The Bet

As Clarke approached the hotel doors, she could see that some of the crew was already loading up and getting ready to head to the venue. She was careful not to run into anyone, especially Janet and Gil. As she approached her room, she checked her pockets desperately for the key.

She had no choice but to knock.

"Hi," Brylee said as she opened the door, standing aside allowing Clarke to come in.

"Hey." Clarke said as she quickly walked inside. She went into her to room to find her clothes were already laid out and folded on the bed for her. She also noticed that her room was cleaned. She turned around to see Brylee standing behind her.

"Clarke can we talk please?" She asked. Clarke fathered her clothes and a clean towel to bathe.

"Don't worry about last night Okay. I was upset. Drinking and smoking didn't help either... we're good." Clarke said trying to brush it off. "Thank you for cleaning up the mess I made. I'm sorry for the way I acted."

Brylee stepped closer to Clarke and touched her hand. "I'm not blaming the alcohol this time Clarke. I knew what I was doing last night." She hesitated for a moment and continued. "There's something here Clarke. I first realized it that day in my kitchen. Just say you'll think about it what I've said." Brylee leaned in and kissed her. "And know that no matter what you decide, I'm here for you."

Clarke felt tears coming to her eyes as their foreheads touched. Clarke nodded.

"Okay." She responded.

"I'll see at the venue. Gil is going to kick your ass for being late by the way..." She laughed and left the room.

Clarke sat down on the bed, holding her head in her hands. She was exhausted, emotionally drained and hungover but she had to get ready.

Clarke walked in about 25 minutes late. Rehearsal hadn't started yet. Janet and Gil stood near the front of the stage talking.

As she walked in, people glanced in her direction but continued working. Janet and Gil both looked her way. Gil looked at his watch, turned and started to walk towards her but Janet grabbed his hand. No. She mouthed shaking her head. Clarke just kept her head down and took her spot on the stage. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths as she tried to prepare herself.

It was crunch time.

They performed to another sold out crowd the first night in Atlanta. The energy in that place was enough to put a person on a natural high. As they sang together again, Janet looked back at Clarke and shot her famous heart sign towards her. Brylee threw the symbol back but it went unnoticed.

As the show came to an end, all Clarke could think about was her bed. She began helping the crew like she did at the end of every show. Gil approached quickly up behind.

"Why were you late today?" He asked. She ignored his question.

"Hey guys I'm gonna take off." She said. They yelled their thanks her way. "Team work makes the dream work." She said and she brushed past Gil. There were too many ears around. He knew this wasn't the time nor the place so he let her go and made his way back to Janet's dressing room. She was putting her hair up in a ponytail and glanced in his direction.

"Why did you block me like that with Clarke this morning. She is no exception to our late rule, no matter what is going on."

"Give her a break Gil, she clearly looked like she'd had a rough night and it's my fault. I'm going to try and talk to her again tonight and I promise to address it when I do. I wrote her a letter, explaining everything and how I feel." She said and stood up. She suddenly got dizzy and rested her hands on the counter in front of her.

"You okay?" Gil asked resting his hand on her back. "Maybe you should should sit down."

"Im fine, just a little tired. 2 more shows to go. I've got this." She said and resumed getting her things ready to head back to the hotel.

"Janet slow down for a moment. I've seen this before. You work and worry yourself crazy. I need you to just take a moment to breath. We're not as young as we used to be Dunk."

She flipped her hair. "Speak for yourself old man? You've never seen 51 looking this good."

Gil laughed. "Slaaaay Bitch!" He took her hand and kissed it. "But you know what I mean. Please get some rest tonight." She grabbed her bag and kissed his cheek.

"I have to try and get her to talk to me. If not Ill give her the letter and go straight to bed. I promise." She said.

Brylee and Clarke arrived at their room. She glanced at Clarke.

"You look exhausted." She said. "You need to get some rest tonight. Let me go start the shower for you. I'll make some tea and milk too. My dad used to make it for me. It always helps me sleep."

Clarke smiled. "Me too, That would be great, thank you."

Clarke sat there for a moment. Thinking and feeling nothing. She hadn't felt this numb since her mom had passed away. She let her head fall into her hands just as Brylee came back into the room.

"Showers going when you're ready."

Clarke stood up and walked over to her. She lightly touch her hand, tangling their index fingers for a moment. "Thanks Bry." She said, disappeared of into her room and closed the door.

Brylee went into the kitchen and started a pot of tea. She was worried about Clarke. The look in her eyes was different now, almost like there was no life in them. Her thoughts went to Janet. How could she do that to someone as wonderful as Clarke. Brylee just couldn't wrap her mind around it. A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts . She opened it to see Janet standing in the hallway.

"May I come in?" She asked.

"Yeah boss sure." Brylee stood to the side and allowed her to walk in. Janet glanced around the room.

"Is Clarke here? I really need to speak with her."

Brylee looked away briefly. "No, she hasn't made it yet." She lied. "But I left before she did. She should be here soon though."

"Oh, okay. Well will you tell her that I came by." She said with a slight smile.

"Will do bosslady. See you at mic check tomorrow morning." Brylee started to close the door but Janet turned to say something as she stepped back into the room.

"Oh, can I get you to give her something for me please." Janet pulled the letter from her clutch but noticed something sitting on the coffee table. It was Clarke's watch. Her mother gave her that for her birthday the year she passed away. Clarke never goes anywhere without it. Janet thought and looked at Brylee again. "Actually never mind. You have yourself a good night Brylee." Janet walked out and closed the door behind her.