Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
The handsome man laughs with a twinkle in his eye.
“I think you’re right on that one.”
I nod, my heart racing.
“But I also don’t want to move to LA because I want to get into theater first. I don’t need lights, cameras, and action. I just want to get up on stage and perform before live audiences. I want to hear the applause of real human beings watching me perform, and to bask in that energy. I don’t want it to be celluloid magic, if you understand what I mean.”
The alpha male looks thoughtful again.
“I do. Feeding off an audience’s energy is real because sometimes we do livestreams of our Let’s Play videos, where people can watch in real time from their homes. It’s very different from uploading an edited and perfected reel. There’s a certain rawness to it that’s impossible to replicate any other way.”
I nod happily.
“So you understand. I’m so glad because most people think I should go out to Hollywood to find an agent, but I don’t know. I’m not about sunny weather year round. I like having four seasons, and I want to get involved in the Broadway scene because singing and musical theater have always been my thing.”
Blake’s eyebrows raise.
“Really? What’s your favorite musical?”
I giggle.
“Well, I love Hamilton, the way everyone does. It’s the hottest thing on Broadway right now, and tickets are going for four figures apiece. But in my heart of hearts, I’m an old-fashioned gal. I like the old Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, and of course My Fair Lady has a special place in my heart. I’d love to play the role Eliza Doolittle one day.”
Blake smiles at me.
“Well, you’re certainly pretty enough to be Eliza Doolittle, but you’ll have big shoes to fill. Not only did Audrey Hepburn play that role in the celebrated film, but Julie Andrews took on the role on Broadway. Did you know that?”
I nod, my smile incandescent.
“Oh of course. It’s the challenge that gets me going. I’d love to step into a role that both Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn have taken on, although of course, it would be so challenging given that they’re both absolute legends. But I love the part so much, and I already know all the tunes.”
Blake grins at me again.
“Sing me one.”
I shake my head quickly.
“I couldn’t. We’re out in public!”
The alpha male looks around quickly.
“There’s no one around right now. Just a bar or two, sweetheart. Let me hear that beautiful voice.”
My cheeks flushing, I give in. After all, this man is impossible to turn down, and my body heats at the thought of performing for him. Looking around to make sure that the coast is clear, I step back a pace or two and then curtsey flirtatiously.
“Oim Eliza Doo-little!” I begin in a Cockney accent. “Lots of chocolates for me to eat! Lots of coal makin' lots of heat. Warm face, warm hands, warm feet, ohhhh, wouldn't it be lover-ly?”
I dance a bit while singing, letting the lyrics and music overwhelm my soul. Acting has always been like this for me. It’s like stepping into the shoes of a completely different person, and assuming a new identity. The experience always shakes me to my soul, and I lose myself in the performance. As Blake watches, I prance, dance, and sing before him, pretending to be a flower girl dreaming of a better life in nineteenth century London. Before I realize it, I’ve sung the entire song, and am taking a second curtsey.
Blake claps his strong hands, his gaze warm and appreciative.
“Honey, you were amazing. You were better than Audrey Hepburn and Julie Andrews. With your performance, I was transported to London and even now, I can see Henry Higgins rounding the corner with his cane and bowler hat. Bravo!”
I curtsey again prettily, blushing.
“I’m glad you weren’t embarrassed by my impromptu performance.”
He shakes his head, blue eyes serious.
“I would never be embarrassed by you, Cindy. Why would I be? You’re beautiful, intelligent, and also immensely talented. Your sing like a lark and dance like a sylph. I can’t think of anyone better suited to be an actress.”
My cheeks flush again and my eyes sparkle.
“You really think so?”
He nods.
“I absolutely think so,” he says, taking my small hand in his before pressing a kiss to the crown of my head. “You’re so talented that I wouldn’t be surprised if you took New York by storm. A couple auditions and boom! You’re going to be headlining musical theater in that world.”
At his words, a happy glow comes over me because this is my dream. I’d love to be an actress who’s appreciated by both the audience and critics alike. I’d love to take a turn in the spotlight, interpreting song and the spoken word for the enjoyment of spectators. I’d love to be a professional actress with her name lit up with bright lights, and Blake’s encouragement gives me hope.