Chapter 29
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
MAKING THE TEAM
TARYN
One week later
When we got discharged from the hospital, we were informed that the final game was delayed by a week to give Jodie, Nash and I the chance to recover fully and be a part of it.
We all had to meet with the network press office, as there were concerns about the media frenzy that would follow Andy’s capture and confession of a murder that made national headlines.
None of us wanted to deal with the obsessive attention of the media. The network, however, offered us a perfect solution.
They provided stringent security within campgrounds in exchange for an exclusive interview with me, Nash, Jodie, Tucker, and Colsen that was broadcast on the night the final game of the pre-season tournament should have taken place.
That gets us off the hook with the press because we aren’t allowed to talk to anyone else about our ordeal. Of course, that doesn’t protect us from free speculation and comments not only from the media but also from the online community.
The best way to deal with it is to stay off social media for the time being.
Jodie and I have been given the all clear to return to rehearsal two days after we’re discharged.
Game night is upon us before we know it, and the Shooting Stars’ performance is spectacular, and everything goes smoothly.
I personally think that the thirty-four dancers who performed tonight are all deserving of being offered a spot on the team.
But we all know that the roster has only thirty-two spots, and the final team will be announced tonight after the game.
The Cove Knights won four-zero against the Shell Cove Thunders. Mack scored a hat trick, winning the tournament’s overall MVP trophy. Colsen scored the other goal, assisted by Nash.
The mayor and Brett Bergen, Genevieve’s father, talked to the media about the importance of hockey tournament's in our town and how we’re going to bring the NHL to our shores.
Once all the awards have been handed out and the players are off to celebrate getting a couple of weeks off before the beginning of the fall semester, it’s crunch time for us.
The air in the cheerleaders’ locker room is thick with tension. We know the announcement that we’ve been waiting for is imminent.
The door opens and Marianna, the team coordinator, pops her head inside the room.
The nervous chatter that was buzzing around the locker room dies down, and you could hear the proverbial pin drop.
“Carole and Lexi would like to speak to,” she looks at her tablet. “Talia, Jodie, Genevieve, and Taryn. Everyone else, congratulations. You’re officially fully fledged Shooting Stars. You’ll receive your contracts this week.”
I file out of the locker room behind Gen with Talia and Jodie by my side.
If I’m getting cut, I’ll be disappointed, but it isn’t the end of the world.
I got the results of my nursing license exam, and I passed it with flying colors.
Making the team would be a dream come true, but I won’t sign a contract that would mean hiding my relationship with my guys for the better part of a year.
Tucker, Colsen, and Nash are nonnegotiable in my life.
As we walk down the hallway, followed by two cameramen, I feel Talia’s hand bump mine.
She laces her fingers through mine. “I’m so nervous.” She whispers. “I feel sick. Are they cutting all four of us? I thought they wanted thirty-two dancers. If we’re all cut, they’ll have thirty.”
“They’re just cutting two dancers today.” Gen turns around to look at us with an evil smirk on her perfectly made-up face. “My mom told me they’re also naming the team captain and her alternate. That’s why they called four of us.”
Judging by the look on her face, she’s sure she has the team captain position in the bag.
I guess it’s possible since her father is one of the team’s sponsors and her mother is one of the choreographers.
We walk outside the arena and into the main building where Carole’s office is located.
“You can all go in together.” Marianna says.
When they let people know that they had been cut in the past, the meetings had been one-on-one. I guess they’re mixing things up for the last episode of the show.
I’m about to knock on the door, but Gen hip checks me out of the way and opens the door.
Carole’s office is modern minimalist; every surface is glass or chrome.
The team’s director is sitting behind her glass desk with Lexi and her side. Adrianna Bergen, Gen’s mom, and the uniform designer Ruth Browning are standing on either side of the desk.
“It feels like we’re about to face a firing squad.” Talia whispers to me and Jodie.
She isn’t wrong. This is very stressful, and the thought of all the viewers seeing what happens doesn’t make it any easier. I feel bad for all the girls who were cut since we started camp.
“Girls.” Carole’s expression is serious, her tone solemn.
“It’s been a long road to get to this moment.
There have been good, bad, intense, and funny moments.
As you can imagine, we have bad news for two of you and good news for the other two.
Before we get into the specifics, Lexi, Marianna, Ruth, Adrianna and I wanted to thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
As you know, after every training session and after every performance, we give each dancer a score.
At this point, you’re all exceptional dancers, and the two who won’t be offered a contract this year should know that our decision has been down to literally decimals of a point.
It has made our decision that much harder, but that’s a testament to your skill as artists. ”
Lexi nods in agreement. “Tonight’s performance was incredible, and it feels especially hard to let two people go. We’re really nitpicking at this point. But you knew when you signed up for tryouts that we have the highest standards and making the team would be hard.”
“With that said, I would like to start with the not so good news.” Carole’s eyes land on Talia.
Tucker’s sister begins shaking even before Carole says the words that will seal her fate.
“Talia, I’m sorry. But we aren’t able to offer you a spot on the team this year.”
She squeezes my hand hard enough to make me wince in pain, but I don’t react.
“Carole, I…” her voice breaks. “I need this team. It isn’t just my dream; I need it to survive. I quit my job at Joe’s to come to camp, and employment opportunities in Star Cove dry out once the summer ends. Without this team, I’ll be in huge financial trouble, and this is my senior year.”
The team’s director’s gaze softens. Her tone is maternal, but firm. “You knew you were taking a risk when you signed up, Talia. I’m sorry.”
“But you said it’s literally decimals of a point. Please, is there anything I can do to catch up those decimals before the season starts? I would do anything. Please.”
Carole was shaking her head even before Talia was done pleading for a different outcome. “I’m sorry, Talia. Our decision is not up for discussion.”
The words tumble out of my mouth before I can consider what I’m about to do. I hope Talia doesn’t take this the wrong way, because my intentions are honorable.
“Ma’am, I’m sorry for interrupting. And I know this is your decision, not mine.
But you said it yourself that your decision is based on an extremely thin margin.
If this is the case, I would like to give up my spot on the team in Talia’s favor.
Of course, provided that I’m not the other cut you were about to make. ”
Carole and Lexi look shocked.
“No, Taryn. You weren’t one of the two dancers we are cutting tonight. But—”
“Then please,” I interrupt her before she can say anything else. “Take Talia instead of me.”
Talia shakes her head. “Would you really give up your spot on the team for me?”
I nod. “Of course, babe. You deserve it more than I do.”
“Actually, Taryn,” Carole clears her throat. “She doesn’t. You deserve it more, and it’s our job to make that decision.”
I brace myself for the conversation I intended to have with them after the announcements were made.
“There are some circumstances that might change your mind about that.” I chew nervously on my bottom lip, knowing that I can’t take back what I am about to say.
“It’s about the no fraternization rule. I broke that rule, and I’m in love.
If my choice is between the team and the men I love, I’d rather give up on the team. ”
The shock on the trainers’ faces increases tenfold.
“Are you sure that’s how you feel, Taryn?” Carole asks me.
“I’m positive, ma’am. I’m sorry. I just found out that I passed my nursing license exam. So luckily, I have something else to fall back on. But unless you want to make an exception to the no fraternization clause in my contract, I’d rather you offer my spot to Talia.”
Carole closes her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose.
“No,” she says a few moments later. “I’m afraid the no fraternization clause is non-negotiable.
But since technically training camp is over and you haven’t signed the contract yet, we could turn a blind eye to what you just told us as long as you make yourself compliant with the clause by the time you sign it. ”
I don’t even have to think about it. “My relationship is non-negotiable, too.”
Lexi’s gaze meets mine. “Taryn, you’re making a mistake. We were about to offer you the captain position.”
“Sorry, ma’am. I’m honored and I want to thank you for everything I’ve learned from you during camp. But—”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Gen screeches. “You were gonna make her captain? Are you seriously saying that I’m number two on your roster?”
Carole opens her mouth to respond to Gen’s outburst, but apparently there’s more where that came from.
“She just admitted to breaking one of the most important rules you expect your dancers to follow. And just in case you missed it, she said The men I love. Men, as in plural. She isn’t just fucking Talia’s brother.
She’s fucking Mack too, and she’s been lying to me all along.
Even if she broke things off with them, I couldn’t work alongside someone who would go after my man. ”
Silence descends on the office until Carole clears her throat. “I’m sorry you feel this way, Genevieve. But the thing is that we didn’t want to see you to offer you the alternate captain position. And certainly not the captain's position.”
It takes half a second for Gen to make sense of what she just heard. “I’m sorry, come again?”
Lexi steps in. “You heard Carole loud and clear, Genevieve. You are our second cut tonight. We’re sorry, but—”
“No!” Gen bites out, her voice going up with every word. “No way. You can’t do that. I’m your best dancer.”
“You aren’t.” Lexi corrects her. “That’s Taryn. But your skills as a dancer have nothing to do with why you’re being cut.”
Gen crosses her arms over her chest. “Then why?”
“Your general attitude leaves a lot to be desired, Genevieve.” Carole says.
“When we started camp, we were clear that dancing was just one part of the equation. We want elite dancers, of course, but we want team players. We want you to help and treasure one another. Your teammates should be your sisters. And what you just did? Accusing Taryn of sleeping with Tucker and Macklin? That isn’t the kind of dancers we want on our team. ”
Gen leans over the desk to face Carole and Lexi. “She just admitted it. I didn’t do anything but confirm what she just told you! How does that make me the bad guy?”
“The trouble is,” Carole isn’t intimidated by Gen’s aggressive behavior.
“That today’s outburst was just the tip of the iceberg.
We reviewed the footage of the famous kicking incident during rehearsals.
And it’s one hundred percent obvious that you kicked Taryn intentionally.
We also went back to the day of the solos.
While there aren’t any cameras in the changing rooms for obvious reasons, we caught footage of you laughing with your friends at Taryn’s expense. ”
“That doesn’t prove anything!” Gen snaps. “You can’t accuse me of tampering with her costume if you don’t have proof.”
Lexi agrees with her. “Fair enough. But even if you didn’t do it, it’s another indication of your extremely poor attitude. Just like the photo of Taryn and Tucker at Starstruck that mysteriously landed in Carole’s inbox.”
“That wasn’t me either!” Gen yells.
Jodie and I look at each other. We both know that Jodie sent that photo to Carole when Andy began blackmailing her.
My best friend opens her mouth to confess, but I shake my head. Even if Gen is innocent of that particular crime, she’s done everything else they’ve accused her of and doesn’t deserve a spot on the team.
“Our minds are made up, Genevieve. Please pack your things and empty your locker and your room.”
“You can’t do that!” She screams. “My daddy pays for this team. He built the entire complex. He pays your fucking salaries. I’m gonna give you one last chance to apologize to me and to make me team captain, and I’ll pretend none of this happened.”
Carole and Lexi look at each other before Lexi delivers the final blow. “Your father is aware of the situation, Genevieve. And he agrees with us that with your conduct you embarrassed yourself, him and the team.”
“But, I—” the realization that she’s shit out of luck dawns on Gen. “Mommy!” She screams. “You tell these old, fat bitches that they can’t do that to me. Speak to Daddy. He listens to you.”
Adrianna shakes her head before hammering the final nail in her daughter’s coffin.
“I already did. And he accused me of spoiling you. He said that if I even try to let you have your way, he’s going to file for divorce.
So I’m sorry, sweetheart. We’re canceling your platinum credit card.
We’re going to pay for your tuition and living expenses and for some reasonable extras as long as you keep decent grades and graduate on time.
Step out of line and you’ll be completely cut off. ”
“No! You fucking bitch! You can’t do this to me! I’m gonna fucking sue you and Dad. I hate you!”
“Adrianna, please walk your daughter out. Do you want us to call security to help you?”
Gen’s mom nods. “It’s probably a good idea.”
We watch as two of the private security who were hired to keep away the press come in and escort a kicking and screaming Gen out of the room.