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21
CLAIRE
I zipmy dress for the gala up in a garment bag and drape it over my arm as I leave my apartment. We all have to get ready in the dressing room following the end of the final show. Today, there’s a matinee and evening performance. I’m going to be so tired at the end of the night from dancing and then schmoozing.
I’m surprised to find Con waiting in the hall as I come out of my front door.
“I thought I’d ride with you over to the theater, just to keep you company.” He takes my bags from me.
“Yeah, that’s fine.” I walk beside him down the hall to the elevator.
“How are you feeling? About the last day of exhibition?” he adds quickly.
“It’s bittersweet, you know? I’m sad that it’s my last day to ever dance a lead role on a stage this big, but surprisingly, I’m okay.” We step on the elevator. “I’m tired Con, much more tired than I should be at my age and in this healthy of a body.”
“I’m sorry it’s ending so soon for you, but I think you’ll find a new passion to follow. Something that doesn’t consume all your energy and put your body through so much stress.”
“You’re right, I’ve finally come to accept it. I’ve come to accept a lot of things over the past few weeks.” Like the fact that I let Griff go and I’ve never regretted a decision more than I do that one.
I haven’t talked about Griff to Con at all. It’s like the elephant in the room. I don’t know if he’s even spoken to him since the wedding. I hate that I caused a rift between them. I’ve been tempted to say something several times, but I always lose my nerve. It feels like it would be opening Pandora’s Box to bring it up, and I don’t want to risk upsetting the balance we have going on.
We step off the elevator and get right into the car with Marco. We chat a little bit, and Con compares fatherhood notes with him. I block out the parenthood chatter; it’s another thing I still haven’t told my brother or sister-in-law. I don’t want them to feel weird around me, especially because I know they want to have at least one more.
“So, tonight we’ll all be at the gala.”
“That’s great. Thanks for supporting me.”
“Of course. Have you informed them today will be your final performances?”
“Yes. I gave them a letter of withdrawal yesterday as I left the theater. Just in case they were going to give me any recognition at the gala tonight.”
“Any recognition given would be recognition earned.”
“Maybe.”
We pull up in front of the theater and slide out of the car. Con gets out and grabs my bags out of the trunk for me. He gives me a hug and says, “I’m so proud of you. We all are.”
“I love you, Con.” I hug him back, grateful to know he’s always in my corner.
“Love you, too. Remember to have fun on stage today. Really let go and bask in it.”
“Thanks,” I say as I turn to go up the steps.
Friday is just rounding the corner as I get to the door. I wait for her to ascend before going in. Her eyes are red, and her skin is splotchy. I hold the door open for her.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“My parents are here. They’re taking me home after the gala. They want me home permanently.”
“No. I won’t let them take you away.”
“I have to go. They’ll cut me off financially if I don’t.”
“Um, hi. My name is Claire Volkov, and I have more money than I’ll ever need.”
“I’m not taking your money. Are you crazy?”
“Why not? I could be your sugar mama.” I add a shimmy for flair.
