"Ms. Tanner, you've got the wrong end of the stick here. I never said you went out looking to scalp tickets. Maybe your friend got duped by a scalper, too, you know? As for the interview, I'll mull it over and get back to you within 24 hours.
Unless there's something else, I'd appreciate it if you could make your exit now, Ms. Tanner. I really need to wind down."
Regina found herself ushered out of the dressing room, and even as the door closed behind her, she was still reeling in confusion.
"What the... Me? Nothing's been cleared up, but sure, pin it all on me, why don't you!"
She stamped her foot in frustration. What a stroke of bad luck! She'd paid through the nose to get those tickets from a friend, and now she'd been tarred with the scalper's brush!
To make matters worse, she hadn't even been given a chance to defend herself before Dahlia had her ousted. The injustice of it all!
As Regina walked away, Nolan watched her every step until she was out of sight.
Dahlia turned to see him and said with a hint of sarcasm, "What's the matter? Can't bear to part with Ms. Tanner?"
Nolan looked at her with mock horror. "A woman who's that much of a handful? Once is more than enough for me. Well, she's gone now, so I'm heading out, too. You take care and rest up."
He picked up his blazer and was about to leave when Dahlia reached out and grabbed his wrist.
"Nolan, will you come by tomorrow?"
There was a brief silence. Nolan couldn't bring himself to look back at her expression. Finally, he left her with, "As long as you're on stage, I'll be there."
His hand slipped through Dahlia's grasp like water, beyond her reach.
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