Free Hidden in the Stars (Falling Stars #2) by Sadie Grubor

wear?" Beth is right on my heels. I can hear the smile in her voice.
    "I don't know." I throw myself into my chair and look into the mirror. "What the hell am I thinking?" I ask the painted reflection.
    "You’re thinking he's Jackson Shaw and you have been thoroughly seduced." Jennifer, or Madame J, as she's known on stage, appears to the left of my mirror.
    "I can't do this." I shake my head.
    "He's waiting right outside for you," Beth states, pointing toward the door.
    "There's no way he's letting you get away." Nikki, also known as Lady Nikle, adds, entering the room with clothes over her arm. "We all saw the determination in that man."
    "What are those for?" I furrow my brow at the clothes.
    "You can't meet him in the leggings and tunic you wore to work today."
    "She's right,” Beth agrees with a nod.
    "I'll just sneak out the back and find a cab tonight." I turn in my chair, looking at the three of them.
    "What will you do when he comes back to the club looking for you?" Beth asks.
    "And, the most important question, why would you pass this up?" Jennifer looks at me as if I'm crazy.
    "I have to get home to Lucas and Kel," I state matter-of-factly. "I don't have time to be a one night stand."
    "They're in bed," Jennifer says.
    "Kel's eighteen," Nikki adds.
    "How long has it been since you've acted your age?" Beth sits in her seat next to me.
    "Have you been talking to Sid?" I narrow my eyes.
    "No, but maybe I should." Her response is sharp. "Go out to breakfast. You don't have to sleep with him."
    They all start laughing, full on belly laughs. I roll my eyes.
    "You so have to sleep with him," Jennifer snorts. "And I want details."
    "Look," Beth gets my full attention by placing her hand on my arm, "go have breakfast. If you don't want anything more than breakfast, then don't do anything else. You get up from the table, say thank you, and leave the restaurant." She shrugs. "Though, you would be crazy not to. I mean, he's probably only in town for a short time. You do him, then lose him. It's perfect."
    "Do him and lose him?" I ask, trying not to laugh.
    She grins, grabbing a makeup wipe and bringing it to my face.
    "We're running out of time."
    The three of them swoop in to clean away the stage makeup and put everyday makeup in its place. They swiftly remove the extensions and let my real hair fall, touching up the curls with a wand.
    When they finish, I’m wearing a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, light blue tank top, and a dark navy military style jacket. Slipping my feet into some nude wedges, I grab my messenger bag, slip it over my head, and reach for my work bag.
    "I'll drop it off at your place." Beth grabs the bag and pulls it away.
    "No, you'll wake up the boys." I reach around to snatch the bag back.
    Lifting the strap to my shoulder, I reach out with my other hand and grab a hair tie, slipping it on my wrist.
    "You look like a beautiful homeless woman," Jennifer sneers.
    "Leave the bag," Beth whines.
    I shake my head. "I need this bag and you know it."
    "We don't work tomorrow," Beth adds. "I'll bring it to you tomorrow."
    I'm prepared to argue, but she cuts me off before I can start.
    "We can say you forgot the bag in my car since we are going out for breakfast together this morning. See, I just gave you an alibi." She smiles, proud of her quick thinking.
    "Fine." I sigh and drop the bag to the floor.
    Pulling out my cell, I send Kel a quick message with my alibi. Dear God, I need a damn excuse. This is a bad idea. I'm just going to go out there and tell him I changed my mind.
    With a deep breath, I take one last look in the mirror, glance at the girls, who give me a thumbs up, and exit the dressing room. Eyes of the other backups who witnessed the-great-Jackson-seduction follow me all the way to the door. I pause for a moment, taking one more breath before pushing the door open.
     

    Jackson
     
    The whiskey isn't doing anything to ease my anxiety. After thirty-five minutes, I'm ready to go back and drag