If Ever(6)

"Celebrity Dance Off always throws us new challenges, and Chelsea's terrific," he says in a honeyed voice that I don't believe for a second.

"So you believe the Dominic Yardley magic touch can turn Chelsea into a top contender?"

"It's early in the competition. I wouldn't rule us out."

The interviewer thanks us and moves on.

Dominic's arm drops from my side and he frowns. "Chelsea, they're looking for a useful sound bite. Monotone, two-word answers aren't going to help."

"Oh. Sorry."





An hour later I arrive at a local restaurant for the post show party. It's teeming with all the pros and stars and looks like I'm the last to arrive. Pulling off the false eyelashes and swiping away the lacquered on makeup took longer than expected.

Eyeing the boisterous crowd, my first instinct is to run, but Anna's voice rings in my ear. Being here in L.A. and on this show is a once in a lifetime experience, I need to go for it, so I hike my purse strap higher and head for the bar. Candace Capri is with her partner, Raul, and her posse. A tiny white dog peeks out of a giant purse on the center of the table lapping up unattended drinks.

The middle-aged newscaster is chatting with the celebrity chef and the Olympic volleyball champ. The body builder is flirting with the super model and by his expression, hoping to score tonight.

I spot Hank with Shane, a cute teenager who also happens to be a world-class diver, and his pro partner, Cassie, along with a couple girls from the troupe who I haven't actually met. I approach their table and smile. Hank is chatting with Shane and doesn't see me, but the redheaded Cassie does.

"Hi," I say with my best I'm cool laid back voice.

Cassie, still in her stage makeup and wearing a silky emerald top with a daring low-cut back, gives me the once over, making me wish I'd worn something nicer. "This is a private party," she says in a condescending tone.

My face falls. Is it even worth explaining I belong here?

"Chelsea! We survived!" Hank says spotting me from across the table.

Cassie squints at me for a sec. "Oops, didn't recognize you without any makeup." She scoops up her drink and swishes away.

Do I look that bad? I put on mascara, blush and lip gloss before I came. As I look around the room, I realize every woman from the show looks stunning, still in her stage makeup and wearing flashy clothes.

"There's a seat right here." Hank pats a bar stool next to him. I could kiss the old man.

"Sure, give me a sec." I set my drink on the table and make for the ladies room to improve on my dismal appearance. The restrooms are down a flight of stairs. At the bottom, Dominic is talking with pro dancer Pavel.

I'm about to greet them, when I hear Dominic say, "It'll be a miracle if we make it past tomorrow's elimination, let alone week two."

I halt and step back out of sight.

"She's not bad. You might eke out a couple of weeks," Pavel says.

"Hardly. It's bad enough she's a nobody. Did you see her with the press? She hasn't got a clue. She's as green and uncultivated as the Midwest farm she came from. God, I hope we're out tomorrow so I can get on with my life and work on my tour."

I break out in a sweat. He hates me.

Afraid of discovery, I flee back up the stairs. Here I was having the time of my life and all this time he's been putting on an act pretending to like me.

The party room is bursting with laughter and post-show elation. I've never felt so unwanted or out of place. This was a huge mistake. I slip through the crowd and out to the parking lot. Inside my car I grip the steering wheel. I don't belong here.

As I drive back to my apartment, every possible solution flies through my head. I could claim I'm sick and not show up tomorrow and let us be voted off without having to face the music. Or I could just call the producers and quit. Or maybe I should pick up my stuff and keep driving until I'm so far away there's no way I can be forced to see this thing through.

My phone rings as I'm pulling into my lot and I jolt. It's Anna.

"You were amazeballs!" she gushes.

I cringe.

"I can't believe you're out there with all those famous people dancing your ass off. You looked great!"

"Oh, Anna. The whole thing is a mess." I sigh and gather my bag from the car.

"Why?"

Inside my tiny apartment, I flick on the light revealing the bareness, a stark contrast to the colorful chaos of the ballroom. "I don't belong here. This show is meant for celebrities, people who know how to behave in front of a camera. No one even talks to me."

"Come on. Give it a chance. It's only week one, and you've got Dominic everyday. That's nothing to balk at."

I plop down on the couch. "He doesn't want me here either."

"What?"

"I overheard him with his friend. He's hoping we go home tomorrow."

There's silence on the other end, and then she says, "That's horrible. I thought he was a nice guy."

"More like Jekyll and Hyde. Sometimes he's nice and funny, other times he's distant and brooding. Now I know why."

"I'm sure it's not that bad?"

I hug a throw pillow as if it will keep me afloat. "Either way, it sucks to be me. I hope I get voted off tomorrow and can run home in humiliation. I expect some serious drinking to try to wipe this experience from my brain."