Chapter 10 – Carlotta Returns
Nicole almost dropped the files she was holding when Meg Giry burst into her office in tears.
"M. Leroux, something terrible has happened to Marie!"
Nicole didn't have time to panic. Her business face took over. "Show me."
Meg led Nicole to the auditorium part of the theater. As the two approached the stage, Nicole saw that Mm. Giry and Erik were standing with everyone else looking down at a stiff figure.
Reaching Erik's side, Nicole asked, "What happened?"
Erik had to raise his voice a little to be heard over the crying. "A prop was miss-handled by some of the crew when they were moving its position. Unfortunately, Miss Dione was in the way."
Nicole sighed in despair, "Accidents happen, I guess."
Erik scowled, "The next play is in a month. What do you suggest we do?"
"Start advertizing for a new lead singer, I suppose."
"I suppose…"
Nicole couldn't help but smirk in amusement, "The ironic thing is you had no part in this unfortunate incident."
The Phantom couldn't believe she had said that in the face of this tragedy. "You are a monster…but very amusing."
"I have to be to deal with you."
XXX
A few days later they held auditions. Nicole and Erik sat side-by-side in the theater with completely blank faces as they listened to female after female after female. Not one of them stood out and made a prominent impression on either of the managers.
The very last woman made Erik visibly tense. Nicole noticed this and leaned over to him.
"What's wrong?"
"That woman…It's can't be…"
The woman smiled and waved coyly at Nicole.
"Hello, my name is Mm. Carlotta. I will be singing "Think of Me" from the play "Hannibal."
She then locked eyes with Erik and they glared at each other. She cleared her throat and started to sing the song that she had been denied those years ago.
Erik sat back and listened, grudgingly, with adrenaline pumping through his veins. Halfway through the song, Erik was annoyed to find that Carlotta had improved her talents in singing. He scowled and crossed his arms over his chest with a huff.
Carlotta was the last one and after she finished Nicole spoke to the group at large telling them that they would be contacted soon. On the way out Carlotta caught up with them.
"M. Leroux! M. Leroux!" Nicole turned and found herself with a face full of bosom. "I only came here a couple of days ago and I don't have a place to stay. Would you be willing to put me up?"
Nicole's eyes narrowed. "That wouldn't be very professional of either of us, but I do know of a church nearby that would take you in."
Erik smirked. "Ah, yes, a church. Perhaps then you will be forced to take a vow of silence."
Carlotta's heavily lipsticked lips drew into a thin line, but she batted her lashes in Nicole's direction. "Surely you don't share your partner's view?"
Nicole's eyes grew indifferent. "I believe in giving everyone fair consideration. Whatever faults Erik finds with you will be taken into deliberation including any charms…"
It seemed Nicole's ploy to make peace by smooth-talking the Prima Dona had worked. She smiled in a sensual way, curtsied, and walked away taking care to brush Nicole's thigh as she left.
Erik's lip curled in utter disgust as he saw her ample hips sway away. "I hate that woman…"
XXX
Erik ran his hands through his hair in frustration, "But I hate that woman!"
Nicole sighed from the ornate chair in Erik's lair. "I know, but she was the best one there and she already has experience with this particular play. You're just going to have to swallow your pride and accept her reappearance at the Opera Populaire."
Erik tried to reign in his temper as he said, "But what of the way she practically jumped you in the theater? Do you really want her around? Her libido could put your secret at risk…"
Nicole was oddly pleased that he had noticed such blatant behavior. "I think it's worth the risk, besides…I match her in physical strength." Seeing his glare, she quickly added, "But I'll still be very cautious."
Erik sighed in resignation and sat back in his chair. It was the best he could ask for, but there was still something in the back of his mind…He was well acquainted with woman like Carlotta. They had both eyes peeled for rich, successful men and, although Nicolas Leroux was by far not a man, he was still quite the catch. His business was taking off and his name was already being spoken in the most prominent of circles. Erik's eyes discreetly flicked over Nicole's form. His heart sped up in anger when the image of Carlotta kissing Nicole formed in his mind. Logically, he knew it shouldn't have bothered him, being that they were both female and Carlotta was unlikely to fall in love with the same gender, but he didn't know where Nicole's tastes ran toward. Considering the topic, he felt that it was best left alone, besides it wasn't even his business.
Erik sighed in defeat and ran his hands through his hair again. But when he looked at her it was with calm, determined eyes, "If you think this is a wise decision, then I shall support you."