Author's note: With the ending of Glee, my muse has awoke from its long slumber and insisted I write this. It was written quickly this evening, so I apologize for any mistakes. The story is not St. Berry but rather about Jesse St. James and an overview of his life since we last saw him speaking with Carmen at Nationals.

It was the cramping of his fingers that brought Jesse's attention to the fact that he had a death grip on the music sheets in his hand. Slowly he relaxed his grasp and concentrated on breathing slowly, deeply and evenly. Trying to further distract himself he took a quick survey of the room. Around him, others actors were waging their own inner battle of nerves; some paced, some hummed under the breath, others tapped fingers in a nervous rhythm to a beat only they could hear. Many had earbuds firmly in place attempting to drown out their surroundings while rehearsing their music in their head.

Jesse closed his eyes and let his mind wander back along his journey over the past couple of years. It had been Carmen Tibideaux's words to him at Nationals that had revived his belief in himself which in turn had led him to New York once more in pursuit of his dreams. It hadn't been an easy journey. Although his parents had agreed to pay his rent on a small studio apartment, his allowance didn't go far and he'd had to take on a part-time job as a waiter. Dealing with condescending and rude customers had been a challenge to the St. James inborn arrogance. Jesse winced mentally at the memory of his first job which had ended rather abruptly when he'd dumped water on a particularly obnoxious restaurant patron. But once he'd begun viewing his job as though he'd been cast as a footman in a British play, he'd taken to his subservient role as a waiter with relish. In fact, he was now making quite a nice income in tips, and had become a big favorite with the regulars.

When he wasn't working Jesse was honing his breath control and diction, taking acting classes whenever he could and going to as many open casting calls as possible. Although he had confidence in his talent, the past few years had demonstrated to him that talent, passion and hard work wasn't enough; luck, and making important contacts were also intrinsically part of a performer's life if they were to succeed. So Jesse treated every audition as though it were the most important role of a lifetime and continued to hope for that lucky break. His work ethic had begun to pay off. Bit by bit he landed small non-speaking roles and parts in the chorus, then to speaking parts in a few off Broadway productions, and now here he was at a callback for a part in what looked to be an exciting new musical.

His musings were suddenly interrupted as the door to the audition room opened again and another actor exited rapidly. Jesse sat up straighter and watched with more interest as the next candidate was called in. It seemed to Jesse that actors were entering and exiting more speedily than they had during the initial open call a few weeks earlier. His observations were confirmed a few short minutes later when the latest actor emerged both in a hurry and noticeably upset.

"Jesse St. James?"

Jesse took a deep breath and stood up. He quickly followed the harried looking assistant into the room and handed his sheet music to the pianist before turning to view the panel.

"Mr. St. James, is it?" a deep melodic voice inquired from the center position of the seated panel.

Jesse's eyes widened in disbelief. Derek Wills! What was the famed director doing here? He hadn't been at the original auditions. If Wills was now involved in this production, then Jesse had to give it his all and more.

"Yes, that's correct." Jesse managed to keep his voice even and calm, even though it felt like he'd just swallowed a kaleidoscope of butterflies. He tried hard not to think about the possibility that this could be his big break. Even a small part in a Derek Wills' production would be an impressive achievement to add to his acting portfolio, not to mention it opening up the possibility of landing future roles with the acclaimed director. Wills might have the rep of being the director from hell but it was undisputed that he had an eye for new talent, and being cast by him was every unknown actor's dream.

"Well let's get on with it then." The voice was now a mixture of boredom and testiness. "What are you going to sing for us?"

"I'll be singing 'Dividing Day' from 'Light in the Piazza.'

As the pianist struck the opening cord, Jesse forced himself to concentrate on the music and the emotion of the song. Taking a full breath he threw his heart and soul into the lyrics, and it wasn't until he reached the final verse that he realized they'd let him sing the entire song. That alone was apparently an achievement.

Somewhat warily, his gaze landed on the man that could decide his destiny. Wills was no longer lounging apathetically in his chair; sometime during Jesse's song he had straightened up and was now focused and alert. The director whispered something to his fellow panelists and some hasty note scribbling took place.

"Thank you Mr. St. James, we will be in touch," was all that Jesse got, but as he gathered up his sheet music, a euphoric feeling began to spread throughout his body. He knew he had done his best and now his fate was out of his hands; he exited the room with a confident smile on his face.

Ten days later with no further word about the role, Jesse wasn't feeling quite so cheerfully optimistic. Every time his phone trilled the opening notes of Bohemian Rhapsody, his heart soared in anticipation, only to plunge into despair when it wasn't "the" call. This was the hard part of being an actor. Even if you did your best, it might not be enough or you might not be exactly what they were looking for. The worst though was when the part went to someone less talented who only got the part because they were either related to someone higher up or because they were willing to trade sex for a role. That was the dark side of the acting business and Jesse despised it.

Heaving a sigh, Jesse tore himself away from such pessimistic thoughts and got ready for work. This was his favorite night of the week because he got to hang up his waiter's uniform and instead he got to sing and play piano at an upscale bar/restaurant. It may not be a Broadway stage but it fed his need to perform. Some hours later as he was leaving the stage to make his way discreetly to the exit, a hand suddenly clapped him on his shoulder. Whirling around Jesse found himself standing face to face with none other than Derek Wills.

Trying not to gape in astonishment, Jesse rapidly put on his show face and smiled pleasantly. "Mr. Wills."

"Mr. St. James." A hint of amusement curved around the corners of the director's lips. "It's good to see that your passion for performing is not dictated by the size of the venue or the attention of the audience. Tell me, Mr. St. James, how would you feel about devoting all that energy into the lead role of the musical I'm about to embark upon?"

This time Jesse's mouth did fall open in surprise. Finally, he managed to find his voice. "You want me for the lead?"

"Yes, the lead. Do you fear you're not capable?"

"Of course I'm capable." Jesse nearly slapped his hand over his mouth as the somewhat arrogant words tumbled forth without a filter. But Wills just threw back his head and laughed.

"There's nothing wrong with self-confidence when it is warranted, and there is no doubt at all that you are talented."

"But I am an unknown." Jesse was still in disbelief. Sure, he'd hoped for a part in the musical, but the lead role had been more of a dream than a possibility. "Are the backers willing to risk casting an unknown actor as the lead?"

"The panel was unanimous that you were perfect for the role and so were the backers, once we'd showed them the tapes of your audition and callback. I did a background check as well and your reputation for being willing to work hard and for striving for perfectionism has also been noted. Just be warned, I expect you to give 110 percent at all times, even if you think you're ready to drop."

A grin broke out on Jesse's face. "Clearly you haven't met my previous show choir coach. That 110 percent will not be a problem."

"Good. The contract will be delivered to you tomorrow. I look forward to working with you." With that the director pulled his coat collar up and headed out into the chilly evening air, leaving Jesse wondering if he'd just dreamt it all. His bemusement was interrupted by the head waiter Marcel.

"Wasn't that Derek Wills, the director? What did he want with you?"

"Remember that last audition I told you about? Well, you my friend are now looking at the lead in Derek Will's latest production." Jesse was still smirking about the shocked look on Marcel's face as he made his way home humming 'Look out Broadway, here we come.' Broadway better look out because Jesse St. James was about to make his ascent to stardom.

Additional author's note: I'll leave it to the readers' imaginations as to who gets cast as his female co-star. :-)