STAGESTRUCK - The Complete Series Read Free

out of money and took a real job.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that.” I said sincerely.
    Serena shrugged. “That’s what happens to most people.” She said simply. “I went to cosmetology school back home and I found a job doing make-up at one of the Lincoln Center theaters. It pays well, and I get to be a part of all the glamour. Do you have an agent yet?”
    “I’m meeting with Marion Russo next week.” I replied.
    Bridget whistled. “Marion Russo, she’s one of the best. You must have an amazing background if she’s agreed to meet with you. Where have you studied?”
    “Actually, I went to Hawkeye Community College.” I answered bashfully. “But I did lots of volunteer work at the Waterloo Center for Arts. We did a youth theater camp last summer, and I worked with one of Marion’s nieces. She flew out for our final performance and gave me her contact information after the show.”
    “Well, they say that the business is all about who you know.” Mark piped up. “And it sounds like you’ve got your foot in with the right people. I think that calls for a celebratory round of drinks.” He signaled a waitress and ordered six Manhattans.
    “That’s kind of corny, isn’t it Mark?” Parker teased.
    “Not at all.” He answered in exaggerated defense. “I think that it’s appropriate for Kate’s first drink in her new hometown to be the namesake of this fabulous borough. Can you handle whiskey, Kate?”
    “I can hold my own.” I answered with a smile. The waitress delivered our drinks and my new friends and I toasted my arrival in New York. My first drink burned going down, but the alcohol eased my anxiety and soon I felt relaxed and at home. Bridget, an interior designer, entertained us with stories of some of her more outrageous clients and told me the best places to shop for vintage furniture. We made plans to hit the flea markets together that weekend, and Mark and Parker offered to join us.
    “We may not have a design degree,” Mark explained, “but we have fantastic taste, if I do say so myself.”
    Janette laughed. “You’ll learn quickly that the guys have no problem complimenting themselves.”
    “A little self confidence never hurt anybody.” Parker countered.
    “Speaking of self confidence…” Mark said, nodding towards the dance floor. “Do you feel like getting out there and showing us your moves?”
    “With you?” I asked.
    Mark laughed. “Yes with me. I may not sleep with women, but I do dance with them.”
    He took my hand and led me out onto the dance floor. I saw a flash of surprise pass over his face as I began moving to the music.
    “Not bad,” he said with a grin. “For a small town girl you sure have big city moves. Now, let me explain to you why we’re out here.”
    “I thought we were here to dance.”
    “We are,” he said mischievously, “but not with each other. See that hot guy at the edge of the crowd? He’s been eying you all night. What do you say I spin you into him, and you take it from there?”
    I was so shocked by his suggestion that I didn’t bother to look at the man he was talking about. “No, I can’t do that.” I insisted. I’ve had plenty of experience with men, but I’m not the assertive type. And I NEVER have one night stands.
    “Are you afraid of men?” He asked.
    “No… but…”
    “But nothing,” Mark insisted. “This is your first night in the city that never sleeps, you can’t go home alone.”
    I could tell that he wasn’t going to let the idea go. “Fine,” I agreed. “I’ll dance with him, just to get you off my back. But I’m taking the train home with Janette tonight.”
    “Are you sure about that?” Mark pointed behind me as he danced us closer to our target. Janette was grinding against a broad-shouldered man who looked like he’d just stepped off a Rolling Stone’s cover.
    “Who’s that?” I asked Mark.
    “Who knows? Don’t worry about Janette; concentrate on the task at hand.” With a smile, he