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him, she decided that an affair with Rupert would be worth it to get that starring role. He knew she was hungry for a part, she’d said so at her job interview and lately she’d dropped enough hints.
    Recently, Rupert had been very attentive towards Linda. He was friendly and kind, and often let her go home when he didn’t need her to stay late. Arriving at the theatre earlier this morning, Linda noticed Rupert kept looking at her. When she met his eye, he hurriedly looked away, as if nervous. Silly man! If only he’d linger a bit longer then he’d know. Surely he knew eye contact was the best way to show sexual interest?
    During a quick five-minute coffee break Rupert asked who would be going to the Christmas party. When everyone raised his or her hand, Linda noticed he made sure to direct his eager look at her with his question.  She felt elated at his obvious attention.
    Reaching the theatre doors, Linda slipped inside excited at the prospect of dressing with care in the beautiful dress. She couldn’t decide whether to wear her hair up for the party - which gave her a regal, sophisticated look, or to leave her long auburn silky hair swishing over her shoulders. Perhaps she’d just wait until she’d washed it, put the dress on and then see. Feeling clever, she knew she’d made the right decision in paying much more for this dress than she would normally have done. The dress was perfect. Wanting to give an understated but sexy look she’d spent quite some time in the shops. The classy little boutique was new to her. Once the dress slipped down over her body she knew her figure spoke for itself. The clingy, shimmering material accentuated her generous curves and the neckline only hinted at her deliciously firm breasts.
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    On Friday Linda kept out of Rupert’s way. She had a feeling of creating an air of mystery about her. Smiling to herself she knew he was watching her though, smoothing his hair and fingering his collar while pretending to listen to his male lead, Gavin rehearsing.
    ‘Rupert, Rupert! I just can’t seem to get the intonation quite right in that last line. What do you think? It really is giving me a headache.’ Petulant, handsome Gavin jumped down from the stage and walked over to Rupert, who draped an arm around his shoulders and led him to a quiet corner for a private conversation.
    Turning away, Linda bumped into her friend Diana Rivers. Diana had recently become a member of the cast and was considered a good actress. Currently she was playing the second female, Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice, but privately Linda thought she could have handled the leading role of Portia admirably.
    ‘Hi! There. Glad I’ve bumped in to you. Do you want to stay the night? I live right near The Metropole Hotel; it would mean you not having to take a taxi home.’ Diana offered.
    Thinking quickly, Linda answered. ‘That’s ever so kind of you, and I wish I could accept, but I’m feeding next door’s cat. He’ll go spare if I’m not there to feed him in the morning.’
    She had to be free tonight. Rupert was going to proposition her once he saw how beautiful she was in the new dress.
    Rehearsals finished early that afternoon and Linda practically ran all the way home. Giving herself the full works she needed plenty of time.
    Feeling confident and radiant, Linda arrived at the venue and found the party in full swing. She glided over to where Diana was chatting to a stranger, a tall dark-haired good-looking man. If Linda hadn’t already got other plans she felt she might have been tempted.
    ‘Hello there. Can I get you a drink?’ Steve asked after introductions were made.
    Diana was obviously excited with her new man and whispered confidentially into Linda’s ear. Linda nodded and made vague agreement noises, only half listening to her whilst scanning the room for Rupert. Where