~LIAM.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry, but you're not allowed in there."

The voice was sharp and feminine, imperious with a hint of insecurity. When I looked up, a woman stood blocking the backstage door: glittering heels, a too-tight corset shoving large fake boobs toward her chin, a thong, and long dark hair spilling over one shoulder. Her lips were pursed.

Of course. Of course, I couldn't just walk in.

I stopped, sizing her up. She had that look: authority rooted in a sense of importance, not respect. The type who thrived on the belief that power was hers to control.

Her eyes briefly scanned me, lingering a bit too long...