your music, everything’s fine.” He nodded.
    Nothing felt fine. She sort of wanted to throw up or go back home to the theatre and throw up, maybe she just wanted to go back home, but then what would Erik think after all the work he put into getting her ready? “Erik.” Somehow she only seemed able to utter his name. Too bad she had to sing lyrics that didn’t involve his name.
    They pulled up to the theatre, and she grabbed his hand. “Erik.” Her face felt hot, she hoped she wasn’t sweating.
    “Yes.” He opened a bottle of water and held it to her lips.
    Dutifully, she took a sip. “What if I don’t make it?”
    With his thumb, he wiped a droplet off her lower lip. “What if you do?” He took her hand, opened it and placed a golden cricket broach on her palm before leaning over and opening the car door. “Now, go chirp and keep hold of that. It doesn’t really go with your outfit, but it is good luck.”
    “What?” She grabbed his arm. “You said you would be there.”
    “I will. Don’t give it a second thought.” He winked.
    “How will I find you after?” Seriously, they should just go home. This was a bad idea, but then what would he do with her? If she didn’t make it in the competition would he kick her out? “Oh, god.” She pressed her palm to her stomach.
    “Just know I’ll be there, I would never leave you behind. I know it’s against your nature, but follow the darkness.” He gave her a kiss on the temple and moved his lips down to her ear. “Let the world hear what I do.”
    Cricket, bag and papers in hand, she took a breath and got out, cursing the fact his first kiss was on possibly the most benign spot on the human body, unless he had kissed the top of her head.
    She clutched her items and made her way inside to the chaos.
    Erik was right, she did stand out. People there were in various get ups including the traditional rock tattered jeans and t-shirts, matching uniforms for some of the bands, and the ultra-sexy, maybe even pornographic outfits some of the women wore. Maybe Erik wanted something closer to that in his bed. He seemed to have a definite edge to him. A kiss on the temple was nothing but a project, not a love interest.
    Stage of Stars was the number one show for upcoming talent in popular music. If chosen in the audition, the contestants made their way through weekly performances of various musical genres, everything from rap to gospel to pop.
    She weaved her way through the people and stood in line for quite some time until she