Realm of the Muse 1.79.2: A Live Demonstration
You’ve been asked to give a live demonstration to a large audience, showing your skill and giving instruction on something that you do better than most people. The spotlight is on you. Now do it.
“You were outstanding.”
“No.”
“You really were!”
“No!”
“Don’t be so modest, Sissy. You were better than the lead!”
“I’m just a stand-in!”
Trudy Brown wormed her way towards the modest star of the hour, leaning so that one bare arm was arched in his direction. Her eyes were wide and full of promise and supplication, and her perpetually red lips seemed to be glistening that seductive hue of red just for him. “I think you should be the lead.”
The others behind her exchanged knowing glances. Simon shook his head, patting one of his thick, blunt hands on her offered shoulder. “Thank you, Miss Brown, but I’m far too busy to consider acting full-time.”
She parted her lips, rounded them, expressing shock and dismay. She lifted a hand, nails painted the same shade of red as were on her lips, and placed it on her partially exposed chest. The people behind her wondered if this was a deliberate call for attention. It seemed to work; Simon’s eyes lowered to contemplate the spotlighted cleavage. “Oh, but no, I would much rather want to work with you, Mr. Skinner.” She removed her hand from her chest and placed it on his.
Simon wrapped one of his hands around hers, looking at her earnestly. “Miss Brown, as much as I would love to contribute to the fine Dramatic Arts Society of which you are a most distinguished member, I simply have no time to between running the local supermarket, hosting the life drawing class-to which you must graciously donate your time as a model-and, of course, being Sandford’s champion fun runner. I would much rather you cherish this solo stand-in performance in the depths of your heart than lead you to hope in a reliability I cannot guarantee.” To garnish his statement, he leant in and kissed Miss Brown on the cheek. She blushed like a white sheet doused in red dye and giggled like a girl half her age. The others rolled their eyes and silently groaned.
“Oh, okay, Mr. Skinner,” whined Trudy Brown, “but if you ever have just the teensiest bit of time to stand in for another absent actor…”
“I’ll be there with bells on, especially if it’s for you.”
A louder groan.
“Oh, Mr. Skinner! You’re far too good!” And she stood on her toes and kissed him on the lips.