Chapter 9
Phoenix
A televised date of sorts wasn’t something I’d ever thought about doing. Maggie spurred too much emotion in me and I wasn’t sure how to pretend that wasn’t true. So my shoulders were tense.
If I insulted her, I hurt my chances but helped hers. The audience would side with her as the young innocent girl she was.
If I showed interest in her, I helped my own chances on the show but hurt hers. The audience could only empathize with one of us.
I wanted my comeback, but not by hurting other singers with anything but my voice.
I had no answer, but I straightened my tie and checked that my suit was good in the dorm mirror, saluted the camera crew and pointed toward the door.
In the staff area, I saw Maggie, a vision in a white dress with yellow flowers embroidered along th
