“What’s taking so long?” Lily calls.
At the sound of her voice, I pull away. Clearing my throat, I say, “Miss Alyssa has a sore ankle, we need to take it slow.” To Alyssa, I say, “Are you okay to continue?”
She doesn’t turn around to look at me when she nods.
Thankfully, we make it to the guest room without another incident. Lily is waiting for us, excitement beaming over her face. “Is this room good for a dance studio?” she asks Alyssa. “Dad took the bed out before you got here.”
With the guest room now a ballet studio, is it time for a bigger house? No. I have no plans on adding to the family, so we’ll make this work.
Alyssa takes in her surroundings. “It’s perfect. Plenty of room to move around. You’re lucky your dad is doing this for you.” She smiles at Lily.
“So, where do you think everything should go?” I ask.
Alyssa scans the room. “You should put mirrors along this wall. That way the afternoon sun won’t reflect in them.” She gives me the measurements for the barre height and the best way to secure it. “There’s enough room to leave the closet in here for any costume changes you might have. It’s not just about practicing. You can choreograph your own performances too.”
“I love that idea!” Lily says. “Can I show you what I’ve been practicing now, Miss Alyssa?”
“Maybe another time, Lily Pily. Miss Alyssa can’t stand on her ankle for long.”
“I can sit on the floor. I’d love to see what you’re working on.”
“I can get you a chair.”
Alyssa waves her hand. “Not necessary.” She sits on the floor and crosses her legs pretzel style.
Propping my shoulder against the wall, I wait for Lily to begin. She takes a couple of deep breaths like she’s nervous and begins to dance. Alyssa watches like she’s being entertained by the American Ballet. Her face is alight with joy.
When Lily finishes, Alyssa claps her hands. “Well done. That was amazing. I can tell you’ve worked hard.”
Lily’s face splits into a smile. “I don’t think I had my arms in the right position when I did my pirouette.”
“It was close. Here, let me show you.” Alyssa struggles to get up from the floor. I hold out my hand to help. She hesitates for a moment before taking it. I try to ignore the jolt of electricity thatpasses between us when our hands touch. As soon as she’s on her feet, I let go and step away.
She places Lily’s arms into position. “Hold them like this to start. As you’re stepping into your spin, pretend that you’re hugging a giant beach ball and hold them up just about here. Don’t forget to drop your shoulders. Okay, give it a try.”
Alyssa steps back so Lily can pirouette.
“Is that better?” Lily asks.
“Perfect. Now try it again.”
Lily shuffles her feet and spins into an eloquent move.
“That’s it. That looks so much better. Great job.”
Lily stops and curtsies with a smile. “Thanks, Miss Alyssa.”
“Any time.” Alyssa curtsies back.
“Hey, Dad.” Lily skips over to me. “When my room is done, can Miss Alyssa give me private lessons?”
“No.” The word booms through the room louder than I’d meant. Lily and Alyssa’s eyes widen at my harsh response. The last thing I want is for Alyssa to come to my house on a regular basis, tempting me. I soften my tone, “Miss Alyssa is busy with her job at the studio. Also, she has an injured ankle she needs to rest so it can heal.”
Alyssa narrows her eyes at me before putting a smile on her face for Lily. “If you’d like, I can ask around the studio to see if another teacher is available.”
Lily sighs heavily. “No. That’s okay. I really wanted you.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie. If things change, I’ll let you know.” She gives me another narrowed look over Lily’s head. “Well, if you don’t need me for anything else, I’ll head home.”
