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“You betcha we’re going to rock this place. You and I seriously have our cues down now. No more last-minute brain waves and hail Mary passes. We know our signals. Even Mom said we looked awesome in the last practice. These ticket holders should get a refund.”
I look up, shocked. “Why do you say that?”
“‘Cause they’re not going to spend one minute sitting down. They’ll be hooting and stamping their feet. We’re going to be that good.”
We both howl like wolves and fist-pump the air.
“You two fooling around or getting things done down there?”
It’s Marie over the intercom. She’s been watching us from her office. That darn one-way glass.
“Oops, your mom has bellowed. We better get this gear in place and get a move on. I want to hit the lockers early and have more time to get my Disastra makeup on just right.”
“Yep, that’s my mom, the wrestling 4-star general. I hate that one-way glass she has.”
I laugh. “You read my mind.”
Camie and I set up the judge’s table, and then head backstage. On our way there, I take a last glance at the place. It’s massive, all stainless steel, glass, and all the newest techno features. The bleachers go up and up and stretch as far as my head can turn, left and right.
I heard what Marie said, but I can’t believe this place is sold out for us, for our bad character selves. Hell, what am I saying? For me, for Disastra. It’s wild.
I tap Camie on the shoulder.
“What?”
“Just take another look. We, you and me, are filling this entire place tonight. Us. We’re the top ticket. Can you believe it?”
Camie smiles, puts her head on a swivel, and takes it all in. “I try not to think of it, actually. But I know what you mean. Listen, we are good. No. Scratch that. We are seriously great. We fight out there like ballerinas dance. Sure, people downplay what we do. But look at the timing and the strength involved. The public hasn’t a clue. Our fans do, though. And speaking of, stop looking and start moving. This show won’t start itself. And if we’re late to the ring, my mom will dig us a couple of shallow graves out back.”
I chuckle. “That I believe.”
Camie and I, arm in arm, burst through the locker doors giggling. Warmup clothes fly, and we don our demon suits. In the flurry of sleeves and leggings, we chat.
“Mom and I talked the other night after that last gig. You know, Marie is really impressed with the chemistry you have with Ronan. It’s like you train under him by instinct more than words.”
I blush, feeling my cheeks heat up. I keep my head down and brush my hair to fit into my wig. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
“And not to mention how he got us the heck out of Bob’s place. Ronan knew his Bigfoot pal was being a dick around us. Good instinct there. As an orc, he could have made a right fighting mess out of that scene. Instead, he got us the heck out of Dodge, so to speak. It’s like you have your very own bodyguard-slash-trainer in that man.”
My flushed face finally dies down. I look up and stare at Camie through her vanity mirror. “Huh, you know, I hadn’t looked at Ronan like that before. But you’re right. He could have been typically orc-aggressive and ignored our feelings. But he didn’t.”
Camie nods, and my words reverberate through my body like I’ve never heard my voice before. An orc who cares. For us. For me?
I flashback to his arm around my waist. It felt warm around me. I felt protected. I curse at such girly desires. But why deny them when they’re real? And they are so real.
I shake off the thoughts, slide my wig on, and sit down at the vanity to get the makeup right. I want to look as dramatic as I can tonight. Dangerously alluring. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
I carefully outline my eyes and shape the liner to give me a menacing Cleopatra look. After I’m done, I sit back and admire the total look. No more Ms. Nice Gal. All Disastra, all the time.
I turn to face Camie. “So, what do you think? Have I outdone myself?”
Camie throws her hands up to her mouth. “Wow, you’re scary sexy! You’ll have to fend off the male fans tonight, chick.”
We both giggle like schoolgirls.
I watch as Camie dons her cyborg appliance.
“You know, it’s rare to have a new trainer and manager stick up for new talent against a venue owner, especially when that talent is brand new.”
