Backstage (The Barter System Book 4) Read online

  BACKSTAGE

  Behind the scenes is your chance to shine.

  The Barter System – Book 4

  Shayne McClendon

  Backstage by Shayne McClendon

  The Barter System – Book 4

  Backstage © 2015 Shayne McClendon on July 4th 2015

  Published by Always the Good Girl LLC

  www.alwaysthegoodgirl.com

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the author and publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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  Hart of the Matter by Shayne McClendon

  http://alwaysthegoodgirl.com/free-story/

  Bailey has loved her best friend’s older brother for years but he looks at her as another little sister. She pulls back, determined not to make a fool of herself anymore…but she can’t turn off her love for him.

  Sometimes, it’s all about timing, maturity, and a great salsa.

  This story was originally part of “The Three Pointer” in “Love of the Game – The Complete Collection” – but it’s such a great story I wanted to share it with you.

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  Also by Shayne McClendon

  The Barter System – Book 1

  Hudson – Book 2

  Pushing the Envelope – Book 3

  Yes to Everything

  Love of the Game – The Complete Collection

  Hart of the Matter

  Completely Wrecked

  The Hermit

  Break Down Here

  Roadside Assistance

  With Alexandra Andersen

  Just a Little Kilted

  Just a Little Crazy

  Just a Little Extra

  Author’s Note

  My lovely Barter Babes have waited a long time for this book…mostly patiently. I feel I need to remind everyone that this is not “Brie’s story” (though she is in it)…she’s not physically capable of shenanigans.

  Yes, those sorts of shenanigans.

  This is a “bridge” story between two very important running themes in my work. Those of you who have read just about everything will understand what that means.

  “The Barter System” world is fascinating to me and the residents consistently pull me back into it (whether I’m aware or not).

  In this installment of the series, you’ll have the opportunity to visit with old friends, meet a few new ones, and drop into the strange and wonderful world of the New York theater scene. I hope you like it.

  It was rather a lot of fun to write.

  Much love,

  Shayne

  Dedication

  I dedicate this story to my daughter, Cassidy.

  It can be terrifying to step into a new phase of life. To take risks, putting yourself out there, to gamble on your skills and the power of your brain to see you through.

  You are beautiful, brilliant, and one of the most grounded people (young or old) that I have ever met. I’m so proud of you as my child, as a woman, as a human being.

  You’re going to crush it but remember…I’m here.

  If you need help, if you want to talk, or if you want to exchange song lyrics in the form of emoticons…I’m here.

  I love you more than I love myself.

  Always,

  Mom

  Table of Contents

  Pre-Show

  Act One: Stage Fright

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Epilogue

  Intermission One

  Act Two: The Mighty Pen

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Epilogue

  Intermission Two

  Act Three: Supporting Roles

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Epilogue

  Bishop Foundation After-Party

  Ladies’ Night

  The Barter System by Shayne McClendon

  Pushing the Envelope by Shayne McClendon

  About Shayne McClendon

  Pre-Show

  Present Day

  September 2014 – Season Three (first night of charity previews)

  Gabriella Hernandez grinned up at her companions for the evening and knew her excitement was a physical thing. She’d seen the play Not that Desperate more than a dozen times during the second season.

  She was so glad that her accident and recovery hadn’t caused her to miss the Bishop Foundation benefit. When one of her best friends told her he had tickets to the exclusive charity event, she almost swooned like a Victorian maiden. It was her first outing to a place other than her friends’ homes or their companies.

  After three months in the hospital and two months of intensive physical therapy, she was practically drunk on freedom. Her rehabilitation would continue for another year but there would come a day that she would be able to walk on her own without the pain and fatigue she experienced since the hit and run.

  Right now, she could use a walker for short distances but a wheelchair was required if there was a chance she’d be on her feet for more than ten or fifteen minutes.

  She hated feeling incapable.

  Hudson Winters was impressively turned out in a classic-cut tuxedo with his black hair swept back from his face. He was being his typical overprotective self and she adored him for it.

  “Stop frowning. You’re so much prettier when you smile.”

  He laughed. “You are the only woman who calls me pretty, Brie.”

  A small growl issued from his chest as he gently maneuvered her chair around the few people in the lobby who didn’t move fast enough for his liking.

  Natalia Roman winked down at her. “Darling, you know he likes to be considered fierce and terrifying.”

  The statuesque – now blonde – woman could have appeared on the cover of any magazine in her sleek Valentino gown. In her strappy stilettos, she and Hudson were the same height.

  Long before the two of them realized it, Brie had always found them an incomparable couple.

  “I know. I try to remember but…I can’t. He has so many teddy bear-like character traits.” She felt him gently tug a black curl. Until the fractures in her skull had more time to heal, she wore it loose. “Let me see it again. I want to be dazzled
.”

  Natalia held out her left hand and Brie squealed for the tenth time as she took in the princess cut diamond set in platinum with black diamonds around it.

  “You are the man, no shit. You totally nailed it with this ring.”

  “You and Izzy designed the fucking ring, Brie. I already told her.”

  “Yes but you had the good sense to listen and that makes you the man.” She pitched her voice low and both of them laughed. “I’m so happy you brought me because cabin fever is a real thing. I’m practically vibrating.” To Natalia, she whispered, “Are you sure about the dress?”

  “Ask me one more time. Friends make sure friends get the spanks they obviously deserve.”

  “I just…”

  “You look spectacular.”

  A few weeks before, Natalia had hired a seamstress to take her measurements. The woman came to her house and Brie stood carefully with her walker in the bathroom of the apartment she still couldn’t believe belonged to her.

  Then her sister worked her fashion magic to have an event-appropriate gown designed and created.

  It was a blue so dark that it appeared black without direct lighting. Thick straps curved around her neck in a halter and the scoop of the bodice bared more cleavage than she’d ever dared before her breast reduction surgery.

  The boning hid the fact that she was soft from the weight loss that happened far too fast after she was injured and the flared chiffon layered bottom made the wheelchair less noticeable.

  Hudson brought her chair to a stop near the elevator to balcony seating. He came around and crouched beside her.

  “Brie. You are aware that we love you.”

  “Yes, Hudson.”

  “Our friendship will continue until our last breath.”

  She smiled. “You and Natalia are death before dishonor kinds of friends. I’m well aware.”

  “You are a beautiful woman, inside and out. I would not lie to you about that. Not ever.”

  “Thank you.”

  “One day soon, you’re going to be back on your feet. Your confidence has taken an understandable hit but the accident does not change the fact that you remain both gorgeous and talented.”

  On her other side, Natalia bent to kiss her cheek. “The man – or men if Tawny and Riya have anything to say about it – who snag you will know how lucky he is and spend his life showing you how fucking exemplary you are.”

  “I hear what you’re saying and I love you for it. I’m in no rush. I love hanging with all of you. I’m not in any condition to look now nor would I be capable of anything even remotely fun if I happened upon some perfect person anyway.” One shoulder lifted in a shrug. “I’m focused on myself until further notice.” Pausing, she gave Natalia a wink. “I’d like to say that is the prettiest bra I’ve ever seen, Natalia.”

  Hudson snorted and Natalia blinked.

  “I’ll buy you the set tomorrow, brat. Your new tits will be perfect in it.” She fluffed Brie’s skirts and stood to the side so Hudson could push the chair into the elevator.

  It emerged directly beside the box he’d purchased for the evening. He placed her near the railing so she’d have a clear view and angled their chairs toward her. Even though she’d seen the play many times, Brie felt the familiar excitement unfurl. The theater seating below was still almost empty.

  “This is a better view than any other time I’ve seen the play. Thank you, Hudson.” His smile was gentle. “I’m sorry we’re here so early. I know it isn’t usually done but…I felt nervous about being in the chair around a lot of people.”

  “Don’t, Brie. You are one of the few people with whom I enjoy conversation. The restaurant is open until three in the morning and we will dine there after the play and the foundation party.”

  “Did I ever tell you the story…about the play? How it came about and what happened once the theater was found?” Hudson and Natalia shook their heads. “I heard the whole thing from the twins’ mom. The girls filled in the dirty, dirty details.”

  Natalia rubbed her hands together in anticipation. “In college, I casually dated the Zelders. Separately, of course. They’re extremely close. They’re stalked by reporters but somehow manage to maintain their privacy.”

  Her tone turned serious. “You’ve earned the trust of men who trusted no one after the death of their parents in their teens. Well done.”

  “They’re personable and brilliant. I created a brand new web marketing campaign for the play’s second season a few weeks after I met Lola and she introduced us. I redesigned the website for the theater at the same time.” She grinned. “I charged them a mint.”

  “Good girl. They can fucking afford it.” Hudson stretched out his legs and crossed his hands over his stomach. Brie always enjoyed the way he focused on her while they talked.

  “I was glad I finished everything they needed before being out of commission.” Her friend flinched. “Hudson, still not your fault.” He exhaled roughly and gave her a single nod.

  “Speaking of being able to afford it, I was stalking your corporate website again because I was bored out of my damn mind. I’ll say it’s fine but I can do it better.” He raised his brows in surprise. She looked at Natalia. “For the ridiculous spa day you treated me to, I’ve already started re-working yours for the club.”

  Natalia tilted her head. “You’re coming up with a new website?”

  “I can’t wait to show you the sections I’ve built out with an event calendar, reservations, and photo gallery. I’ve been tossing ideas around about a members-only retreat I think might be something you’d enjoy.”

  Hudson said in his firm business voice, “You will do both websites and I’ll put you on retainer.”

  “Bossy. I already planned on charging you a fortune and you’re going to love cutting the check.” He nodded and she grinned. She stared off into space for a moment, and then touched her temple. “Where was I? Oh, yes…the backstage story about the Zelders and the Johannsons.”

  Her companions watched her anxiously and she rushed to reassure them. “I’m fine. You know the skull fractures cause a little disconnect sometimes. The doctors found no long-term damage.”

  A waiter interrupted them to ask if they wanted refreshments. Hudson ordered two bottles of wine and two bottles of sparkling water with lemon for Brie.

  At her pout, he said, “Too many medications. No alcohol yet.”

  The drinks arrived and she sipped hers happily because giving Hudson fits gave her the giggles. Natalia gave her a knowing smile and she cleared her throat.

  “It all started when Madeline Johannson wrote this naughty little play based on the sisters’ dating history. It was sarcastically flip about love in general. They knew they wanted to perform it in New York so almost two years ago, they set out to find the perfect place…”

  Act One: Stage Fright

  Chapter One

  September 2012 – Season One (first night of charity previews)

  Mikayla Johannson thought she might be sick.

  In a little more than an hour, the cast was to perform her sister’s play in front of non-theater staff for the first time. It allowed everyone a chance to determine any issues, tweak any scenes, and perfect every aspect of the overall performance before their official opening night.

  It was the accumulation of everything her sister had worked so hard to accomplish. She’d busted her ass for two years to make it happen.

  She had to pull her shit together. Not later…right fucking now.

  It was when they’d finished with her hair and makeup that Kayla realized she’d forgotten all of her lines. They were simply…gone. The words she’d drilled herself on for months evaporated from her mind as if they’d never existed. She knew them. It was something she’d made sure of day and night.

  Pacing the deserted back hallways, where it was quieter, she frantically tried to focus. The harder she tried, the further everything seemed to slip away. Breathing exercises, meditation…nothing was working and she
was rapidly spiraling into unfamiliar panic.

  Clutching her stomach, she walked in circles, talking to herself and uncaring if she seemed like a lunatic. This was her first live performance in New York City. If she tanked, she wasn’t going to get another chance. Worse was the fact that her sister wouldn’t either. There was no way she could let Madeline down when she’d worked so hard – writing and fine-tuning, casting, directing, and choreographing every scene.

  Mikayla was in costume for the female lead in a multi-tiered linen skirt with a corset bodice and ballet slippers. Receiving the coveted role had caused major issues with the other actors who swore it was nepotism. Even she had worried that being the playwright’s identical twin sister had something to do with her winning the part.

  When she’d expressed her concerns, Madeline gave her a small shake and assured her that she’d earned the role. “Bring your best. Show the rest of the cast what you have to offer. I’ve seen you perform in countless plays in high school and college. I wouldn’t trust this role to anyone else.”

  No matter how hard she’d worked on other plays, Mikayla gave even more to her sister’s dream. She was determined to make sure Linn never regretted believing in her sister’s ability to make her words shine.

  Since they found the theater, she tightened her personal daily routine. Every morning, she ran. She watched her diet, didn’t party, got plenty of rest, rehearsed with the cast, then went home and ran her lines alone.

  Madeline developed a trick during their years of drama classes that the two of them still used. They read lines together, Linn reading everyone else aloud, while Kayla only mouthed her own lines to set the pace. They recorded the result.

  In the end, she had the perfect line-running partner. Typically, she ran through them once alone every evening after rehearsals and did it twice on weekend days.

  From her first play in second grade, Mikayla had never forgotten her lines. Her brain had shut down at the worst possible moment, removing her access to the file she desperately needed.