Page 59 of Sway

I eye him. Yes, I married Benny to succeed. So what? Singers marry the heads of record labels and actresses sleep with their directors, and that’s the way it is sometimes. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to get her foot in the door. And I needed to take care of my baba. She’s all I have left of my family. But there comes a point when the singers and the dancers and the actresses get to show they deserve the spotlight once they get it. Getting your foot in the door is one thing, kicking ass when you get there is another. And this girl’s ready to kick ass.

And finally here’s a boy who will let her.

I relax and stroke the steering wheel. All I need now is George Michael blasting from the speakers.

Tony opens the glove compartment and takes out an envelope. “I’ve got one more present for you. Then I promise never to buy you anything again.” He hands me the envelope.

I open it up and there are two round trip tickets to the Dominican Republic’s Sun Village Resort and Spa. Tucked behind the brochure is a signed power of attorney from Benny consenting to a mutual divorce. Dated for the weekend after the finale.

“I just can’t wait for six months,” Tony says.

I squeeze Tony and give him a kiss. “Now that is a best present I have ever received.” I close the envelope, amazed at how light it feels. “Good God, what’d you do, tie him up and torture him with hours of your heavy metal? I thought for sure he’d make this as miserable as possible.”

He winks. “I have my ways . . .”

“That you do, milay.” I kiss him one more time then turn the keys in the ignition to start up my new car. The engine sends vibrations through my spine. “Strap on that seat belt, boy. Mama’s taking this baby for a spin.”

Viennese Waltz

The Princess waited at the ball for her Prince. He presented himself to her; she curtseyed and placed herself in his arms. They began twirling around the floor. She was woozy with delight. He spun her in the opposite direction. Other couples came toward them, attempting to box them in. They were cornered, but her Prince broke through the crush and transported them to the center of the floor. All eyes were on her, the belle of the ball.