In the Spotlight

By Lisa Perkins

For Marcus Leone, life is finally good. He's married to the woman he's always loved and has two beautiful daughters from his first marriage.

But a happy ending is never without consequences. Can their love survive anything that's thrown at them?

And how will life unfold for the people in their lives...their friends and family? Happiness means different things to different people. For some, it's freedom. And for others, it's finding something they didn't know they were looking for.

Everyone has a story. Watch theirs unfold In the Spotlight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Perkins
• Release date: Jun 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201437398

Lisa Perkins

Lisa was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia. She loved to read teenage romance novels growing up. She was blessed with a vivid imagination and the ability to tell stories in great detail. When she got older, her hobby became photography. She loved taking pictures and capturing moments in time forever. Storytelling, in one form or another, has always been her wheelhouse. As a teenager, she created a world with characters that she loved dearly. She abandoned that world as an adult and moved on to other things. One day, she revisited that world and those characters. She decided to take the story and make it into a book. Having never written a book before, she wasn't sure how it would go. The second she sat down to write, the story just poured out of her. That one book turned into two, and a series was born. She always had a love of dance and took dance lessons as a child. Her love of dance is what inspired her books and how The Dancer Series was created.

Book preview

Chapter One

Marcus

I’ve heard it said that when your dreams come true, they’re never as you built them up to be. Based on my experience, nothing could be further from the truth. Being married to Marissa is even better than I could’ve ever dreamed. I still wake up every morning and pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming, even after six years of marriage.

Marissa has changed my life in so many ways. She’s brought me out of my shell and gave me confidence. For the first time in my life, I’m healing from the loss of my dad. I’ve been able to open up to her and share my grief. She makes me feel safe to let go and release all those feelings I’ve had built up in me since his passing.

My daughters adore Marissa. They’ve become so close to her, and I’m happy they finally have a positive female role model in their life. They go to her for advice, share secrets with her, and talk with her about problems they might be having. Gail has never been there for them, and doesn’t want them around unless it’s to pump them for information about my life with Marissa.

Cassidy is twenty one years old now, and has her own place. She lives in a condo not far from our house. She’s a fashion designer and has her own business. Her clothing is sold in many stores across the country, and even in Paris. She’s dating her high school sweetheart, Jeremy Norton, and the two of them are inseparable. Jeremy is a record producer for Logo Records.

Jordan is eighteen years old, and has her own place next to Cassidy. She’s studying photography and business at New York University. She plans to have her own photography business, and has a bright future ahead of her. She’s very talented and has already sold some of her nature photography. She also has a boyfriend, Brad Baker, who’s an investigative reporter for The New York Times. They’ve been dating for several years now.

I’m very proud of both of my daughters. They’ve grown into beautiful young ladies with a strong ambition to succeed on their own. It’s been an amazing experience watching them grow from children into young adults.

Work is going very well for us. We perform every weekend and have gone on tour a few times across the country. It’s great to get out and meet the fans and visit other states. It’s still hard to believe how far I’ve come from my days at the New York Dance Theater. Being a star is still so surreal to me, but it suits my wife very well. She’s a pro at being a star. I guess being the daughter of famous parents and growing up in the spotlight has made her used to stardom.

Standing backstage signing autographs at the end of another show, I’m embarrassed by the flirty comments one of the fans makes to me as I hand her my autograph on a promo flier. Sensing that I’m uncomfortable, Randy walks over to us and saves me from any further embarrassment.

It’s time to call it a night, Marcus. That’s all, folks. Thank you for coming tonight, and have a great evening, he says to the fans still standing around us.

They murmur what sounds like goodnight, and walk out the back door of the arena. We watch as they file out the door, one by one. Glancing over at Marissa, I notice Ruby has made the announcement that it’s time for her fans to leave, as well. They slowly walk away, turning to catch a final glimpse of a beautiful goddess before walking out the door. My goddess. I’m a very lucky man.

She certainly made it clear what she’d like to do to you, Randy says with a wicked grin.

I look at him and roll my eyes. Thanks for stepping in and putting a stop to it.

Anytime, bro. I could tell you were uncomfortable. I’ve got your back, he says, giving me a slap on the back.

We walk over to Marissa and Ruby, who are deep in discussion about a fan of Marissa’s that seemed to be overly pushy.

What’s going on over here? Randy asks, looking at Ruby and then Marissa.

People are crazy, Ruby says, shaking her head.

Why? What happened? I ask, walking over and planting a gentle kiss on Marissa’s lips.

Some guy walked up to Marissa and asked for her autograph. She gave it to him, then he pulled a pair of scissors out of his pocket and asked if he could have a lock of her hair, she says, looking at Marissa and shaking her head.

What?! Randy says, looking at them with widened eyes.

"I said ‘absolutely not’ and he looked at me as if he could kill me. I thought we were going to have to call for security," she says, glancing at me.

Do you think he’s a threat to you, baby? I ask, turning to look her in the eye.

Nah. He’s just a lunatic. He left when he was asked to. I’m not worried about him. Let’s go get changed, so we can get out of here, she says, quickly changing the subject.

Sounds good, I reply, reaching down and taking her hand.

And I thought the woman hitting on Marcus was bad, Randy says to Ruby as they follow behind us to our dressing rooms.

––––––––

I can’t help feeling on edge after hearing what happened with Marissa’s fan at the show. As I’m driving home, I keep a close watch out the windows for any suspicious vehicles that might be following us. Marissa turns away from the window and looks at me with concern as I’m driving.

Are you okay? she asks, watching me closely.

Yeah. I’m fine, baby. Why do you ask? I reply, glancing at her and giving her a smile.

You seem a bit on edge. I was just wondering if something is wrong.

I pause for a moment and gaze into her eyes before turning back to the road. I can’t keep anything from her. She knows me so well.

I guess I’m a little concerned about your fan’s strange request backstage tonight, I say softly, keeping my eyes on the road.

It’s nothing to worry about. He was just a little weird, that’s all. It shocked me at first, but he did leave when Ruby asked him to, she replies, giving me a reassuring smile.

I guess what bothers me the most is that he had a pair of scissors in his pocket, and just pulled them out. He could’ve easily stabbed you with them for saying no. You never know what someone might do when they don’t get what they want, I reply, glancing at her.

Maybe he came prepared, in case I agreed to let him cut a lock of my hair. He looked angry when Ruby told him no, but he put the scissors back in his pocket and walked away when she asked him to leave. I agree that it was very weird, but we handled it.

I sure hope that was the end of it. At the next show, we need to have security around you, just in case he comes back. You can’t be too careful, and it would certainly ease my mind, I reply, turning my eyes away from the road to meet hers.

Okay. We can do that, if it puts your mind at ease, she says, taking my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

It would make me feel much better. I love you, and I don’t want anything to happen to you. I want to keep you safe, I say before turning my eyes back to the road.

I’m always safe with you, she says, turning to look out the window.

Her words send chills through my body. I always worried about her safety when she was with Travis. All I wanted was to take her away from that life and make her feel safe. It means so much to know I make her feel that way. Slowly, I turn into our long driveway and drive into the garage. The garage door closes and we’re safe from the rest of the world in our home.

Chapter Two

Marissa

Life is much different when you’re with the right person. I wasted so many years on the wrong man. It put a strain on my relationship with my parents, and it could’ve cost me my life. But I loved him...

When I first met Travis, I thought I could save him...save him from drugs, from his addiction, from himself...As hard as I tried, I couldn’t cure him. His addiction was bigger than both of us. But I lived in denial, convinced I could make a difference. I spent countless hours taking care of him, and searching for him in the wee hours of morning whenever he went missing. After all, that’s what you do when you love someone, isn’t it?

In trying to help him, I lost myself. I married him for better or for worse, and I was determined not to give up on him. I made so many excuses for him, that I started to believe them myself. I put my own needs on hold for him, and convinced myself I was happy. Putting on an act became second nature to me, as did constantly looking over my shoulder.

Then one day, something happened...I was in a car accident. In one single instance, my life was nearly over. One minute, I’m driving home from work and the next minute, everything went black. I woke up several months later in the hospital, connected to machines. It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever been through. The accident changed me. I began to see things differently. I suddenly saw Travis differently.

I was told I nearly died. I didn’t remember anything about the accident. I just knew I was given a second chance at life, and I wasn’t going to waste it. It was time to make some serious changes in my life. I’ve always said that the accident made me come to my senses, and in a strange way, it was a blessing.

I was told I may never dance again, but I was determined to prove them wrong. I was determined to take charge of my life, and that’s exactly what I did. I got out of that bed, worked hard to get back on my feet, then got myself back to performing again. I showed them...

Then, I left Travis. I filed for divorce and didn’t look back. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Then, I fell in love again. I fell for a man who had been under my nose the whole time. A man who had loved me since day one, and I never had a clue.

Marcus was always there for me through everything. I confided in him and he never judged or lectured me. I trusted him and always felt close to him. When he was going through his divorce with Gail, I was concerned about him. He seemed so hurt and depressed. I had no idea it was because of his feelings for me. I was starting to realize I had feelings for him. Once he told me he loved me, that’s all it took. We’ve been together ever since and happily married for six years.

I finally know what it's like to be in a happy marriage. I don’t have to worry about being stalked by drug dealers anymore, or having to search for my husband in the middle of the night, only to find him high.

I adore Marcus’ daughters. We’ve become very close and they treat me like their own mother. It’s nice being a stepmom. I never wanted children until they came into the picture, and I love them like my own. Even though they’re adults now, they still come over to visit us often and have dinner with us a couple of nights a week. They don’t visit their mother often. Gail isn’t exactly mother of the year, and they aren’t close to her at all.

I enjoy having them around and making dinner for them. Sunday evenings are family nights, and I usually make a nice dinner and have them over. It’s a nice way to start the week.

**********************************

Another Sunday dinner comes to a close, and the ladies help me clean up afterwards. They love helping me in the kitchen, and they especially like me teaching them how to make some of the dishes we’ve had for dinner. They both love to cook and enjoy learning how to make meals for themselves.

Thanks again for dinner, Riss. It was so good, Cassidy says as we finish cleaning up.

It was my pleasure. I’m glad you liked it, I reply, walking away from the island.

I loved it, too, Jordan adds, walking from the french doors leading out to the patio.

Anytime, I reply.

We’d better get going. I have an early meeting in the morning, at the boutique, Cassidy says, grabbing her handbag from the table before giving Marcus a hug.

And I have classes in the morning, Jordan says, reaching for her bag.

We’ll walk you out, Marcus says, slipping his arm around me as we walk to the front door.

Good luck with your meeting, I say, opening the front door for them.

Thanks. I hate meetings, and I’m always glad when they’re over. Grandma Natalie was right, they’re the worst part of the business, Cassidy says, taking her keys out of her handbag.

I look at Marcus and his attention is on something out on the street. I follow his stare and see an old black truck sitting along the road in front of our house. It seems odd that someone is sitting in front of our house, but I dismiss it and give the ladies a hug before they go out the door to leave.

Love you guys. We’ll see you soon, Marcus says, giving them a hug before they walk away to Cassidy’s car.

We love you guys, too. See you soon, Jordan says, getting into the car.

Marcus leans in and plants a soft kiss on my lips as we watch the girls get into the car and slowly pull out of the driveway.

As they’re leaving, the truck quickly drives away before their car reaches the end of the driveway. Marcus watches it until it’s completely out of sight. I wonder what he’s thinking. Once the girls drive away, we close the front door and walk into the living room.

What’s on your mind, sweetie? I ask as we take a seat on the sofa.

Did you see that truck sitting in front of our house? he asks with a concerned look on his face.

Yeah, I noticed it. Do you think there was something unusual about it? I ask, studying his expression.

Yeah, it seemed a bit odd. Why would it be sitting in front of our house, and then suddenly drive away when the girls were pulling out of the driveway? It was as if they didn’t want to be seen, he says, his voice sounding worried.

Who do you think it was? I ask, leaning back against the couch and crossing my legs.

My first thought was that crazy fan who asked for a lock of your hair backstage, he says, turning sideways on the sofa to face me.

How would he know where I live? I ask.

He could’ve followed us home after the show that night. I wouldn’t put it past him, baby, he says with a serious look on his face.

"That’s an awful lot of trouble. He might’ve been a little irritated with us, but I don’t think he’d go that far. Besides, Ruby’s the one who told him to leave. All I said was ‘I don’t think so’."

You never know what someone might do, Riss. People can be crazy, especially obsessed fans. You should never take something like that lightly. I mean...the guy had a pair of scissors in his pocket, he says in a serious tone.

Okay. We’ll keep our eyes open. If we see the truck around here again, we’ll call the police, I say, leaning in and giving him a gentle kiss.

Sounds good, baby. I want to keep you safe. You’re my whole world, and I don’t want anything to happen to you. I love you, he says once our lips part.

I love you, too. Nothing’s going to happen to me, Marcus. I’m safe with you. There’s no doubt about that at all, I say softly.

He takes me in his arms and holds me tight. I am safe with him. I’ve never felt so safe with anyone in my whole life and it’s a wonderful feeling.

Chapter Three

Randy

––––––––

The club is slower than usual tonight. It’s a weeknight, and the action is never as hot as it is on the weekends. I’m on my third scotch, and a hot brunette has just caught my eye at the end of the bar. She looks lonely. Perhaps I should go introduce myself and offer to buy her a drink.

Grabbing my drink, I slowly get up from the barstool. I watch her finish her drink and stare up at the TV behind the bar. Yeah...she could definitely use another drink. I swagger to the end of the bar and take a seat on the barstool next to her. After a moment, she turns to look at me. She’s one fine looking babe.

Hi, I say with a flirtatious smile.

Hello, she says, smiling back at me.

I’m Randy, I say, holding out my hand to her.

Veronica, she replies, shaking my hand.

I couldn’t help noticing your glass is empty. I think we need to remedy that. Can I buy you another drink? I ask, looking her up and down.

She pauses for a moment, then responds. Sure...why not.

Great. What’s your poison? I ask.

Jack and coke, she replies, looking down at her empty glass.

Kim, could we get a Jack and coke and another Scotch here, doll? I ask as she walks over to us from behind the bar.

Sure thing, she replies, winking at me before walking away to make the drinks.

I turn to face Veronica and give her a smile. So, Veronica...what’s a good looking woman like you doing here alone?

"Enjoying some me time," she says, either checking me out or trying to figure me out.

Kim walks over and sets our drinks down on the bar in front of us, then winks at me as she walks away. I give her a wicked grin, then pick up my drink and take a sip. Veronica follows suit and takes a sip of her drink.

That’s good, but I’m surprised you haven’t been picked up yet.

I don’t allow myself to be picked up by just anyone. I’m very picky, you know, she says, looking me in the eye.

Well, I’m flattered you allowed me to buy you a drink, and you haven’t made me leave yet, I say cautiously.

You seem like a nice enough guy. If you turn into a pig, I’ll just walk away and leave. There’s no harm in having a drink with a nice guy, she says, setting her glass down on the bar.

"Well, I appreciate the opportunity. And I am a nice guy. I would never force myself on a woman. If someone doesn’t like me, that’s fine. You seem like a nice lady," I reply, gulping my scotch.

She watches me drink, then smiles to herself. You sure like your alcohol, don’t you? she finally asks.

I sure do. Otherwise, what would I be doing here? Drinking helps me relax and unwind, I reply, finishing my drink.

I turn and signal for Kim to bring me another. She nods and walks away to make me another drink.

How many of those have you had? she asks, taking another sip of her drink.

I’m not sure. I haven’t been keeping track, I say as Kim sets my drink down in front of me and takes my empty glass.

I hope you’re not driving, she says, shifting positions on the barstool.

I pick up my glass and take a drink, then glance at her for a brief moment. Well, I was hoping I wouldn’t be leaving alone. That way, I wouldn’t have to drive.

She smirks at me, then takes a sip of her drink. That’s very presumptuous of you.

Well...what do you say? Can we get out of here and go to your place? I ask before downing my scotch.

I’d like to help you out, but I’m leaving alone tonight, she replies.

Awe...come on. Don’t turn me down, I say, setting my empty glass down on the bar.

I think you’ve had enough to drink. Let me call you a cab, she says, reaching for her purse and pulling out her cell phone.

No, that’s okay. I’m fine. I can drive home. I appreciate your concern, though, I say before getting up from the barstool.

Are you sure? she asks as Kim comes walking over to us from behind the bar.

Absolutely.

Randy, are you okay to drive home? Kim asks with a concerned look on her face.

Absolutely, Kim. But I think I’m going to take off now, before I order another drink. I’ll see you tomorrow night, dear, I say to her as I pull my car keys out of the pocket of my jeans.

Okay, Randy...if you’re sure. I can always call you a cab, she says, watching me stagger away from the bar.

That’s not necessary. I’m good. It was nice meeting you, Veronica, I say, then turn and start walking out of the club.

I stagger to my car and unlock the door. Everything suddenly starts spinning in circles, so I quickly get in and wait for the feeling to pass. After a few minutes, the feeling starts to subside. I start the engine and slowly back out of my parking space. I can do this. I’m totally okay to drive.

I slowly pull out of the parking lot and onto the street. Traffic is light tonight as I make my way home from the club. Occasionally, I feel dizzy, and the road ahead seems a little blurry. But I’m not far from my townhouse, and I can do this. I suddenly remember a promise I made to Ruby, that I wouldn’t drive anymore after having a lot to drink. She worries about me. But it won’t hurt just this once, and she doesn’t have to know.

Finally, I pull into my complex and park my car in my parking space outside my townhouse. I made it without incident. I knew I could do it. I get out of the car and stagger up to my front door. Fumbling with my keys, I slowly unlock the door and head inside. As I’m closing the door behind me, the spinning returns. Everything in my townhouse is spinning in circles and I suddenly feel sick.

Oh, no...I’m definitely going to be sick. I make a beeline for the bathroom and drop to my knees in front of the toilet. The room is spinning, and I know I’m going to throw up. I can feel it coming. I lift the lid and lean over the toilet, hurling into the bowl. It’s in these moments, I wonder why I drink so much.

Once I’ve finished, I raise myself up and flush the toilet. I sit down on the floor and lean my back against the wall. It feels like a hammer is smashing my head over and over again. I bring my legs up against my chest and wrap my arms around my knees.

Why do I do this to myself? I’m getting too old for this shit. Is it really worth it for the few hours of fun I have? Either I’m a glutton for punishment, or I truly enjoy the fun I have while it lasts.

Forcing myself up from the floor, I stagger out of the bathroom and into the living room. The couch is looking pretty good to me right now. Fumbling my way across the living room, I finally make it to the couch and flop myself down. I’m definitely getting too old for this shit. Laying my head back against the cushion, I grab the throw from the back of the couch and cover myself.

It’s been a while since I’ve been this sick. I guess I had more to drink than I thought I did. After the first hour, the evening started to become a blur. All I seem to remember is striking out with...what was her name? Oh...Veronica. I yawn and it feels like my head is being ripped apart. I’m so tired. I think I’ll go to sleep now...

Chapter Four

Ruby

––––––––

I’m tired and stuck in rush hour traffic, heading home from work. It was a busy day today. Marissa had a photo shoot for her endorsement, and I had to work on contracts and other paperwork.

Randy came to work hungover today, and I’m starting to get very concerned about him. He’s getting drunk a little too often these days, and I fear his drinking is getting out of control.

We’ve all become close, and our relationships are more than just work. Marissa, Marcus, and Randy are like family to me. I love each of them dearly, and would do anything for them. I fear Randy is heading down a dangerous path, and I don’t know how to help him.

So many things are running through my mind as I sit here in traffic. I’m blessed to have a job I truly love that allows me to live a very comfortable lifestyle. Lately, work has been very hectic. It’s hard sometimes to balance work and my home life.

Rick and I haven’t seen much of each other lately. He works long shifts as a paramedic, and has crazy hours sometimes. He also works a lot of twenty four hour and night shifts. That takes a toll on our marriage sometimes. We hardly get to see each other, let alone have any time for intimacy. Rick has been very distant lately. Whenever we’re together, he seems distracted and on edge. I’m starting to feel like something’s wrong in our relationship. We’ve been married for a long time, and things have felt strange between us lately.

After what seems like forever, I finally pull my car into the garage at my house. Reaching for my handbag on the passenger seat, I get out of the car and walk through the door to the kitchen. The house is so quiet. I miss my husband when he’s working long shifts, and I hate eating dinner alone.

I take my cell phone out of my bag and check to see if he’s texted me or left me a voicemail. Nothing... It wasn’t that long ago, he’d send me sweet texts telling me he missed me or was thinking of me. I sigh and lay my phone down on the table. Grabbing my handbag, I head into the bedroom to change my clothes.

As I’m getting changed, I start thinking about Randy. I wonder if he’ll be going to the club again tonight. Hopefully, he’ll stay in after getting so drunk last night. But he never seems to learn a lesson. I wish I could get through to him. Shaking my head, I walk out of the bedroom and head into the kitchen.

I open the refrigerator door, trying to decide what to fix myself for dinner. After looking through leftovers and frozen dinners in the freezer, I decide to go get some takeout from my favorite Mexican restaurant. I haven’t had Mexican food in a while, and I’m really not in the mood to cook anything.

I go into the bedroom and grab my purse, then head out the door. I get into my car, start the engine, and back out of my garage. As I’m driving to the Mexican restaurant, two things are on my mind. The first thing is what I’m going to order, and the second thing is when will Rick be having dinner? I decide to order a Burrito Supreme and a soft taco. Maybe Rick will give me a call when he’s on his dinner break.

I pull into the parking lot of the restaurant and head inside. It’s kind of busy, but the line to order doesn’t seem that long. I quickly get in line and scroll through my phone while I’m waiting. The line moves quickly and before I know it, it’s my turn. I place my order and pay for my food, then wait for them to get it ready.

While I’m waiting, I glance around the restaurant. My eyes move to a table by the windows, and I’m surprised to see Rick sitting there with someone...a woman. I watch them for a moment as they talk and laugh. She’s wearing a paramedic uniform like his. Suddenly, my order is ready and the lady behind the counter hands me my bag. I take it from her and start heading toward the door to leave.

Stopping in my tracks, I turn and start heading toward the table where they’re sitting. I have to find out