Post by love love guilty on Oct 15, 2019 14:58:42 GMT -5
Backstage is a dark space, and Roger is there. He's dressed as he usually is: like a sleaze, a cigarette hanging from his mouth. He doesn't regard Klavette until she approaches.
" Sorry for such short notice. " Retinz says, eyes on his phone more than they're on her. She supposes she should consider herself lucky that he'd decided to show up at all, and her jaw stays tight.
" Mhm. "
He lifts his hands in the air as though to expose his clean palms: " Okay, listen, if I could've given you more of a warning, I would've. You know that. "
" Right. "
Sensing her attitude, he comes closer together. Roger lassoes an arm around her waist. " You know I love you for doing this for me, I'm going to owe you big time, that's a fact. " He squeezes her shoulder in a way that's supposed to be reassuring and his fingers linger longer than they should.
She surpresses a roll of the eyes, " I need to get ready... "
Retinz blows a cloud of smoke into her face before peeling back.
" Listen, before you start, I've got something for you. "
" Ahh? " Klavette's optimism waxes; she has always liked gifts. Her eyes light up for the first time since arriving to the club.
" You know there's nobody in the world that's a bigger fan than I am. You're great, and so's your show. " Retinz says, eyes on his screen and not on her. He is distant and his words are padded.
" What do you want me to do? " Klavette asks, enthusiasm crushed and replaced with annoyance with having to fill in the blanks for Roger's endless double-talk.
" I'm glad you asked. Your act is cute - but I think it needs more. I need you to be more. "
" More sexy? "
Retinz shakes his head, " It's not just about sexy. It's about having bite. You don't have that fucking - edge to you. "
Klavette feels a rock in her chest.
" You're cute. Cute's fine and good. I like cute. Girls are cute. But have you ever thought about the next level? "
" The next level, " Klavette repeats, unsure if she heard Roger correctly.
" I just think you could be more than what you are. "
Klavette scrutinizes Roger. He isn't upfront, he's not honest,and he's definitely not a connoisseur of art. Sifting through his words is as effective as panning a river: a constant flow of deceit with the occasional glitter of truth. What does he want her for? Well... that's what people want to see, isn't it? A thought whispers to her: it's not like they're here just for you're talented. That's not what you're for.
" I need to get ready. "