Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

“Oh, gosh.” Yates couldn’t help but chuckle, “Looks like Gilbert is all grown up now. First, wanting to buy gifts for a girl who’s not Caroline, and next, getting enchanted by the star dancer at Neon Nights Bar. Oh, Gilbert, you’ve come a long way.”

“Shut it!” Gilbert couldn’t help but find it amusing and annoying. Yet, he couldn’t explain the rapid heartbeat he felt when Sherilyn’s graceful dance seemed to be aimed just at him or the way he held his breath. And then there was that familiar feeling. What was all that about?

As usual, Sherilyn would only dance once tonight. The calls for an encore outside were relentless, and she felt embarrassed.

But Colin didn’t mind at all. “You only danced once, but do you know how much money you’ve made for Neon Nights Bar in just those few minutes? You deserve every penny, especially with the tip jar scheme kicking off soon.”

Hearing that, Sherilyn couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. She loved money, and who didn’t? Why would she even consider dancing at the barf if not for the money?

Colin smiled. “Get ready and head back to rest.”

“Sure thing, Colin.” Leaving the manager’s office, Sherilyn headed toward the dressing

room.

Unexpectedly, a young man was walking toward her. Assuming he was one of the staff since they were in the staff corridor, Sherilyn took off her veil.

As they crossed paths, Sherilyn nodded and gave a slight smile.

“You…” Suddenly, the young man stopped, staring at her dumbfounded, swallowing hard several times, “Are you… S?”

Sherilyn was slightly shocked. “You’re not from Neon Nights Bar’s staff?”

“It’s me.” Edgar recognized her and pointed to himself, reminding her, “Last time, you lost your keychain, and I found it and returned it to you. Remember?”

With that, Sherilyn remembered. “Oh, it’s you.”

She might not have the best memory, but she could remember things not too long ago.

Sherilyn asked curiously, “Why are you here? It is the staff corridor here.”

1…” Edgar scratched his head, embarrassed. I’m unfamiliar with this place since I don’t visit often. I was looking for the restroom.”

“Oh.” Sherilyn directed him. “Go through this door, straight ahead, take a left, then a right,

look up, and you’ll see the signs.”

“Thanks a lot.” Edgar seemed reluctant to leave, looking back three times with each step he took.

“Wait,” Sherilyn called him back.

“What’s up?” Edgar immediately turned around, his face lighting up with a smile.

Sherilyn couldn’t help but chuckle. “Don’t tell anyone you’ve seen my face. It’s part of our manager’s marketing strategy, please.”

“Of course.” Edgar smiled, nodding eagerly. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell a soul.”

It was their little secret. “I’ll be off then, bye.”

“Goodbye.” Sherilyn smiled at him again.

That smile was like the dawn of spring, leaving Edgar dazed long after he had walked away, her smile lingering before his eyes. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

As Edgar left, Gilbert arrived backstage. He went straight to Colin. “I want to see S.”

He had seen S twice and felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity each time. He needed to figure out why.

Colin tried to hide his excitement, thinking, ‘See, Sherilyn is indeed my golden goose. Even Mr. Gilbert got enchanted!‘

But outwardly, he seemed troubled. “Mr. Gilbert, sorry, but she’s clocked out for the day.”

Did he say she had left?

Gilbert didn’t buy it. “You think I’ll fall for that?”

It was all just a tactic to keep people coming back for more.

“I need to see her today!” With that, Gilbert headed toward the dressing room.

Colin panicked. “Mr. Gilbert, it’s true…”

What should he do? All his plans could go down the drain if Gilbert found out!