Hearts for Rent

By Crystal James

Hearts for Rent takes readers on a journey of life, love, and loss. The story follows six twenty somethings as they enter Julliard. J.T. has to make decisions about going to school or following his dream of being in a Broadway play. Ashleigh crosses paths with Kelso whom she falls in love with at just the sight of him. She does not find out his secret until she thinks she has run out of time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crystal James
• Release date: Jan 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458037473

Crystal James

I am a director of an alternative high school in Kansas City, Missouri. In my spare time between teaching, talking to parents, raising my own two kids, and making sure my two dogs stay out of trouble, I write fiction. I have always loved to imagine situations and then create a story out of them. My favorite type of writing is for young adults and realistic fiction. You will not catch my writing vampire stories any time soon. Some of my favorite writers are John Grisham, Lisa Scottoline, Suzanne Collins, and Sophia Kinsella. I would love for everyone to read my books and let me know what you think!

Book preview

Hearts for Rent

By Crystal James

Copyright 2011 Crystal James

Smashwords Edition

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Chapter 1

J.T. read the letter for the third time this morning:

Dear Mr. Jayson Sumtrane,

Congratulations! This letter is to inform you that you have met the requirements to be accepted to Julliard. Please report at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, January 8 to the Julliard auditorium.

Hope you have a great time at Julliard.

Sincerely,

Anastacia Harlow

Dean of Academic Affairs

ALH:btj

He drummed his fingers on the small pub table in his flat. Then, he pushed the play button on his answering machine.

"Good morning, good morning, J.T. I just heard from the director of RENT. They loved your audition and hired you on the spot to play Mark. Rehearsals start Monday, January 8 at 9:00 A.M. Call me ASAP. Buh-bye."

And so, the dilemma begins, Jayson sighed.

His cell phone rang to the tune of Seasons of Love and he grabbed it immediately.

Jayson’s cell, Jayson speaking.

Hey, J.T.! What’s up? a girl’s voice asked.

Trying to figure out what to do with my life.

Isn’t everybody? Did you get your letter from Julliard, yet?

Yeah, I got accepted, J.T. said with as little emotion as possible.

Me, too. We can hang out together.

"Well, you see, there’s a slight problem, Heidi. I didn’t think I was going to get accepted, so I auditioned for RENT and rehearsals start the same day I’m supposed to be at Julliard."

You don’t even know if you got the part.

Beverly called me. I’m Mark.

A high pitched scream raced through the phone line. Ohmigosh, he’s my favorite character! You have to do it! You’re perfect for the part.

Yeah, but if I do, then I have to wait another semester and there are only so many openings at Julliard each year, J.T. said.

Well, don’t you think they might waive it, the fact that you got a lead role in a Broadway show that is like the greatest play ever?! Heidi questioned.

Ah, so my public awaits, J.T. joked.

Why don’t you talk to the Dean? She seemed like a nice lady.

.Oh, the bun so tight her eyes stretched out and the glasses down to the tip of her nose didn’t tip you off?

C’mon. Jayson-

J.T.—only official people and parents call me Jayson-

Fine. J.T., you have just had two opportunities of a lifetime fall in your lap. I’m sure there is a compromise somewhere. Talk to the Dean.

What about the director and producer?

They work with T.V. actors all the time. Obligations are no problem for them, Heidi informed her pessimistic friend.

Oh, and you’re the expert.

J.T., just think about it. Your name up in lights, your Julliard buddies in the front row. Fame, baby, fame!

Please don’t break into song, J.T. groaned.

Oh, all right. But, really, the reason I called is because a bunch of us are going out to celebrate our acceptance letters and I was nominated to call you.

Who is going to be there?

Oh. Ashleigh, Court, Brady, Freedom, Sam, Dashelle, Parker, and yours truly.

And where would we be going to?

Really, J.T., you’re a professional now. Don’t end your questions with prepositions.

I’m a music and theater major. Nowhere in my resume do I have an English major. Now, where are we going?

Some place where they sing and dance on Friday nights—The Apple Blossom.

I wish they would like of a better name like Brown Betty’s or—

Ew!

It’s a dessert, Heidi. I’ll be there. What time?

Nine-ish. So, get ready.

Okay, I’m out. Ciao!

Buh-bye. Hope you figure out your dilemma.

As always.

CHAPTER 2

J.T. walked into The Apple Blossom at 9:00. He could hardly hear himself over the bad karaoke singer. He cringed with pain and walked toward the table of friends.

"Hey, Mark—I mean J.T. Man, you really don’t have to dress like the RENT guy all the time," Court remarked.

You of all people should be talking, Mr. Plaid-pants wearing, guitar toting, Mimi lover. You really should change your name to Roger, J.T. joked.

Lose the scarf.

Lose the pants.

Ooh, this could get exciting, Ashleigh interrupted.

Okay, if you’re so into being the part, why don’t you try out your looks on that girl over there. I heard her name is Maureen, Court suggested.

Nah, I don’t have time. I’ve got some big decisions to make.

Like what? Parker asked.

Like go to Julliard or appear in a Broadway play as the lead role.

J.T., you’re killing me! Tell them what play! Heidi screamed.

Okay, okay. I got the part as Mark, but rehearsals start same day and time as Julliard role call.

Ouch. Tough break- Court said.

I’ve already had this discussion once today. He looked over at Heidi. I’m here to have fun. Now, let’s show these karaoke rookies what it takes.

"I’m with that. I mean we are Julliard students," Court said with a touch of joking arrogance.

So, what’s it gonna be? Freedom asked. I’ll sing.

Stick to dancing, Brady warned.

Oh, c’mon. I can sing.

By whose definition? Court asked.

Merriam-Webster. Ha, ha, Freedom snided. I’ve been taking lessons.

Yeah, but can you do this? Heidi asked. She asked a soulful first line of Amazing Grace.

Oh, boy, here it comes. The anything you can do, I can do better contest, J.T. grumbled.

No kiddin’. Parker agreed. I think its time we show these girls what singing is all about.

Well, go ahead, show us, oh wise one, Ashleigh commented.

Give us a song, J.T. demanded.

The girls thought for a moment and decided the guys would sing Glory from RENT.

We don’t want J.T. to get rusty, Freedom explained.

Oh, gee, thanks, Freedom, J.T. acknowledged. But, I think if we have to sing, the girls have to sing.

You’re on, Heidi said. She spit on her hand and extended it for a handshake.

And she’s the proper one, Parker mused.

Shut up, Heidi snapped.

"All right, the girls have to sing . . .Take me out Tonight," J.T. said.

Oh, boy, a RENT fest, Ashleigh mumbled.

You girls started it, J.T. remarked.

So, who’s first? Dashelle asked.

Ladies, first, of course, Court answered while exaggerating a chivalrous bow.

You’re so kind, Heidi said.

Freedom, you stay here and judge.

I don’t think so, I’m singing, Freedom remarked.

The guys did a group high five. They knew they would get more applause if Freedom sang. She could dance like no one else, but her singing lacked.

Boys, the girls sighed in unison and rolled their eyes.

Let’s go, girls, we have a song to sing, Heidi ordered. She led the three other girls up on the stage and grabbed the microphone. "All right, Bohemians, we have a little wager going on at table 5. Those boys think they can sing better than us. We just received our acceptance letters from Julliard and they think they’re better than us. So, we need your help. We are going to sing Take me out Tonight from RENT. If you like it give us applause. If you don’t , well, bully for you. Any questions?"

Court stood up. Yeah, can I get your phone number?

Heidi scratched her cheek with a choice finger. Okay, girls. Let’s blow them away.

The hard guitar drive blared in the speakers and Heidi opened. She had the husky, scratchy voice that was perfect for the song. As the verses and choruses went on, the microphone was passed down the line. When Freedom had a hold of the microphone, she sounded like she reached from her gut and gave the ultimate alto performance. The girls were knocked away as well as the guys. When the song was over, the room thundered with applause.

Top that, boys, Freedom challenged.

Oh, we will, J.T. said as he led the guys up on the stage. He grabbed the microphone from Freedom. Honestly, how many of you are tired of hearing people sing songs from RENT over and over?

Whistles and screams filled the club. "That’s what we thought, so we changed our song, girls. We’re going to sing When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge."

Oh, boy, here goes the croonin’ and swoonin’, Heidi moaned.

Thanks for your support, Heidi, J.T. said as he winked.

Music, please, Court requested.

The karaoke jockey started the music and the boys filled the room with a soulful rendition of the song. J.T. got the most applause.

For those of you that enjoy the stylings of J.T. Sumtrane, he will be playing Mark in RENT at the Madrid Theater coming soon, Parker said in his over exaggerated lounge jockey voice.

Okay, so who’s got the best vocals? the K.J. asked taking over the microphone. The girls or the guys? By the sound of your applause, screams, and the throwing of undergarments, how do you like the boys?

Girls in the crowd stood up and screamed. A few girls did cattle call whistles.

And the girls?

The guys in the audience bellowed and applauded. A few of them called the names of the girls.

I think it’s safe to say it’s a tie. But, with these guys, it’s always a tie, the K.J. announced.

Good call, Heidi said.

Okay, the singing’s over, so how ‘bout a little dancin’? Freedom asked.

Do you ever stop competing? Parker asked.

You’re just jealous that I’ve got the moves and you don’t, Freedom said as she grinded her hips to the music playing.

Gee, I think I know what they’re doing tonight, Dashelle muttered.

Oh, please. We never sailed on that boat, Parker said. But, it would be nice to test the waters.

Freedom beckoned Parker to join her on the dance floor.

Court looked over at the two.

Sheesh. Dancers. Definitely not my breed. I’ll stick to singing and acting.

You do know you’re never going to get a job in a musical if you refuse to dance, J.T. said.

I’ll take my chances. So, have you decided what you’re going to do about Julliard?

I think I’m going to talk to the Dean and see if she can make an exception. She’ll probably hate me forever, but at least, I won’t give up.

Good call, Ashleigh remarked.

But, right now, I’m gonna go have some fun on the dance floor. Anyone care to join me?

I will, Heidi said without hesitation.

I shouldn’t have asked, J.T. said, shaking his head and smiling.

Well, c’mon, let’s go swingin! Heidi exclaimed.

The music had changed from bump and grind to a Brian Setzer song. Girls were flying through the air at the expense of their male partners. Heidi and J.T. made it on the dance floor and began swing dancing. Heidi was very small and agile, so J.T. could throw her, slide her, and do anything else he wanted to in order to look professional. In fact, the two were so good together that a circle formed around them on the dance floor. Even Freedom and Parker couldn’t keep up with their friends.

Needless to say, the newly accepted Juliardites danced and sang the night away. They only had a week before role call and J.T. had some big decisions to make.

CHAPTER 3

Hi, Beverly, it’s J.T.

Hey, there. I was hoping you’d call soon. I need to let the producers know your decision.

Yeah, about that. I have a hypothetical situation I want you to listen to and then tell me what you would do.

All right, Beverly said with puzzlement in her voice.

Say, you received an acceptance letter from Julliard and you also received a call to tell you that you got the lead role in a major Broadway production—

I’d say, I’m a very talented person, Beverly answered.

Let me finish. Both of these things—Julliard and rehearsal—start on the same day and the same time. Now, tell me what you would do, J.T. said.

Well, first off, I’m pretty sure this isn’t a hypothetical situation. I’d say you’ve got a big decision to make and you better do it soon.

Do you think I should talk to the dean at Julliard?

Whatever it takes, hun. It’s your life. Just don’t run yourself ragged trying to do both. You’ll get bags under your eyes and who knows what else.

Thanks, Bev. I’ll call you back as soon as I can. But, go ahead and let the producers know I want the part.

All right. Let me know what happens with the dean,

I will. Bye.

Buh-bye.

J.T. hung up the phone and started to dial the number to Julliard. He stopped midway through.

What the heck am I doing? he said aloud. I don’t even have a good excuse planned or a valuable argument. I can’t call, yet. I have to think of something good to tell her. She’s not going to go for, Hi, I was accepted to Julliard, but I got another once in a lifetime offer, what can you do for me? C’mon, J.T., think!

Someone knocked on his door. J.T., it’s Court, I need in.

Don’t you have a key?

Um . . no. I gave it back when I moved out.

Oh, yeah. J.T. walked over to the door and let his friend inside. What’s going on?

I need a favor. I didn’t get the scholarship that I applied for. I don’t have enough money to go to Julliard. Can I get a loan from you?

Court, be serious. Won’t your parents cover the extra?

My parents? What parents? I have no parents. They kicked me out when I told them I wasn’t going into the family practice. I have no money, J.T. I need your help.

Court, I can’t do it, man. Why can’t you get a loan from the bank?

They saw my occupation was actor.

Oh. J.T. knew that problem all too well.

O.K., we’ll think of something. You’re going to Julliard no matter what. Me on the other hand . . . J.T. stared at the phone in his hand.

Haven’t called the dean, yet, have you? Court asked.

I made an attempt and then realized I was going to sound like a blubbering idiot, J.T. answered.

You’re an actor, you can do impromptu. Just come up with some really good comebacks, Court suggested.

Easy for you to say, J.T. quipped. You don’t have my problem.

I wish I did, Court said.

Okay, okay, I get it. I’m calling right now.

Great. I’ll be your coach in case you can’t think of an answer. Just give me a pen and paper, Court said.

J.T. rolled his eyes and dialed the phone.

Julliard. This is Burnetta, how can I help you?

I’d like to speak to Dean Harlow, please.

May I ask whose calling?

Yes, you may—I mean Jayson Sumtrane. It’s an urgent matter.

All right, please hold.

J.T. heard Bach’s Minuet in G as the hold music. He sat down next to his piano and started echoing the music. Court sang the oldies song with the same tune. About five minutes passed by.

Sheesh. It’s like waiting for a person in customer service.

Maybe she forgot. Call back, Court suggested.

Nah, I’ll get her eventually. Patience is key.

Someone knocked on the door. Court went over to answer it and Heidi walked in.

What’s going on? she asked.

Waiting for the Dean, Court answered.

Wouldn’t it be easier to drive up there and see her in person? Heidi questioned again.

It took enough just to dial the phone. I don’t think in person is a good idea.

Dean Harlow, a shrill voice came over the phone. Sorry about your wait, I had a long distance call on the other line.

That’s all right. I was playing along with the hold music on my keyboard.

Well, that’s a Julliard attitude. So, how can I help you?

My name is Jayson Sumtrane and I received my acceptance letter a few days ago.

Did you want to vacate your acceptance?

No, ma’am, not at all. I just have a sort of dilemma. I also received the part of Mark in RENT on Broadway.

Congratulations! That is a hard role to get. I can see you have Julliard quality.

Thank you, I hope that I do.

So, what seems to be your dilemma? Dean Harlow asked.

Rehearsals start on the same day and time I have to be at Julliard for role call.

Oh, dear, that is a dilemma. Well, let’s see what your options are . . .

A long pause awaited J.T.

There’s not a lot you can do. You can show up a day later, but I don’t know how that will fit into your rehearsal schedule for RENT. I don’t think we’ve had this situation arise since I was here.

Well, it’s always good to try new things, J.T. quipped. So, it’s all right if I show up a day late. I’ll see what my rehearsal schedule is going to be and make accommodations.

"That sounds like a great plan, Jayson. I will see you on January 9th at 8:00 a.m.

I’ll be there with bells on. Thank you so much for your help.

"We do what we can at Julliard. Do you need anything else?’

No, ma’am, I think I have it covered.

All right. Bye.

J.T. hung up the phone and a smile took over his face.

I’m in!" J.T. exclaimed.

Heidi screamed and Court gave J.T. a manly hug.

Great! Now you can help me with my problem, Court reminded J.T.

Oh, yeah, your problem . . . J.T. repeated.

What’s your problem, Court? Heidi asked.

I can’t afford to go to Julliard. I didn’t get the scholarships I applied for, Court told Heidi.

Sucks to be you, Heidi joked.

Thanks for your support, Court sneered not realizing the orneriness in his friend’s voice.

You know I was just kidding. I’ll help you out. Hey, what about your parents? Won’t they help you out?

Nope.

And why didn’t Julliard give you a scholarship?

They said my parents made too much money and I could get by without a scholarship.

Oh, that’s easy to fix, Court. Just get your parents to write a letter telling financial aid that your parents will not financially support your education, J.T. explained.

That would be a good idea, except my parents are never on the phone long enough with me that I can ask them to do that! Typical convo with Dad. Hi, Dad, its Court. Couldyouwritealetter—click.

Ouch, Heidi said. That’s low.

"Wait a second. You don’t live with your parents, they can’t claim you, therefore their