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?”
He had maximed early Now Nowy was just for one performance, though he also hinted they might adjust hed on Hw wi
*** IN AAN W Drepared, secined they were adhering to the initial plan.
www
Yep, WY GARE the tige enon replied
Hymy way bed ow wow, you’d dispel all the intrigue we’ve built. We want to keep them longing for
“Becky marveling” Hadley responded
Lennon clapped enthusiastically, his laughter filling the room. “You’re free to go now. No more performances
wewly? Hedley wes both surprised and slightly embarrassed. “I’ve only danced one tune.”
He reamed her, “That’s 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 your regular pay. Just be patient.”
“Yes, I get W.” Hedley nodded in agreement. “Thanks, Mr. Lewis.”
“There’s no need for thanks, You’ve earned it just keep up the great work!”
“Absolutely”
Once Lennon had exited, Hadley took a moment to remove her makeup.
Considering the schedule—just four hours each evening for a single performance, rehearsal included—it wasn’t overly demanding
She thought about finding another job during the day to supplement her income.
Every bit of additional income was significant.
After she 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 exit.
“Wait a second! Hey, you, miss!”
Confused, Hadley halted in her tracks.
She pivoted on her heel, spotting a young man a few paces back
He was remarkably tall, standing over six feet, with a slim, youthful build and a face that radiated charisma. Self–consciously, Hadley touched her chest and raised her eyebrows. “Me?”
“Yes,” he replied, stepping forward with a small key pouch in his hand, which he held out to her. “You dropped this, didn’t you?”
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Chapter 18 You Seem Really Familiar
Recognizing the pouch, Hadley nodded, grateful. “Yes, that’s mine.”
She tapped her bag, puzzled. “I wonder how it fell out.”
“Here you go,” he said with a friendly smile, handing her the keys. “Make sure it doesn’t fall out again.”
“Thank you so much,” Hadley responded, genuinely relieved. The thought of being locked out without her keys, and the expense of a locksmith, was daunting
“No problem at all.”
He continued to gaze at her, a hint of recognition in his eyes. “I’m sorry, but do I know you? You seem really
familiar.”
Hadley paused briefly before chuckling softly. “Really? That line’s a bit retro, don’t you think?”
“I…” The young man’s cheeks turned a shade of crimson.
“It wasn’t meant to be a line!” He exclaimed, somewhat embarrassed. “Honestly, you just look really familiar.” Hadley smiled and held up her key pouch. “Thanks for this. Bye,” she said, and quickly turned to leave.
“Wait…”
He watched her depart, slapping his forehead in dismay.
“Why did I even say that? I just made fun of Eric for being old–school, and here I am, sounding just like him.”
It was unfortunate.
She was truly striking
He pondered whether she was merely visiting or worked at the club and whether they might meet again.
Hadley stirred before dawn, jolted awake by severe menstrual cramps. The pain was intense, enching her
from sleep.
Previously, this hadn’t been an issue for her.
However, since becoming a mother, her health had deteriorated due to the stress of providing for her child.
The recurring pain each month had become a harsh reality.
She had learned various methods to manage it.
Today, she would skip her dance routine, stay away from cold beverages, and endure the discomfort until it subsided.
Rising from her bed, Hadley reached for a heat patch and applied it beneath her clothes, hoping the warmth would soothe the pain.
Though she had no dance performance scheduled, today held significant importance.
It was the anniversary of her grandmother’s passing.
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<Chapter 18 You Seem Really Familiar
Life in Srixby had been a rollercoaster since Hadley moved back, and she hadn’t found the time to visit her
grandmother’s grave.
Today, she decided, would be the day to pay her respects.
By eight o’clock, she was on her way out.
As she settled into her car, her phone vibrated.
Eric’s name flashed on the screen, causing her to frown slightly before answering. “Hello, what’s up?”
Hadley’s tone was steady and cold, a stark contrast to how eagerly she used to pursue him. Now, he seemed almost like an inconvenience, which upset him.
“What, I can’t check in without a specific reason?”
“That’s not what I meant,” Hadley responded, masking her irritation.
Thinking to herself, Hadley pondered. “How did I ever get involved with him?” Eric’s temper was unpredictable, swinging wildly without warning.
“Do you need something?” Hadley asked for a clearer reason.
“Meet me at the courthouse at three today,” Eric responded.
Hadley instantly knew it was to finalize their divorce.
Today, though? That was sudden.
She hesitated before responding, “Can we possibly pick another day?”
“What?” Eric’s voice took on an edge, though he managed to restrain any outright anger. “When would you suggest then?”
Hadley sensed Eric’s growing suspicion and quickly suggested, “What about tomorrow? Can w one day?”
Eric’s response came as a sharp, cynical laugh.
y it by just
“One day becomes two, then three, right? You’re just stalling. You never planned on getting the divorce done, did you?”
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Chapter 19 Th
