Chapter 31
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO
TARYN
The morning after, there’s a strange vibe going through our group as we learn two more dance routines under Adrianna Bergen’s direction.
Carole and Lexi haven’t been around, and we’re all wondering why. The whispers going through our group are that they’re in Carole’s office ranking each candidate so that they can start making cuts to our roster.
Everyone is paying extra attention to every step Adrianna shows us, and especially to any corrections we’re given.
The only exception is Genevieve, who is distracted and keeps giggling and whispering to her friends Olivia and Madison.
Of course, the fact that her mother doesn’t correct or call her off for distracting everyone with her chatter isn’t surprising.
Ten minutes before we’re due to break for lunch, the door of the dance studio opens.
“Adrianna, do you mind ending the lesson a little early?” Marianna Da Costa, the team coordinator, asks. “Everyone is required to gather in the auditorium right now for some important communication that concerns both the cheerleaders and the hockey team. Attendance is mandatory.”
As we all grab our things and begin to file out of the dance studio, Jodie leans to whisper into my ear. “What do you think this is about? Do you think they’re announcing who’s getting cut already?”
I squeeze her hand. “I doubt it. I think they would just speak to the people who are getting cut one-on-one. But even if that isn’t the case, I don’t think they would need the hockey team present for that.”
Jodie exhales a shuddering breath. “You’re right. Then who knows what this is about?”
Talia and Sam catch up with us. “Maybe someone complained about the after party at Vaughn’s last night. Things got a little rowdy before people decided to go back to their rooms.”
“I hope it isn’t that.” Jodie sighs. “I was there too. Vaughn was absolutely shit-faced. Davis and Haller were brewing some extra strong coffee to help him sober up when I left. If someone complained about the noise, I hope they don’t punish everyone who was there.”
“I don’t think it’s that.” Gen chimes in. “Aside from a few people, most of us were there. They can’t cut everyone. Besides, my mom would have given me a heads up.”
For once in my life, I’m grateful to Gen for her nepo-baby boasting. “See? Gen would know. Maybe it’s just something that has to do with the reality show.” I muse, pointing to the cameramen that are following us on our way to the auditorium.
“Anyhoo,” Gen links her arm with mine. “How was your night, Taryn? You weren’t at Vaughn’s. I’m sure your after party was in the birthday boy’s room. Is what they say about Tucker true? Did he make you come until you begged him to stop?”
I open my mouth to tell her that what Tucker and I do in bed is none of her business, but Talia cuts in.
“Shut up, Gen. I thought we agreed that I don’t want to hear any details about my brother’s sex life.”
Gen dismisses her with a bitchy smile. “This is the problem with small-town people. You’re so stiff and bourgeoisie. He’s your brother, so what? Be an adult. Besides, Taryn and Tucker are trending.”
“Are we?” I ask, ignoring the death glare Talia gives Gen.
Genevieve pulls her phone out of the pocket on the side of her shorts. “See it for yourself.”
She shows me a photo of me and Tucker from last night. We’re on the dance floor, kissing and grinding against each other. His huge hand is clearly grabbing my ass.
“Who the hell posted that?” I ask.
“I have no idea.” Gen shrugs. “Last night half the town was at Starstruck. And you have to understand that the Cove Knights are really popular in town. Especially Tucker, since everyone has known him forever.”
I take a better look at the post on her phone. It comes from the club’s official account. The # that has been reposted thousands of times is #StarStruckCouples.
“You look super hot in that photo, babes.” Jodie says.
“I agree.” Gen’s tone is way less complimentary. “I’m so jealous. You’re going viral, and with the TV show, you’re going to get so much attention. This should have been me and Mack. If my boyfriend wasn’t an asshole.”
Sam doesn’t miss the opportunity to taunt Gen. “Isn’t he your ex-boyfriend? If not, you need to talk to him. So far he’s hooked up with six of the new cheerleader candidates.”
“Shut up, Sam,” Gen snaps. “I’m letting him get whatever this phase is out of his system. Once we get back together, we’ll be this town’s real stars. I was contacted by one of the sponsors of the reality show, and they’re interested in shooting a series about me and him.”
“Really?” I ask. “Not to be rude, Gen, but Mack told me repeatedly that he’s over relationships right now.”
Gen’s glare is ice cold. “Let me worry about my boyfriend. You have enough to worry about your own. I’m going to be team captain, and the rumors are that Coach Harrison is going to make Mack captain of the hockey team. That’s why the TV network is interested in us beyond the summer.”
As we enter the crowded auditorium, I make a point to steer my friends away from Gen. “God, I can’t with her. Everything is a popularity contest with her.”
“She just feels threatened by you because you’re a better dancer.
” Sam says. “I’m sure most of the girls would rather have you as captain.
Did you see how Fiona kept getting corrected today?
I saw her rehearsing with Gen all afternoon yesterday.
I’m pretty sure Gen gave her wrong feedback to sabotage her. ”
“What a raging bitch.” Jodie says. “She’s still on my shit list for what she did to Taryn before her solo.”
I squeeze my best friend’s hand. “Ignore her, Jo-Jo. Everything Gen does is for attention. The worst thing you can do to her is ignore her.”
We find a mostly empty row in the upper part of the auditorium.
“What’s his deal?” Jodie mutters when we pass Nash in the row below. “Why is he glaring at us?”
I hold his furious green gaze for a moment before climbing up into the next row.
“I’m not sure.” I haven’t seen him since he left the club last night, and I’m planning to give him time to cool down, like Colsen and Tucker said.
But I want to speak to him once he’s had some time to think about last night.
I’m the first to get into the next row and walk toward Colsen and Mack, who are sitting at one end.
“Hey Tar-Tar,” Mack waves me over. “Sit next to me.”
“How are you this morning?” I lower myself into the seat next to him.
He yawns. “Tired, but I’m good. I hope they hurry up with whatever it is they want to tell us. I’m coming from lifting in the gym and I’m fucking starving.”
I’m about to agree, but my attention is attracted by Carole, who greets everyone from behind the podium on the stage with a microphone in her hand.
“Good morning, everyone.” Her tone is serious.
It looks like something is wrong. “We’re all very busy with our training camp, and the hockey team is on an especially tight schedule in preparation for their first summer game against UCLA next week.
So I’ll keep this as short and as simple as possible. ”
There’s a beat of silence. The entire auditorium is looking at her.
“When we welcomed our training candidates, we highlighted that we expect the highest standards when it comes to their performance and conduct during training hours and beyond as long as you’re within camp grounds. I know Coach Harrison has the same expectations for his team.”
Coach Harrison gives a curt nod from his spot in the first row, turning to make eye contact with as many of his players as he can behind him.
“We are preparing the contracts for the thirty-two dancers who will make the team. In exchange for the generous salary and benefits that we’re going to offer each candidate, we expect not only an outstanding performance throughout the season, but complete compliance with every clause contained in your contracts.
While those contracts haven’t been signed yet, and while we continue with our selection process, we demand that the code of conduct highlighted in the contracts is adhered to during training. ”
There’s a murmur coming from the players and the dancers. It sounds like Carole isn’t satisfied with our behavior.
“I want each of my candidates to listen to what I’m about to say very carefully.
Because this is the one and only get out of jail card you’ll ever get.
One of the clauses in your contract stipulates that your place in the Shooting Stars is subject to a non fraternization rule.
There is to be no fraternization between cheerleaders and hockey players during training and during the season.
Anyone who is found in breach of this clause will be immediately asked to leave training camp or have their contract terminated effective immediately. ”
More murmurs travel through the ranks of cheerleaders and the hockey team.
“While fraternizing with the cheerleaders wouldn’t get any of my players excluded from the roster,” Coach Harrison stands up to point out.
“I expect full cooperation from each and every one of you. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. And if you disappoint my expectations, there will be consequences. Including riding the bench. Am I clear?”
“Yes, sir.” The hockey players’ voices fill the auditorium.
Someone raises her hand several rows below us.
“Yes, Olivia?” Carole points toward Olivia right after Gen whispers something in her friend’s ear.
“I’m sorry for asking.” Olivia stands up. “But is there a reason why we’re discussing this today?”
An ominous feeling in the pit of my stomach makes me feel queasy.
“Oh, no,” Jodie hisses, leaning to whisper to me over Mack. “She had better not have done what I think.”
Carole answers the question before I can say anything in response to Jodie’s suspicions.