“It depends. Who are you looking for?” the voice asked.
“The owner. They insisted on meeting me. I’m from the Hargrave.”
“I see. You are the Prima Ballerina?”
I looked around for the voice, but I couldn’t pinpointwhat direction it was coming from. I suspected they weren’t here at all. Was I being watched from afar?
“Am I on camera?” I asked.
“No.”
“Then why can’t I see you?”
“Do you need to?”
I opened and closed my mouth for a moment, then spoke.
“I think it would be easier than speaking to nothing.”
The spotlight moved, quickly shifting upward to one of the balconies. There was a man, shrouded in the shadows. I clutched my shawl.
“How long have you been watching me?” I demanded.
“You never answered. You are the Prima Ballerina?” His tone implied disbelief.
“Yes. Is that a surprise? I come from a long line of Prima Ballerinas, and I’ve worked hard to earn that position.” I shifted into a defensive stance.
“Ah, so which was it that earned you the top position in your company? Your name or your work?”
“My work,” I replied through gritted teeth. I’d heard it all before, that I’d only gotten as far as I had in my career because of my name. It didn’t faze me.
“Prove it.” The spotlight flew back to the stage, as did my eyes. “I would like to see you dance.”
I shook my head. “I didn’t bring shoes or tights or anything.”
“I have them. I’ve been waiting for you, Daisy.”
I froze. How did he know my name, if he didn’t even know I was the Prima Ballerina? I squinted and looked at the balcony.
“You’ll find what you need behind the curtains. Go, see that it’s to your liking. I’m sure it will be.”
This man was so sure of himself. He was probably used to getting his way.
“And if I don’t want to dance for you?” This defiant version of myself was unfamiliar and uncomfortable. I didn’t trust this man. How could I when he hid his face and voice?
“I’m not keeping you here. You are free to leave at any time. Although, I doubt you will. You, of all people, know the true cost of leaving tonight. It’s your dream to dance here, Daisy Lovelace. So, dance.”
My gaze swung from the balcony to the stage. Would this be my one and only opportunity to dance in this theater Was this his way of allowing me to live out my dream before giving the company a hot and fast rejection? If so, why?
“Who are you?”
“You don’t need to know who I am. I will await your performance.” He sat in a chair I couldn’t see.
I knew what I had to do. I continued down the ramp, moved through the orchestra pit, and climbed onto the stage. Just as he’d said, I found an emerald gym bag filled with matching pointe shoes of the same beautiful color, a leotard and tights in a lighter shade—perfectly complementing each other.
Quickly, I followed the neon lights that directed me to the dressing rooms. With every step, I admired how the building was being renovated. It was as if he was determined to truly revive it to its previous glory.
I dressed and stretched in the dressing room, then put up my hair and returned to the stage.
