Winning Moves (Stepping Up 3)

“She’s not only good enough for me,” came a male voice, “I feel lucky she thinks I’m good enough for her.”

Kat checked around the corner to see a tall hunk of a guy with a military haircut and a broad chest wrap his arm around Carrie. He had to be her fiancé. Go, Carrie! And go, fiancé for coming to the rescue!

“Who are you?” Tabitha asked snidely but there was a crack in her voice, a chink in her armor.

“The new head of security here at the hotel and Carrie’s very protective fiancé.” He glanced at Carrie. “Are you out for lunch?”

“Yes she is,” Kat said as she stepped into the large room. “Take her to eat. I need to have a word with Tabitha alone anyway.” Kat glanced at Carrie. “And I look forward to being properly introduced to your fiancé soon. After all, Carrie, we will be working on some choreography together.”

Carrie beamed. “Thank you, Kat. I can’t wait.” She and her fiancé left the dressing room.

“So, Tabitha,” Kat said, “let’s find Ellie and have a chat.” Kat knew having a witness to any reprimand was smart with someone like Tabitha. It kept details from being twisted.

“She started this,” Tabitha blurted. “She involved herself in my work with my understudy. Why would you send Carrie to lunch and then talk to me?”

Kat sighed. “Okay, Tabitha. I’m going to make this quick. I’ve observed how you treat Marissa and it’s simply not acceptable. I saw how you treated Carrie tonight, as well, when Carrie is simply trying to protect Marissa. Marissa is your understudy and you have to be nice to her. You make snide comments and sneer at her. This is not appropriate and it undermines our opportunity to be a team that succeeds together. I’m going to draw up a warning for you to sign. If you continue such actions then you simply won’t be here any longer.”

“I have a contract,” Tabitha stated. “I can’t be fired by the choreographer.”

“Read the contract,” Kat said. “It specifically requires your professional behavior on the set.”

“I will not be threatened,” Tabitha spat.

“It’s not a threat,” Kat said, repeating Tabitha’s words. “It’s a promise. Be respectful to the cast and crew or you won’t be here.”

“I’ll go to my agent. He’ll take care of this and you.”

“I would, too, if I were you,” Kat said. “Have your agent help you understand the terms of the contract.”

“This is crazy. I’m going to talk to Jason.”

“I’m right here.” Jason stepped to Kat’s side, his brand of cool confidence and casual authority expanding around them. “And I heard part of the conversation. Kat is far from just a choreographer. She has my permission to make any casting changes needed and I didn’t sign on to this show with my hands tied. No one is here without an exit plan in place if needed. We have a small window to make this show perfect. Either you want to be a part of that or you don’t.”

“I do,” Tabitha said, sounding sweeter than Kat had ever heard her sound. “That’s why I don’t want to be silent when someone isn’t giving their all.”

“Then don’t,” Jason said flatly. “Tell Kat. She’s your boss. One of the reasons Kat does such a good job is that her dancers know she’ll take the fall for a problem rather than place blame, but she deserves loyalty in return.” He glanced at Kat, those wintery green eyes of his warm in a way that made her hot. “You got a few minutes?”

Yes. Yes. Yes. She desperately wanted to know how his meeting went with the studio. “We’re about to call lunch so it’s perfect timing.” Kat’s gaze returned to Tabitha’s. “Let’s skip that second meeting with Ellie, Tabitha. You’re talented, and I look forward to helping you shine, but as one of the stars of the show, I need you to be a positive leader.”

Tabitha crossed her arms in front of her. “I will be.”

The statement was wrapped in barely contained resentment and Kat mentally sighed. No. She wouldn’t. But with any luck Tabitha now hated her more than Marissa, and would focus her anger Kat’s way. At least then poor Marissa could catch a break.

“You should go eat, Tabitha,” Kat said. “We have a long afternoon ahead.”

Tabitha gave a little lift of her chin and headed back toward the stage entrance.

Jason let out a soft whistle the instant Tabitha was out of view. “You weren’t joking about that one. She’s a problem.”

“She and Carrie had a spat on stage. It wasn’t pretty but most importantly—” she lowered her voice though they were alone “—I’ve been worried sick all morning.”

“Everything is fine, baby,” he said gently. “I told you not to worry.”

“What’s your definition of ‘fine’?”

He grinned. “I convinced them I’m not a lush.”