'I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.'
Oscar Wilde

Prologue

Jasper rushed along the corridor to Rosalie's dressing room. He flung open the door, ignoring the fact that Rosalie could be naked, and headed straight for the toilet.

"Jazz baby, what do you think you're doing?" Rosalie's smooth tones rang out as she followed him. When she reached the open toilet door she realised why he hadn't replied. Jasper was on his knees heaving. A tear ran slowly from his right eye.

"Rose," he breathed, "I can't do it!"

Rosalie knelt next to him rubbing his back. "Jazz, sweetie, of course you can do it. It's just the same as in rehearsals except there are a few other people watching that's all."

"A few other people? Rose, do you realise it's completely sold out and they're all here to see me get down and dirty live on stage!" a shudder ran through Jasper as he thought about what lay ahead.

He took a couple of steadying breaths and stood up. He turned to the sink and ran the cold water, throwing some over his face in an attempt to regain some semblance of calm.

"What if I get out there and I can't do it Rose?"

Rosalie put her hands firmly on his shoulders and turned him to face her. "Jasper, darling, you will be totally fucking amazing out there! You have nothing to worry about. Would it help if I stood in the wings? I'm sure I can offer my support if you think it will help."

Jasper thought about her offer but he wasn't entirely sure that he wanted his best friend watching him do That! "Rose, sweetie, I know you're right and it will be okay. It's so kind of you to offer your support but really I think having you there watching will make it even worse. Anyway, you're far too innocent to see that kind of behaviour." He winked at her and ducked as she playfully tried to swipe him on the head.

"Jazz, I have seen far more than you give me credit for. It's not like I'm totally innocent now is it?" she winked at Jasper and went back to her mirror to finish getting ready. Jasper sat in a chair near the door and watched as Rosalie finished applying her make-up and adding glitter to her hair. She smiled at him in the mirror as she began to adjust her stockings and straighten the seams.

She stood up and walked towards him. "So, how do I look?" Jasper looked her up and down and nodded his approval.

"Pretty damn perfect is how you look!" He wolf whistled at her. "I suppose I had better go and get prepared hadn't I?"

"Yes you really should and try not to worry. Everything will be okay, just a few opening night nerves." She leaned over and kissed him before pushing him towards the door.

Jasper walked slowly back towards his dressing room, trying to prepare himself for the task ahead. He couldn't help thinking that it was different for Rosalie. If she got nervous people wouldn't be able to tell but if his nerves got the better of him then everyone would know and the whole production would be ruined. He walked into his dressing room and sat in front of the mirror. His blonde wavy hair was still damp at the front from the cold water. He ruffled it with his hands and hoped for the best. Slowly, he lifted his shirt to reveal his abs. With the shirt fully removed and deposited on the floor it was time to get the baby oil. Jasper had decided, when he first agreed to take this role, that there was no way he would get naked without looking his best.

There was a knock at the door and a gentle voice called Jasper's name. He stood up and went to the door. He opened the door and found a short and slim brunette standing there. "Hi there, erm, I'm sorry to bother you Mr Whitlock but Miss Swan sent me to tell you that she has very high expectations of you tonight."

Jasper let out a groan at the mention of the production's financial backer. Miss Bella Swan was a shrewd business woman and one of the most intimidating people that Jasper had ever met. Just the mention of her name was enough to make him want to vomit all over again. He looked at the messenger and smiled because she looked just as scared as he felt.

"It's okay, she doesn't really bite you know!" He said as he forced a laugh.

"Thank you Mr Whitlock but we both know that Miss Swan isn't the most pleasant person to come into contact with." She looked around as if scared that someone may have overheard. "But I really need this job! It's what's going to get me through college."

Jasper looked at the girl in front of him. "What's your name? I don't recall seeing you before. Are you new round here?"

She smiled and answered, "Oh, I'm Renesme but you can call me Nessie. I'm Miss Swan's personal assistant. It is a rather recent appointment; apparently my predecessor had to leave due to personal reasons."

"Oh so you're the next victim… I mean PA."

"Did you know the last PA?" asked Renesme looking worried.

"You could say that," answered Jasper, "Angela was very sweet before the breakdown but I haven't seen her in a while. I hear she's getting better though!"

Renesme looked at the floor, unsure of what to say to Jasper's revelation. Jasper smiled again before closing the door and turning to face his reflection.

He looked in the mirror one last time before stripping completely and readying himself for what lay ahead. Another knock at the door told him he had five minutes, just long enough to tell himself that everything was going to be okay and that nothing was going to make him disappoint his audience.

One last look in the mirror reassured Jasper. He gazed at his taught six pack and sinewy frame. The glistening oil made him look even more sun kissed than he was. He felt ready. He knew he was ready. Confidently he strode along the corridor and up the stairs to the stage. This was what he had been dreading for hours but now he was about to go onto the stage he could feel the adrenaline pumping.

'Now is your time to shine Jasper Whitlock' he thought to himself as he listened for his cue.