Janet

Walking into the studio, I was feeling pretty tired and worn out. My legs and feet still hurt from the previous day of rehearsal and all I wanted to do was rest. I knew once the kids arrived I would forget all about that though. Especially once Shawn and Gil got there. I have a really good relationship with everyone I work with but I'm closest to them. I found a spot on the floor to stretch my legs. Feeling the burn in my thighs was no joke but no pain no gain right?

"Sup sweetness."

Shawn walked up and I turned to see her smiling down at me. She was a sight to see. I found my staring at her a little longer than I probably should have.

"You can't speak now? You just gon sit there and stare at a sistah. What I got something in my nose?"

I laughed. "Yeah just a little something right there." I teased. "I'm kidding! I'm just tired. How are you?"

"Good, just ready for this tour to start already."

It was her turn to stare at me now.

"What?" I asked. Her eyes were so intense sometimes. It was almost hard not to look away.

"Can I ask you a serious question?"

"Anything?" I said stretching to touch my toes.

"When are you gonna go out on a date with me?" She asked.

"Shawn!?" I looked around making sure no one had heard. "You know I can't do that."

"Why? We have good vibes, you and I. Besides you can't resist this charm girl." She said and laughed.

I stood up. "Can I talk to you in private for a moment please?"

She followed me into the restroom. I checked each stall making sure no one was in there with us.

"Shawn why would you do that out were some one could possibly hear you?"

"What's the big deal J? No one here cares and besides everyone knows I've crushed on you since forever."

She stepped closer to me, backing me up against the counter making me nervous as hell.

"Shawn, I'm not..."

Shawn stepped back giving me some space. She could sense my nerves and her entire tone changed.

"Im sorry J, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. This was super unprofessional of me. It won't happen again."

She turned and walked out of the restroom. I took a couple of deep breaths and fanned my face. The temperature in the room had definitely been raised. The door swung open and Tina walked in. I dabbed water on my flushed face and tried to collect myself. Why did I react that way to her being so close to me.

"Damn Jan you okay? You look a little feverish." Tina asked.

"I'm fine. Lets just get started. Is everyone here?"

"Yup everyone is ready." She replied.

"Lets do this."

Shawn

I walked out the restroom, kicking myself in the ass. Why did I come at her like that. If I did have a chance before, my chances are probably slim to none now. Fuck. I walked over and sat next to Gil, resting my head on his shoulder. He looked over at me and I gave him my best sad eyes and poked my lips out.

"What's wrong girl?" Gil asked.

"Nothing, just feeling down."

"Dunk turn you down again?"

I took a look around but no one seemed to be paying us any attention.

"Um first off shhh! And second, no she didn't turn me down again because I've only asked her out once. You are the only person who knows that so please shut the fuck up about it."

"Girl ain't no body gonna tell your lil business. Besides, I think you're going about it all wrong. You're too forward. You know that's not her style."

"Maybe I'm not her style."

Tina came out the restroom and clapped her hands at us.

"Okay places everyone."

No matter what any of us had going on, when that music began to play we were performers.
We ran through the classics just as a refresher but also added some new choreography in for songs like "Trust A Try" and "You Ain't Right". Tina shook her head.

"Stop stop! Jan you missed a step on the that last part. Shawn come run through this with me and Jan please."

"Me?"

After our little restroom incident I wanted to try and keep my distance, but Tina counted us down though.

"5, 6, 7..."

We went through the song a few more times before rehearsal was finally over. Every one took a seat. Janet sat in between Gil and I.

Everyone laughed and joked but I didn't feel very much in a laughing mood. Janet touched my knee getting my attention.

"You okay?"

"Yeah J, I'm good."

"Everyone is going out tonight. Are you coming?"

As much as I wanted to say no she flashed a sweet smile at me. Damn. How could I say no to that.

"Yeah of course I'm coming."

"Good because I want you there."

She stood up and I of course watched as she walked away at least until Gil smacked my arm.

"Tha fuck man?"

"Quit looking so damn hard bitch and bring your ass. We are getting ready together at my place tonight because I have something I need to tell you." He smiled and popped his tongue.

"Why can't you just tell me now."

"Nope. Now let's go, I smell like hell and you know I don't do stank."

Janet

Walking out of the studio, I saw a car was waiting for me already. The driver rolled the window down.

"Did someone call you for me?"

"Mr. Elizondo sent me ma'am."

"Rene?"

Rene and I, while still married, have been having problems for a few years now. In fact I have been staying with Gil because I don't want my family and other friends to know just yet. The only person I've told and trust is Gil.

René is horrible to me but I do my best to try and keep it to myself. Absolutely no one can know. Lets just say makeup works wonders. I haven't seen or spoken to him in weeks and for good reason. What does he want from me now?

"We are you taking me?"

"Home ma'am."

Though hesitant, I got into the car. I nervously picked at my nails the entire ride until we finally pulled up to the house.

I was afraid of what I was about to walk into. René was very unpredictable most of the time. I grabbed my bag from the car, walked up the driveway and entered my home.