Waiting in the Wings for Love ~ Teaser and Extended Summary

So, I've submitted a piece for the Babies at the Border Compilation. It will be the first two chapters of a new story that will begin posting in spring-ish. I'm heavily involved with theater. I've performed in over twenty shows (both onstage and as a part of the backstage crew) and directed about the same amount. I love the theater and watching the Tony's got me thinking about a Theaterella/Actorward story. 

Banner by Clo Rodeffer

Isabella Swan is hired to be the lead for a revival of West Side Story, that's filled with amazing music, sexy dancing and a love story that transcends everything. She's head-long in rehearsals when she meets her romantic interest ... a movie actor who is dabbling in the theater. Edward Cullen wants a change of pace from his frenetic life in Hollywood. So, he auditioned, on a whim, for this musical and to his surprise, he was hired for the lead role in the musical.

For Bella, it's confusion at first sight. Edward Cullen is not cut out to be a theater performer and she is adamant that he would drop out of the production after his first rehearsal. Edward is drawn to Bella but feels her resentment toward him. Despite being lovers on stage and having explosive chemistry, she keeps him at arm's length. There's more to her story, Edward can tell and he wants to break through her walls, getting her to trust him.

Will they be Waiting in the Wings for Love?

Aro Volturi

Bella Swan

Edward Cullen

Caius Volturi

Marcus Volturi

Waiting in the Wings For Love Teaser

“Isabella!” Aro exclaimed, shooting up from his seat. He walked over to me, hugging me closely. “You look beautiful, as always. I love the hair. It will be need to be a bit darker for the show.”

“This is the first pass,” I chuckled. “Paul, who has his cosmetology accreditation, will darken it before the first rehearsal. We’re just giving my hair a chance to relax. The blonde fried my hair. I’d prefer to use my real hair for the show and not a wig.”

“Understandable,” Aro smirked. “You remember the producer, Marcus? He’s my brother and part of our financial backing”

“Nice to see you again, Marcus. And Caius, right?” I asked.

“Music director,” Caius beamed, shaking my hand. “I’m the red-headed step-child of this trio.”

“Shut up, Caius,” Marcus grumbled. “He was a change of life baby and a pain in the ass.”

“But, a talented musician and the best man for the job,” Aro explained. “Our two ‘potential’ Tony’s are waiting in my office. One is a dark horse, completely unfamiliar with the theater, but a beautiful man and great singer. The other, he’s been in several Broadway productions, but has a reputation of being difficult to work with. He’s a fantastic dancer and has the singing chops to handle the part. Anyway, I’ll let you make the decision for yourself.”

“I thought that … you didn’t want me to be involved with the casting of Tony,” I said, sitting down next to Aro.

“After discussing it with my team, we felt it was important that you have chemistry with your onstage lover,” Aro explained. “So, we’ll have you perform the ‘balcony’ scene and get some idea of how you interact with our two top choices. First up, we’re going to have Edward.” Aro gestured to a production assistant who scurried out of the studio. She returned with a tall man, with bronze-colored hair, pale skin, and emerald eyes. I recognized him instantly.

‘Edward’ was Edward Cullen, action movie star and Lothario of Hollywood. I’d heard rumors about how he left a trail of women in his wake.

Yes, he was beautiful and a talented actor, but did I want to see this man for eight shows a week? Kissing him? Making love to him?

Plastering on a smile, I stood up and held out my hand. “I’m Isabella Swan,” I said.

“Edward Cullen,” he replied, with a velvety smooth baritone voice. Could he hit those tenor notes? “Nice to meet you.” His hand enveloped mine. It was warm and a tingle traveled up my arm, making me shudder involuntarily. “Shall we?”

I nodded and pulled into my headspace as Maria. We began the scene. There was a distance between us. I didn’t feel a spark. He said the lines, there was some emotion behind it, but there was a disconnect. The only time I felt something was when he kissed me. His hands cupped my face and his lips brushed over mine. Something clicked within him and he pulled me to his chest, lost in the kiss until Aro pretended to be my ‘father.’