“You should attempt to get in on pure talent.” The blond man announced, taking a seat next to the man with the flowers.

  “I will, but that doesn’t mean ladies can’t enjoy a rose. It’s been a long day for them, so all I want to do is lift their spirits.”

  Placing one leg over the other, the advice-giver provided some more. “You should cover your neck before they get the wrong impression about you.”

  “I don’t need your help.”

  “Ninety-five.” The usual man called into the waiting room. In response, the flower-man stood up. He adjusted his collar, picked up the flowers, and left the other behind.

  “Good afternoon, ladies!” The man cheerfully greeted, placing the vases on the table, one in front of each woman. He set his bio down at the same time.

  Stepping away from them, he continued. “You may call me Mark, and I’m a young and mature twenty-two.” He sent a wink in their direction. During this pause, Carter took it upon himself to introduce the people at the table.

  When finished, Charlene questioned with a flirty look on her face. “Is that lipstick on your neck?” Mark shifted his collar again.

  “That would be my mother’s.” He quickly made up. “She gave me a kiss for good luck as I left the house. I visited her this morning with her own bouquet of flowers.”

  “Oh, how wonderful!” Charlene’s blue eyes widened with joy.

  With the second woman paying no attention to him and actually looking a little awkward, Mark realised which was the easier target.

  “A wonderful woman deserves a wonderful gesture. Though, I have to admit, my mother’s beauty is nothing like your own.”

  Charlene’s reply was overshadowed by Carter’s annoyance.

  “Flirting won’t get you anywhere. Get on with the audition.”

  Mark’s hand moved to touch the crown earring dangling from his left earlobe, intentionally drawing attention back to his face. He held it for a few seconds. As he let go of it, it swung lightly and hit his other piercing on the upper lobe. Both of which were unique to his left ear.

  “Of course.” His yellow eyes never left Charlene’s as he began his song.

  The song was slow, and his voice was melodic. It was as if he was trying to hypnotise her with his words of love. Every so often, Mark brought a hand in front of him, reaching out for the woman, captivating her even more.

  As the song beautifully came to a close, he released a satisfied sigh. Charlene applauded. To which, Daniel slowly pushed her hands down.

  Mark expelled his breath with an awkward laugh, a little shy now that he was being praised. Simultaneously, he shifted his white hair aside to scratch his head.

  “Thank you. I’ll proceed with the dancing.”

  Though his actions were directed at the ladies, the way in which Mark moved his body was inviting everyone to watch, and then making it impossible for them to turn away. His body’s movements were entrancing. Any request they made, one wouldn’t be able to refuse. Even Chris, as shy as she was, openly leered at the beckoning gestures. Like the others, she was taken in by the beauty of the man. His very being spoke.

  ‘Come to me. Choose me. I am your one and only.’

  The temperature in the room seemed to rise as the dance progressed, but as it reached the peak, everything instantly froze with the dance’s conclusion.

  After eventually recovering, Charlene was the first to speak.

  “I... I don’t know what to say.” Charlene was speechless for the first time in her life.

  Daniel chimed in. “I don’t like men, but I would.” He took a moment to regain his thoughts. “Where did you learn to dance like that?”

  “It came from here.” Mark gently placed his hand on his chest, meaning his heart.

  “That’s how you get the ladies.” Carter gruffly informed him. It was hard to tell if that was a compliment.

  “Chris?” Mark softly asked the woman hiding behind her papers.

  “…Well… you’ll be a hit with the fans.” She finally announced, placing the sheets back on the table, though her gaze avoided him.

  “We’ll let you know in two weeks.” Carter abruptly added.

  Taking that as his cue to leave, Mark did just that. Though, surprisingly, or perhaps not, Charlene stood up and followed him from the room.

  “Mark.” She called sweetly. Upon seeing her, his smile grew.

  “Is something the matter?” He questioned innocently.

  She happily shook her head. Then, the woman ten years his senior reached up to give him a kiss on the cheek, leaving a bright red lipstick imprint as she pulled away.

  “It’ll be a pleasure to work with you.” Her hand lightly ran along his arm as she turned and entered the audition room.

  When she’d left, Mark scanned the room to see how much attention he drew.

  He saw the man looking around the room, and when their eyes met, his blue eyes narrowed.