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ChapterSixty-Three
SABRINA
Iwoke the next morning earlier than usual. I pulled on a pair of yoga pants and a tank top and grabbed my yoga mat.
“I love an early morning stretch,” I said to the empty room.
I tiptoed out to the living room. Seeing the coast was clear, I headed to the balcony when I saw the pillows on the couch shifting. I reached for the pillows, moving them away to find Cota, eyes closed tight.
“I know you’re faking no matter how tight you squeeze those eyes.” I tossed the pillow back at him. “You know what this means, don’t you? That’s right. You’re coming out on that balcony with me.”
“I’m too tired. I’ll watch from here and cheer you on.”
“No, sir. You brought me to that ice cream cone yesterday and I realize you don’t care if you fit in a leotard for a whole party of people, but I do.” I paused. “I didn’t mean you are fat.”
Cota didn’t budge. Instead, he buried himself in the pillows even more.
“Pizza for lunch,” I said cajolingly. “If you get up right now, I will agree to it.”
“You drive a hard bargain. Fine, I’ll get up and stretch my body in ways not fit for a human.” He followed me outside. “But know now I’m getting two pizzas.”
“Fine, get two pizzas.” I tossed my hands in the air. “Get garlic knots while you are at it.”
“Now we’re talking.” He hefted a sigh and dropped down on the outdoor carpet.
I went easy on him since he was being a good sport about it. I would have to be sure to do something with him that he likes to do in the city.
Hmm, I have no idea what he likes to do. Maybe Murphy knows, or Sawyer.
Cota had juice ready when I came out of my room dressed to dance. I was feeling more like myself with my leotard on and my ballet slippers tied around my neck. Of course, I didn’t have my gym bag with all the necessary items like band-aids, powder, and more.
Make a note to buy everything needed for practice later today. I wonder where I can buy that here? I’ll ask Bond to check it out for me.
“You look happy this morning.” Cota handed me the glass. “It’s because you get to see me.”
“I do like seeing you, but I think it has more to do with being able to put on my toe shoes once again.” She sipped on her juice. “And I am excited to try out my dance idea.”
We rode together with Bond at the helm. We dropped Cota at Kellan’s office first before going on to the theatre. Murphy had outdone herself and there were at least twenty dancers waiting to audition. I put up a finger to Murphy that I would be right back. I took the two flights of stairs up and down the narrow hallway toward the office I once dreaded entering, but this time Yury would not be in there to scream at me. I was hoping to find leftover powder or anything else the dancers from my old troupe left behind. I didn’t find anything useful, so I made my way onto the stage.
“Good morning. I’ll try to get to each of you quickly so I don’t waste your whole day.” I gestured for the first dancer to join me and did a run through of what I expected each dancer to attempt. “Start the music, please,” I called out to Murphy.
It wasn’t until dancer number seventeen that I nearly jumped up and down with excitement in finding a suitable partner. I pointed to him when he turned away so that Murphy could see. She gave me a thumbs up then told everyone they could leave. I sat on the stage floor untying my shoes, patting the floor for him to join me.
“You are a very fine dancer. Have you been dancing for long?” I asked. “My name is Sabrina, by the way.”
“Actually, we met a few months ago, in the back. A few of the troupe dancers were ill and we were called in to help.” He stretched out on the floor across from me. “I was sorry to hear you had left the troupe, but I had overheard Yury berating several of you, so I get it.”
“I apologize for not remembering you. The name is Matt, correct?” I massaged my foot. “Life was very stressful back then. A fire could have started and I may not have noticed it.”
“I watched you every night; you’re wonderful. I only hope to be good enough to be next to you on stage.” He sat up. “If you choose me, that is.”
“Matt, I have decided you will be the best choice. Can you be here every day for the next two weeks to practice?”
“I can. My next show isn’t until next month.” He began stretching. “Thank you for having confidence in my ability.”
“Sabrina, you ready to go?” Bond stood at the base of the stage. “Young man, do you need a lift home?”
“No sir, I’m only a few blocks over.” He stood and collected his bag. “See you tomorrow. I’ll bring lunch.”
