No, keep rehearsing

You know this is going to be tough so you take a moment before answering.

“No, I don’t think so.”

Liz looks at you with a confused expression.

“Is that a joke?”

“It’s not a joke. Look, you’ve put in a lot of effort. That much is obvious. But I’ve been watching more and more videos of burlesque performers and you aren’t at their level yet. But if you took what you have and show your friend, I’m sure she can teach you all the things you can’t learn on your own. You know, the finishing touches on this act.”

“That’s a hell of a thing to tell me the day of the show!”

“I know you wanted to do this before for your birthday. But it will still feel good after another month. Or two. There will be other shows.”

“Fuck, Connor!” She stands up and walks towards her bedroom. “Thanks for nothing. You can see yourself out. I’ve got to make a phone call.”

She doesn’t turn to look at you as you get up and leave. You decide to stay silent and just give her time. You feel confident that she’ll see things your way after a few days.

But that doesn’t happen. She doesn’t call you, she doesn’t text, and she doesn’t answer any time you reach out. You don’t approach her at the gym and eventually you just start going to another location. Things are very awkward when you hang out with your mutual friends. Eventually you hear through the grapevine that she cancelled her appearance in the show and hasn’t talked about trying again.

It seems you crushed her dream. And she isn’t going to forgive you anytime soon.