Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Mr. Johnson, you can count on me. Once I say yes, I'm all in. No hard feelings, no making life difficult for Sherilyn."

That just wasn't her style.

"You believe me?" Daphne asked.

"Absolutely!" Gilbert didn't hesitate for a second. Whether he truly believed her or not didn't matter; for Sherilyn's sake, he was going to show confidence.

"Ms. Hansen's integrity? How could I doubt that? If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have entrusted Sherilyn to your care."

After a moment, he added, "Oh, and there's one more thing I need to ask of Ms. Hansen."

"What's that?"

Gilbert said, "It's something Sherilyn doesn't know about. I'm hoping you can keep it under wraps so it doesn't affect her mood."

Sherilyn didn't need to be burdened with complicated matters. She loved dancing. That's where her heart should be, fully immersed in her passion.

Daphne was surprised by his request. This man... going to such lengths for Sherilyn and choosing to keep it a secret?

Did he not want the credit?

Men's thoughts can be quite the puzzle at times.

But this was none of her concern. Daphne nodded in agreement, "Sure thing, Mr. Johnson. Thanks for trusting me."

"I should be the one thanking you. Please take good care of Sherilyn."

...

When Daphne called, Sherilyn was on set at the film studio, shooting the last scene of her current project.

After tonight, she'd be out of a job.

Mr. Marshall was waiting on her decision to sign on for her next film, which would be her big break.

Signing the contract was the next step in continuing her work.

But Sherilyn couldn't quite make up her mind. Entering the entertainment business wasn't her original intention.

Was this the right path for her? Could she excel?

Then, Daphne's call came through.

"Ms. Hansen?" Sherilyn was both excited and puzzled. Ms. Hansen was calling her?

"Yes." Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Daphne got straight to the point, "I'm at the film studio. Can you meet now to talk?"

Surprised, Sherilyn agreed, "Absolutely! Where are you?"

"I'm at a coffee shop nearby."

"Great, I'll be right there!"

Hanging up, Sherilyn hurried to the coffee shop, still in her costume.

Upon arrival, Daphne smirked, "Landed another role already?"

"No," Sherilyn hurried to explain, "It's the same project. I had a contract."

The conversation had to be seen through.

"Take a seat," Daphne said, gesturing to the chair across from her.

"Sure, Ms. Hansen." Sherilyn sat down, her posture as rigid as a schoolgirl.

"Go ahead."

Daphne couldn't help but laugh. "You got fired because you took on a film role, and yet here you are, still shooting?"

"Ms. Hansen?" Sherilyn's heart raced.

Determinedly, she explained, "The assistant director of this film, he's been really supportive, helped me a lot when I was going through a tough time. This was all before I joined the dance troupe. I know I broke the rules, but I didn't mean to..."

"Alright, alright."

Seeing her panic, Daphne waved her off, "How much longer do you have on this film?"

Why would Ms. Hansen ask that?

Though confused, Sherilyn answered truthfully, "Tonight's the last scene."

Daphne nodded, then asked, "And after this, do you plan to continue acting?"

Sherilyn paused, "I... I'm still figuring it out."

"Don't bother."

Daphne dropped the bombshell casually, "After tonight, come back to dancing. The lead dancer spot in Sea Breeze Swing Group is waiting for you."