"And Josh deChambeau will improve on that with a musical that not only has impossible-to-forget songs, but is a commentary on social media, society, and being true to yourself."
I swallow. If I can get this to work—if—then Kori's right. I could be on the cusp of something truly important. "I hope Tabitha can see it too."
"Even if she can't see it like I can, she trusts you. She knows how talented you are and that you'll deliver. Now get back to work. We've got to rehearse in a little while. We can do this tomorrow. It'll be fine."
I take a deep breath. "From your lips to God's ears," I mutter. I hope Kori's right.
I really need her to be.
Chapter 33: Leslie
Ineed your help." Kori finds Gloria and me in the small rehearsal space. Instantly, I'm interested. Kori's been working with Josh all day on his big project—the one he still hasn't told me about. Probably because he's not speaking to me other than when absolutely necessary.
"Sure, we're about done in here." I nod toward Gloria. "I was showing her something for next year. We're thinking about doingMoana. It'd be awesome if we could have some authentic Polynesian dancing in it."
They're thinking about doingMoana. Notwe. I'm not part of a we.
Gloria smiles. "I'm only proposingMoanafor the kids' show if Leslie is here to do it."
My knees start to go a little weak, melting at the implication. "You mean you might want me to come back and help next summer?"
Gloria glances at Kori. "I was thinking something a little more. Like you taking over the camp. Or at least partnering with us on it."
I wrinkle my brows. "What do you mean 'partner?' I'm not following."
I'm also surprised when Kori speaks. "I won't be coming back to The Edison next year. My girlfriend wants to move to LA for her career, so I'm going to head to the West coast and see if I can choreo out there."
"What does that have to do with me?"
"My girlfriend and I own a small dance studio in Hicklam. We generally work with The Edison on getting kids to join the camp. Sometimes we host events, like master classes, during the year to keep the ties to The Edison strong. Today's novices are tomorrow's cast."
I'm blown away. I realize what this means not only to Kori but to Gloria and The Edison. It's huge.
"With Mol and me moving to Cali, we're going to need someone to run the dance studio. Maybe teach some ballet classes."
I clasp my hands to my chest and begin jumping up and down, squealing in an octave I didn't know I could reach. I should remain polished and put together, but this is the biggest thing that's ever happened to me.
I'm more excited about this than I was when I got temporarily promoted at FBBC. Mostly because I know they wantmeforme. I'm not a substitute. I'm not a last resort.
"You could even buy us out," Kori adds.
That makes me laugh. "I don't have that kind of money."
"Maybe eventually you could buy us out … but for now, run the studio. You'd draw a salary and everything. And then you're here," she waves her hand, showing off like Vanna White, "to work with and for The Edison."
I really have lost all ability to form words. Despite my reprieve this summer, my parents have been hinting that I should return to Ohio. And without a concrete plan, I was running out of excuses—and ways to finance—staying in New York.
After all, I couldn't really tell them I wanted to keep my room in Brooklyn on the off chance that Josh forgives me for being so crappy and wants to be with me again. If I'm here in Hicklam, I'll get to be near Josh for at least half of the year.
But teaching?
Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.
I shake my head, trying to get rid of that internal voice that is so used to telling me I'm not good enough and not right. I've had tons of dance teachers over the years. Some great, some not so much. I focus on those who've made a lasting impression—a positive one, that is—on my life. Miss Margie. Miss Charlene. Miss Gwen. Miss Jillian. I could be that for some little girl—or boy. I could be that encouraging presence, teaching dance while imparting the gift of which I've only recently attained possession.
Self-love.
And now that I can finally love myself, I know I'm ready to love someone else.
