When the music began to fade and blend into another song, Laurie took her cue and strutted off the stage. A round of applause followed her and Candy took her place.
As Laurie watched Candy from backstage, a hand roughly squeezed her shoulder from behind. Jumping slightly, she turned around and quickly moved away from John. She decided not to make a scene.
He pursed his lips and scolded her. “You're supposed to strip, Laurie. You didn't take off your bodysuit. Next time you take it off, comprende?"
Laurie slumped a little and nodded. Her anger was helplessly trapped inside like a furious bee behind a glass window, trying to get out, and just as ineffective as one.
“Good," John continued. “Your set was pretty good toward the end, but most of it was crap. Did you practice today?"
“A litt
