Work Text:
The stage at Herald Square Garden had been shined and polished like a mirror. The only people on it were Skye Riley's backup dancers. The doors would open in just under eight hours.
Amidst salads, deli subs, gyros, and Chinese for lunch, the eight of them were spending what little moments they could relaxing. Between bites, they scrolled through their phones.
"Still crazy what Skye did the other night."
"I told you, L. She's nuts."
"I mean, yeah, she's been under a lotta stress but..."
"Already retweeted it a dozen times."
"Careful, K. She might fire you for that."
"I don't care, J. Got better places to be. There's an audition for some new Broadway show next week."
"Maybe it was too soon for her."
"What, you wanna analyze her, A?"
"Just sayin'. Going from a car crash to a new tour in a year. You know her ma's pushing it."
"Stage moms, gotta love them."
"K, it can't be healthy."
"Didn't say it was."
"Look, it's just a job, guys. And after this tour-"
The backstage door opened. The dancers all turned and were surprised to see Skye Riley walking towards them. She was wearing a grey tank top and sweats, and she was smiling. "Hey, everyone!"
The dancers were taken aback. "Uh, hey, Skye."
"Just a few hours til showtime! Y'all ready?"
K and L looked at each other. "Uh...yeah, yeah, we are."
"That's great, K! Remember, the first night is always the hardest! But there's gonna be 20,000 people here tonight, and we can't disappoint them!"
"Are you okay, Skye?"
"Yeah, L. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Just cause...you threw an old lady off stage the other night."
Skye chuckled. "Yeah, that was a total PR nightmare. Mom didn't let me sleep until 2am. But, weirdly, I feel better now. Just some jitters. Always felt them ever since I did my first Sunday school show."
"I think that was more than just jitters."
Skye paused. "You're right, A. It was more than that. But, when you're close to a year without the love of your life, you go through things. But I got it under control now."
The dancers were perplexed. "That's...good. I guess we'll see you tonight."
"Absolutely, K. It's gonna be a killer show!" Skye snapped her fingers and pointed at the dancers, then happily ran off stage.
"...anyone else find that fucking weird?"
"She said she's fine, L."
"No, that was weird even for her."
"Guys, remember: just a few more hours and then it'll be over."