Chapter 18 You Seem Really Familiar

Before Barrie or Marshall could react, Denver accidentally inhaled his sparkling wine, causing it to spray out.

Embarrassment colored his face a deep red. “I’m so sorry…”

As he continued to apologize profusely, Denver couldn’t help but comment, “Eric, that line was pretty cheesy. You know, if you were trying to flirt with someone like that, they’d just laugh it off.”

Eric was momentarily taken aback.

Both Barrie and Marshall exchanged looks before erupting into laughter.

“Look at that!” Barrie chuckled, giving Eric a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Mr. Flynn, you’ve been burned! How

does that feel?”

“Knock it off,” Eric retorted with a smile, playfully pushing Barrie’s hand away.

His gaze returned to the stage, still trying to pinpoint why she looked so familiar.

As the song concluded, Hadley removed her hat and held it against her chest, bowing slightly to the audience.

From the crowd came enthusiastic calls, shouting, “Don’t stop at the hat! Let’s see under the mask too!”

“Exactly! Your moves are top–notch, and your figure is stunning. How about your face?”

“Come on!”

The crowd persisted.

Hadley, however, chose to ignore the clamor, offering a swift smile and a quick bow before she turned and disappeared backstage.

“Where’s she off to now?”

“Stay, even if you won’t reveal your face, dance again!”

Yet, Hadley continued on her way, leaving the audience’s pleas behind.

Backstage, Lennon burst into the dressing room, his face alight with excitement.

“You absolutely killed it with that dance, Hadley!” he exclaimed.

Standing, Hadley offered a modest smile. “Thank you, Mr. Lewis. I just did what I could.”

“Don’t be modest!”

Lennon dismissed her humility with a wave of his hand. “Just as I thought, everyone’s buzzing about who the

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Hiew *# *re he sensation night from the start!”

Hadley Naneve,

Wyss that mean my work for tonight is finished?”

maximed early Now Nowy was just for one performance, though he also hinted they might

Drepared, secined they were adhering to the initial

www

WY GARE the tige enon

way bed ow wow, you’d dispel all the intrigue we’ve built. We want

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

the room. “You’re free to

and slightly embarrassed. “I’ve only danced one

sufficient for today. We’re just setting the stage. When you eventually reveal your face, the exchement will escalate, and you’ll need to engage more with the crowd. Prepare for that. Plus, once that starts, you’ll see additional tips on top of

nodded in agreement. “Thanks, Mr.

no need for thanks, You’ve earned it just keep up

“Absolutely”

took a moment to remove her

hours each evening for a single performance,

about finding another job during the day

of additional income

had removed all traces of stage makeup and changed back into her usual attire, Hadley picked up her bag and made her way toward the

a second!

Hadley halted in

a young man a few paces

and a face that radiated charisma. Self–consciously, Hadley touched her

replied, stepping forward with a small key pouch in his hand, which he held out to her. “You

19:13

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You

Hadley nodded, grateful. “Yes, that’s

puzzled. “I wonder how it fell

friendly smile, handing

responded, genuinely relieved. The thought of being locked out without her keys, and

“No problem at all.”

hint of recognition in his eyes. “I’m sorry, but do

familiar.”

briefly before chuckling softly. “Really? That line’s a bit retro, don’t you

cheeks turned a

exclaimed, somewhat embarrassed. “Honestly, you just look really familiar.” Hadley smiled and held up her key pouch. “Thanks for this. Bye,”

“Wait…”

depart, slapping his

that? I just made fun of Eric for being old–school, and here I am, sounding just

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

merely visiting or worked at the

severe menstrual cramps. The pain was intense,

from sleep.

been an issue for

her health had deteriorated due

pain each month

had learned various

would skip her dance routine, stay away from cold beverages, and endure the discomfort

bed, Hadley reached for a heat patch and applied it beneath

performance scheduled,

was the anniversary of

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