"Don't be nervous Kyler. Just take a deep breath, and relax." King Dice encouraged her as he and his stage manager, Sammie, watched her from the theater seats.
Kyler nodded and did as he instructed. It was the beginning of the week, and King Dice had made arrangements with his stage manager to hold a private singing rehersal for her. She was standing on the stage in front of the mike and was trying not to look too apprehensive. "Is there anything in particular you want me to sing?" She asked.
Sammie, who was a tall human man with red hair and hazel eyes, gave her a warm smile. "Whatever you feel like sugar. Just think about how you are feeling right now. If you're happy, sing something full of joy. If you're sad, sing a melancholy tune."
Kyler thought for a moment, then nodded. "Okay. I think I know what I want to sing. "She took another deep breath, exhaled, and started to sing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. It was one of her favorite pieces from her favorite musical.
King Dice and Sammie were both mesmerized by her performance. Her voice was a perfect fit for the song, and she hit every note perfectly.
"You sure she's never had any vocal training and only did karaoke?" Sammie whispered to his boss. "Sounds like she's had some experience."
"That's what she told me. I wasn't kidding when I said she's the most amazing woman you'll ever meet." King Dice whispered back with a grin.
"She definitely has a voice. And looks to match." Sammy whispered with admiration.
King Dice nodded, and he and Sammie remained silent for the remainder of Kyler's performance. When she was finished, both men stood up and applauded her. She smiled shyly.
"Kyler, that was perfect! Absolutely sensational!" King Dice exclaimed. "Wasn't she wonderful?" He said to his stage manager.
Sammie nodded. "She's pretty good, I will give her that." He turned his attention to Kyler. "Sweetie, you do have an incredible voice. Just work on your stage presence and calming your nerves, and you'll do just fine."
Kyler's eyes lit up. "I got the job?" She said, unable to contain her excitement.
"That's right. You're my new lead singer." Sammie said. "Congratulations."
Kyler eagerly walked off the stage and over to Sammie. "Oh, thank you so much. I promise I will not disappoint you. And I will work hard on whatever you feel I need to improve." She said as she shook his hand.
Sammie chuckled. "I know you will. My boss has never brought me anyone who has disappointed me."
King Dice was about to respond when his phone buzzed. "Yeah, Dice speaking." He answered. He listened for a moment, then sighed. "All right. I'll be right there." He hung up his phone and turned to Kyler. "I was hoping to stay long enough to see what your theme will be, but there's a situation that I need to take care of."
Kyler smiled at him. "That all right. I understand."
"I'm leaving her in your hands now." King Dice said to his stage manager. "Make sure she gets the best treatment and that all the other performers treat her well." Sammie nodded.
"And Kyler, if you need anything, just go to my office. I usually spend half my days there." King Dice told her.
"Okay. I'm sure I'll be fine." Kyler said.
King Dice gave her a pat on the shoulder and turned to leave. "Oh! And if I'm not in my office, just wait there. I will come for you, I promise." He called as he exited the theater, leaving Sammie and Kyler alone.
Sammie laughed. "My boss really likes you. I've never seen him act that way around any of my other performers before, male and female."
Kyler blushed. "He's been doing everything he can to make me comfortable. So, what did he mean when he said I would have a theme?"
"Ah ha! Around here, I like to differentiate my performances with multiple themes. It lets the audience know that no performer is the same, and they will always be getting a different type of performance, even if I have more than one singer or dancer. And no theme is the same. Every performer here has their own." Sammie explained.
"I really like that idea." Kyler complimented him. "How do you come up with themes for your performers?"
"Well, it's up to the performer. I either let them come up with one themselves, or if they're not sure, I can give them a few ideas. My only rule is that their theme should fit their physical appearance, and their personality and mannerisms. Is there anything you have in mind?" Sammie asked her.
Kyler thought for a moment. "Um, I'm not really sure what would suit me."
"Hmmm...well, you're definitely very pretty." Sammie said, causing Kyler to blush again. "And you're quite petite. Personality wise, you're kind, gentle, modest...the type of person I feel comfortable talking to. Particularly on a quiet night." He suddenly snapped his fingers. "I think I got it! Kyler, would you do me a favor and go back up onto the stage?"
"Okay." Kyler said, and she walked up to the front of the theater and up the stairs that led to the stage.
Sammie took a seat in the middle row and studied her. "All right, now can you walk up to where the mike is? A little more forward...perfect! Just stay right there." Then he called to someone in a louder voice. "Hans, can you give the stage a moonlit appearance?"
"You got it boss." Called the disembodied voice, and the lights were adjusted in a way so that it looked as if it really did have moonlight bathing all over it. Kyler was really impressed with the effects.
"Good. Now bring a single light onto Kyler. No, not that bright! You're blinding her!" Sammie snapped as Kyler shielded her eyes." I want it to look as if there is glow about her that can be enhanced by her silver hair and sparkling purple eyes."
The lights were readjusted until Sammie told the disembodied voice to stop. "That's it! Right there. Don't do anything else." He looked at her for a moment while nodding to himself. "Yes, yes. This is the perfect theme for you. Okay Kyler, you can come off the stage now. Thanks Hans."
"What kind of theme did you come up with?" Kyler asked him as she rejoined him in the middle row.
Sammie grinned at her. "Your theme...is going to be Midnight Star. From the moment I saw you, I could see you bathed in moonlight and surrounded by stars. Your hair, eyes, petite frame, and fair skin made me think of a gorgeous lady who would come out at midnight on a starlit night and sing in the moonlight. It's a theme that will have the audience on the edge of their seats, and they will be astounded by not just your performance, but also your beauty and the delicate way you present yourself."
Kyler looked at Sammie with awe. "Midnight Star." She repeated and nodded. "I really like that. I can see why King Dice trusts you to run the theater."
Sammie chuckled. "So I take it you like that theme."
"I love it!" Kyler said happily. "I can't wait for my friends and family to see me perform."
"I'm glad." Sammie said. "Now the next thing to do is to get you over to the make-up and costume department. Er, that is, I'm not saying you don't look good the way you are now. It's just that the make-up will help enhance your features and prevent the bright lights from washing you out. And you'll need an outfit that'll fit your theme."
"No, I understand. I trust that you know what you are doing." Kyler assured him.
Sammie sighed in relief. "That's good. I got the impression that my boss would become a raging bull if I insulted you. Anyway, the make-up and costume department is this way."
Nodding, Kyler followed him through one of the doors that was situated next to the large stage. She found herself in a long hallway that was bustling with activity. Various performers and stage hands were bustling all over the place, from ladies dressed in Vegas type attire to people and toons dressed all in black pushing equipment to various areas. Sammie helped Kyler wade through the crowd before stopping at and opening a door that had a mask on it. Inside were about thirty vanity tables that were alighned along the length of the room and a across from each other. Almost all of them were occupied by male and female performers, all of which were a combination of toons and humans.
"Rawni! Rawni, you back here?" Sammie called. "Ah, there you are!" He said as he made his way to one of the vanity tables at the far end of the room where a tall woman who appeared to be in her mid twenties was working on someone's make-up. Kyler followed closely behind him.
She looked up from the performer she was working on. "Hey Sammie. You need something?"
He nodded. "Yeah, you got a moment?"
The woman rolled her eyes. "Do I look like I have a moment?"
"It's okay Rawni. I can finish the make-up myself." The performer told her. "The boss needs you."
Rawni looked unsure, but nodded. "Okay, if you're sure." She turned to Sammie with her arms crossed. "As long as this guy can promise me that I won't get yelled at if the make-up doesn't turn out right."
"Don't worry Rawni. You know I trust ya." Sammie laughed. He put a hand on Kyler's shoulder. "This is Kyler. She's the new lead singer I told you about. Kyler, this is Rawni. She's the casino's lead dancer, as well as the make-up and costume coordinator."
"Oh yes! The manager did mention that she was coming today. It's nice to finally meet you." Rawni gave Kyler a warm smile as they shook hands.
"You as well." Kyler responded.
"I take it you brought her back here for make-up and a fitting?" Rawni said to Sammie.
Sammie nodded. "That's right. She and I got her theme all figured out, so now it's time for you to work your magic and make that theme a reality."
Rawni gave the stage manager a confident smile. "I will give it my all."
Sammie looked at the clipboard he had been holding the whole time. "Okay, I have to get back to the theater. I'm going to leave Kyler with you. I'll have some of the assistant make-up artists step in so you can devote your full attention to her. Once she is ready, give me a call and have her come out to the theater. I want to see her in full attire on the stage."
"You got it." Rawni called as Sammie turned to leave. He and Kyler waved to each other as he left the busy room.
Rawni smiled at Kyler, who was taking in her surroundings. "I'll take you to your private dressing room to get you made up. It's too noisy in here anyway."
Kyler's eyes widened in surprise. "I get my own dressing room?"
Rawni smiled as she led Kyler through the crowded room and out into the hallway. "All the lead performers have their own dressing rooms. I have one too, but as you probably guessed, I'm hardly in there."
Kyler followd her to the other end of the hallway where there was a single door. Rawni opened it into a more fancier hallway that had other doors, but there was more space between them. Each door had a star with a name written below it. Kyler guessed those were the private dressing rooms.
"Here we are." Rawni said as they stopped at the fourth door from the left. Sure enough, it had a star and Kyler's name scribbled in fancy writing. King Dice was pretty confident that I would get the job. she thought. She was now more determined than ever to not make a fool of herself.
Rawni produced a set of keys and unlocked the door. "Oh my." Kyler exclaimed when they walked in. The dressing room was more than she expected. In addition to a lit up vanity table, there was a comfortable looking bed to the right with a flat screen TV right across from it. Sandwiched between the vanity table and bed was a good sized wardrobe. To the left was a bathroom complete with a separate bathtub and shower. Right between the bathroom and vanity table was a small kitchenette, complete with a stove, some cabinets, and a small refrigerator. There was even a spot that held a cookbook and a coffee pot.
Rawni laughed at her reaction. "The lead performances obviously have the busiest schedules, so King Dice wanted them to have a small living area in case they had to work overnight or were too tired to go home. Thankfully, it's never come to that. We've all just used them to either take a rest between rehersals or relax during break. And prepare for the show, of course."
"It's a lot like the dorm I had when I was in college." Kyler said as she explored the room. "Except I had roommates, so it was a tighter squeeze." She laughed.
Rawni laughed along with her. "Here. I'll quickly show you how to opporate the stove. It's kind of complicated." While she demonstrated, Kyler took the opportunity to analyze Rawni's physical appearance. She appeared to be a little taller than Arisa, who stood at a height of five foot six. He skin was a beautiful mocha color, and she had golden amber eyes. Her shoulder length auburn hair was pulled into a low side ponytail, and she had the slender facial features of a model. But her most distinct features were her wolf-like ears and bushy tail. Kyler had thought they were part of a costume she was wearing until she noticed that Rawni's ears and tail seemed to move naturally. Rawni seemed to notice that Kyler was analyzing her and glanced at her.
Embarassed, Kyler immediately averted her gaze. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare at you. That was rude of me."
"It's all right. I'm used to it." Rawni assured her. "Most humans and toons have never seen a hutoon, let alone met one."
Kyler's eyes widened. Hutoons were the offspring of a toon and human, and her parents had told her that they were quite rare, as humans and toons don't get together very often. "Are you really? I've never seen one before. Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to refer to you as a rare species or anything like that! No, what I meant was...aurgh!" Frustrated,she covered her face with her hands. She was so ashamed of how she was behaving at the moment.
Rawni giggled. "You're a lot cuter than King Dice said you were. And so tiny and pretty. I'm kind of jealous."
Kyler peeked out from behind her hands, her whole face red as a tomato. "I'm..I'm not! You're way prettier than I am!"
Rawni was quiet, as if she didn't know what to say, and Kyler was once again flustered with herself for making the situation more awkward. To her surprise, Rawni gave her a warm smile. "You know just what to say, do you?"
"You're...you're not offended by how I reacted to who you are?" Kyler asked Rawni timidly.
"Of course not!" Rawni said with a laugh. "In fact, I'm flattered. No one has ever complimented me like that before."
Relieved, Kyler giggled along with Rawni. She really liked her.
"So, what kind of theme did Sammie come up with for you?" Rawni asked Kyler.
"Ah." Kyler said. She had almost forgotten why she and Rawni had gotten together to begin with. "My theme is Midnight Star. He said he could picture me bathed in moonlight while singing. You know, because of my hair and eyes."
Rawni nodded in approval. "It really suits you. Moonlight and stars are suitable for someone who has delicate features like you. Make yourself at home in your new dressing room. I will go and get some clothes and make-up for you."
Kyler giggled again. She had never had a make-over before, and she was pretty excited. "Okay. I'll wait right here."
Rawni smiled and left, shutting the door behind her. Kyler sat down on the bed and was almost sorry she did. It was so comfortable, she could go to sleep right now if she wanted to. Instead, she decided to turn on some tv. It's been a while since she watched anything worthwhile.
A few moments later, there was a knock on her door, and she heard Rawni calling on the other side. "Come right on in." Kyler said, and Rawni opened the door, carrying a large make-up case in one hand and pushing a cart full of gowns and shoes with the other. She was even carrying a couple of make up brushes in her mouth.
"My goodness! Let me help you with that." Kyler said as she got up from the bed and took the make up box.
"Thanks." Rawni said in a grateful tone as she took the brushes out of her mouth. "I'm always having to carry a lot of stuff, since I do make up and costumes and my own performances."
Kyler laughed. "Well, next time, just ask me. I'll be happy to help you. I wouldn't want you to get hurt. You could easily trip or fall while carrying all of this. And it's dangerous to be walking around with things in your mouth."
"You really are as kind as King Dice said you were." Rawny said admirably as she wheeled the clothing cart inside.
"Where do want me to put this?' Kyler asked, holding up the make up case.
"Just set it right there on the vanity table." Rawni instructed, and Kyler did so.
Once she got everything inside, Rawni closed the door and dusted her hands. She glanced at Kyler and smiled softly. Kyler was eyeing the clothes and gently running her hand along the gowns. They were some of the fanciest articles of clothing she had ever seen. "You like them?" Rawni asked her.
Kyler nodded. "They're the most beautiful gowns I have ever seen. And the colors are absolutely gorgous."
"I thought silver and royal blue would be the most appropriate for you your theme." Rawni said as she started sorting through the different gowns.
"That works out, because those are my favorite colors." Kyler told her.
"Good. Now, let's see...no...uh-uh...definitely not...ah, let's try this one." She selected a long royal blue strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. The material was flowing chiffon and was speckled with small silver rhinestones that started in clusters from the waist and spread out as they continued all the way down to the end of the dress. "Eheh, it's obviously a bit long, but we can take it in." She said as she handed the gown to Kyler.
Kyler was speechless. She had never worn such a beautiful gown, let alone held one. "Do you really think I can pull off a gown as gorgous as this?" She asked.
"No doubt." Rawni said. "It'll look amazing with your silver hair and purple eyes. Which reminds me, I've been meaning to ask. I hope this doesn't come across as rude, but is that your natural eye color?"
Kyler nodded. "They are my natural color. My mother had the same colored eyes as well. And don't worry. I get asked that a lot. It wasn't rude at all."
Rawni seemed lost in thought. "They're so beautiful." She said softly. A silence followed between them before she snapped out of her daze and shook her head. "Anyway, you can change in the bathroom if you don't feel comfortable doing it in front of me."
"Thanks. I appreciate your consideration." Kyler said, and she walked into the bathroom, taking great care not to drag the gown on the floor, and closed the door behind her.
Rawni waited, and after a few moments, Kyler came out out wearing the gown. It was a bit too long for her, as she had to hold it up so she wouldn't trip over it. But the rest of it seemed to work perfectly. A smile spread across Rawny's face when she saw Kyler. She looked very beautiful in the gown.
"I'm sorry. I'm really trying hard to not let it drag on the floor. I don't want to ruin it." She said as she gave Rawni a sheepish grin.
"That's all right. You're short, so I'm not really surprised. "Rawni assured her.
Kyler then turned around so her back was facing Rawni. "Could you...?" She asked as she held her hair up.
"Oh, sure." Rawni said. She walked forward and zipped the dress up, making sure not to accidentally pinch Kyler's sensitive skin. Then she pulled on to the built in ribbon to make sure it was snug to the point where it wouldn't fall off and tied it. "All right. How does it feel?"
Kyler shifted a bit. "It feels fine. Actually, it's more comfortable than I thought."
"Does it feel like it's going to fall off?" Rawni asked her.
Kyler jumped around a bit and bent forward, making Rawni laugh. "Nope. I think I'm all in there." She said.
"Wonderful. Now the ribbons are just a guide I use to get your measurements, so I can remove them once the gown is exactly your size. In the meantime, let's find you some shoes." Rawni bent down and Kyler watched as she looked through the assortment of shoes that were situated on a bottom shelf on the clothes rack. Eventually, she chose a pair of clear high heels with rhinestones similar to the ones on Kyler's gown.
Kyler sat down in the nearby swiveling vanity chair and put the shoes on. Then she clumsily stood up. "Sorry. I've never worn fancy clothing like this before."
Rawni's eyes widened in surpise. "Really? Not even for your own senior prom?"
Kyler shook her head. "I didn't go to my senior prom. I was too young."
"How can you be too young for your senior prom?" Rawni asked as she opened the makeup box and started pulling out verious cosmetics and hair accessories.
"I was only twelve during my senior year. My parents weren't quite comfortable with me being alone with kids who were at least six years my senior, even though there were plenty of chaperones around." Kyler explained.
Rawni nearnly dropped a couple of lipstick tubes she was holding. "You were how old?!"
Kyler couldn't help but grin. She was used to that kind of reaction. "Yeah, I started the tenth grade when I was nine."
Rawni could only stare at Kyler with her mouth agape. "So...you're a genius." She whispered in awe.
"Not really. I just really enjoyed learning different things." Kyler said with a shrug.
"Are you kidding. That's amazing! You should be proud of yourself." Rawni told her.
Kyler smiled at her. "Thank you. I guess I am... a little." She glanced at the make up kit. "Should I sit down?"
"Ah, yeah. Go right ahead. I'm going to work on your hair now." Rawni said. She opened one of the vanity table drawers and pulled out some brushes, hairspray, and a curling iron.
Kyler sat down and was about to swivel around to face the mirror, but Rawni stopped her. "Since this is technically your first make over, I want this to be a surprise."
Kyler smiled widely. "Okay. I think that will be a lot of fun."
Rawni smiled back and got to work. She and Kyler chatted cheerfully as she styled Kyler's hair, talking about their interests and careers. During the course of their conversation, Kyler learned that Rawni was bisexual, although she seemed to find herself more attracted to other women as opposed to men. When Kyler asked her if she had a preference when it came to other people's sexual orientation, she informed Kyler that she would go out with a woman who was either bi like herself or a lesbian. Kyler made a mental note to herself that she would have to introduce Rawni to Arisa. She was sure they would make a good couple. When it came time to do her make up, she didn't talk as much since she didn't want to mess up Rawni's work. She simply listened as Rawni explained to her the purpose of each cosmetic she was using.
"You're already a natural beauty, so I'm not going to cake it on there. I'm applying just enough so the stage lights won't wash you out." Rawni said as she put the finishing touches on Kyler's lipstick. "Okay, now we're going to add gloss to give your lips some shine, and a tad bit of glitter to emphasize your theme. There. All done." She closed the lipstick tube and put it back in the make up box. "Okay, now I want you to close your eyes before I spin you around for the big reveal. Good. Are you ready?"
Kyler gushed with delight. "I'm ready." She said.
Rawni spun Kyler around in the chair, taking great care not to get the long gown caught in it. "Okay, open your eyes."
Kyler did so... and gasped at the reflection that was staring back at her. Her hair was styled in an elegant loose bun, with wisps that were softly curled and framed her face perfectly. The foundation Rawni had used gave her the appearance of one with flawless skin, and her eye shadow was a gorgeous royal blue that matched the gown. Her cheeks were dusted with a facial glitter, but it wasn't too much. It was just enough to give her an ethereal appearance. Finally, she saw that her lips were a luschous and shiny red shade, but again, it was subtle.
"Well, what do you think?" Rawni asked.
Kyler slowly reached out and placed her hand on the reflection. "Is...is that me?" She whispered, and Rawni nodded in response. "I can't believe it. I...I look like..."
"An angel." Rawni finished for her as she placed her hands on Kyler's shoulders. "You're a very beautiful woman Kyler. It's good to be modest, but don't ever think it's wrong to take pride in your appearance. I know you won't let your beauty go to your head, because you are also beautiful on the inside. Don't you ever forget that."
Kyler nodded. "I will." She stood up so that she could give Rawni a hug, careful not to mess up her make up. "Thank you so much Rawni. I absolutely love it."
Rawni smiled and hugged her back. "I'm happy to hear that. Now then." She reached into the make up box and pulled out a pair of star shaped crystal earrings. "Put these on, and then all that's left is to hem the dress enough so that you will be able to walk in it. I will make the necessary alterations once you take it off.
Kyler did so, then stood as still as possible while Rawni took measurements and pinned up the dress. Once she was finished, she pulled out her cell phone and gave Sammie a call to let him know that Kyler was ready. Then she and Kyler headed out of the dressing room and back into the fancy hallway.
Rawni knew a quicker way to get to the theater, so she had Kyler follow her in a different direction. Along the way, she told Kyler that she had to stop to use the women's room and to wait for her.
Kyler nodded, and while she was waiting, she happened to turn around just as someone was rounding the nearby corner. In an instant, the stranger had accidentally bumped into her, and because she wasn't used to wearing heels, she immediately slipped and fell. "Oof!" She exclaimed as she landed on her bottom.
"Oh dear! My apologies miss! I didn't see you there!" Said a deep male voice. Kyler looked up from where she had fallen and found herself face to face with a rather handsome man. He appeared to be of Asian desent, with wavy black hair and warm brown eyes. He was dressed all in black, so she assumed he was one of the stage hands.
"Oh, that's all right. I wasn't really paying attention." Kyler said as she took ahold of his extended hand and allowed him to help her to her feet.
The man looked her up and down. "I really am sorry. Are you hurt?" He asked.
Kyler smiled and shook her head. "No, I'm fine. I didn't fall too hard."
Sighing with relief, the man smiled back. "I'm glad you're okay." He extended his hand to her again. "Ah, my name is Tomoe Aito. And you are?"
"Kyler. Kyler Sharmain. It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Aito." Kyler said as she shook his hand. "Are you one of the stage hands?"
Tomoe laughed. "Well, not exactly. I'm actually the president of the Inkwell credit union, but King Dice is a very good friend of mine and he's currently short on theater staff. So I volunteer around here on my days off."
"No kidding? One of my best friends is a supervisor at the credit union. Her name is Arisa Yumiko. Do you know her?" Kyler asked him.
Tomoe scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Yumiko...ah, yes! I met her a couple of times during some business banquets. Don't tell the other credit union employees, but I think she's one of my best supervisors."
Kyler giggled. "I promise I won't say a word.
At that moment, the bathroom door opened and Rawni walked out. "Ah, Aito san!" She said as she gave Tomoe a hug. "I didn't know you were volunteering today."
Tomoe chuckled as he hugged her back. "Yeah, I had some time off, so I thought I'd offer some of my assistance."
"I know Sammie appreciates that. As you probably noticed, is been a zoo around here." She looked at Kyler. "Oh, have you met Kyler? She's our new lead singer."
Tomoe laughed, "Well, you could say we bumped into each other, although she didn't tell me about her occupation." He studied her for a moment. "Based on the dress and make up, I'd say her theme has something to do with stars?"
"Midnight Star. That's my theme." Kyler said rather bashfully.
"That's the perfect theme for someone as beautiful as you." Tomoe said. Rawni smiled while Kyler blushed. "Well, I better get to the kitchen. Sammie needs me to pick up the rest of the stage crew's lunch." He smiled warmly at Kyler. "I look forward to seeing you again and watching you perform. It was very nice meeting you."
Kyler smiled back at him. "It was nice meeting you as well." She said, and they waved at each other as he left.
The two women entered through a door that led to the left side of the stage. Rawni led Kyler onto the platform so that Sammie, who had resumed his seat in the middle row, could get a good look at her standing under the stage lights. His face lit up when he saw her.
"Well, what do you think?" Rawni asked her stage manager.
Sammie whistled. "Perfection. Just what I envisioned. Rawni, you really outdid yourself."
Rawni beamed with pride. Kyler was beaming too, mainly because she was happy for Rawni.
Suddenly, one of the entrance doors at the front of the theater swung open, and King Dice came running in as fast as he could. "Huff...huff...sorry ...huff...Sammie. Turned out there was more than one situation out on the main floor. I hope I got back in time to...see..." He trailed off when he saw Kyler standing on the stage fully made up.
Sammie waved at the two women. "Kyler, come on down so my boss and I can get a better look at you."
Kyler nodded, and Rawni helped her walk down the stairs as she held up her gown. Sammie stood up and met both woman halfway down the aisle.
"Come over here sweetie." Sammie said as he took a hold of Kyler's hand and led her over to King Dice, who was standing there with an awestruck look on his face. "Her theme is Midnight Star. I could envision here singing in a moonlit setting. Didn't Rawni do a fantastic job?"
"Wow." That was all King Dice could manage to say in a hushed voice. He didn't think it was possible for Kyler to look even more beautiful, but now that her hair was styled and she was wearing make up and a gorgeous gown...she really did look like an angel sent from above.
Kyler gave him a bashful look. "Is...that a good wow, or a bad one?" She asked
"No, no!" King Dice said quickly. "It's a good one. It's...very good."
Kyler giggled. "I'm glad you like it. I don't normally dress like this."
King Dice smiled at her. "Like it? I love it. No one can pull off that look better than you. And also, I think any guy would consider himself lucky to be in the presence of such a beautiful woman. So, I guess i've been pretty lucky these past few days."
"Thank you so much. You really are a kind person. And...I'm lucky to be in the presence of a handsome man...like you." Kyler's face turned as red as her lipstick. She was surpised at herself for saying something so bold.
Rawni and Sammie exchanged looks with wide grins on their faces. They were happy to see that their boss and new lead singer were bonding. Like everyone else on the island, they knew the past few days have been very trying for both King Dice and Kyler.
"Hey Kyler. I was wondering if you can go back on stage and sing another song." Sammie said. "I want to adjust the lights so they can match the quality of your voice."
"Okay." Kyler turned to King Dice. "Will I see you later?"
"Well actually, I stopped by so I could watch you perform in your full attire. If that's all right with you." King Dice said.
A wide smile spread across Kyler's face. "Of course it's all right. I'm honored that the general manager wants to watch me rehearse." She said as she made her way back up the stage.
King Dice chuckled. He and Sammie resumed their seats and watched Kyler perform while Sammie shouted instructions on what kind of effects he wanted the lights to have on the stage.