Nine years had passed. In that exact moment Artie Abrams was driving to the St. James theater, on broadway, after a long day in the editing room. At age 25, he was finishing his first movie as a director, and because of that, he would always end up working late. In fact, it was a great moment for him and Tina. She had one of the main roles in a musical that was premiering within a month. More than anything, Artie wanted to got back to Tina's and sleep. So he entered the theater
- 5, 6, 7, 8!
At the stage, Matt, Tina and Mike was rehearsing the same coreography for the billionth time. The jazz routine was based on a dance contest between Mike and Matt, which prize was dancing that song with Tina. After a couple of minutes, the scene changes when a blonde guy gets on stage and with only a few moves, wins her heart. Before they kiss, in what looked like the end of the show, someone in the aisle asked them to stop. The four of them started laughing and Mike went back in front of the couple, going over part of his routine.
- How long have you been there? - Asked Tina, at the end of the rehearsal, when about fifteen actors were between the tip of the stage and the first row seats. Artie approached them, trying to reach Tina.
- Half an hour. - Said Artie, right before the blonde actor got there. Now he could notice his green eyes and a little scar in his left eyebrow - Ah, hey Adrian.
- Hey Arthur! - He greeted back, with a wide smile. - How's it going? Need help leaving the theater?
- This theater has plenty of ramps, Ade. - Tina sighed and left the stage, holding her shoes and a purse - Also, i can help him. Let's go, Artie.
The path between the theater and the car was silent. Artie didn't let Tina help him getting in the car, what made the wait between getting comfortable in his seat and starting the engines, long. While leaving the parking lot, the silence continued.
- Ok, i don't know what I have done, but i'm sorry. - Said Tina, she sounded tired, as if this kind of fight were regular
- You didn't need to protect me, I can protect myself. - Artie shift the gear, snorting.
Tina stopped talking, she knew it wasn't all. After a few minutes, Artie continued, as if he just lost a fight with himself inside his mind over the issue "to keep or not to keep talking".
- And does that routine have to be that way?
- Oh, come one. I'm not going to let you be jealous of a play. - Tina kept staring forward, trying not to let her irritated voice tone show up.
- It's not the play. You dance with other people in it, almost the same way. But him... He's taking advantage. He's definitely got something for you - Artie stopped talking and straightened his glasses, turning right on the boulevard.
- OK, let's just stop right here. If he's got something there's nothing i can do. You made the casting yourself, and you know he's qualified for that role. - She reached to his arm. - And i don't think you've noticed, but i've definitely got something for you.