“He says hi,” I relayed to Delia.
“Tell him I’m trying my best but his sister makes it difficult!”
We talked for another ten minutes, the conversation easy now. When we hung up, Delia was leaning against the doorframe.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing. Just nice to see you smile like that. I don’t know what happened with you lately, but I hope it continues.”
I smiled at her. I was only this free because of Hector—a truth I wasn’t ready to look at too closely. “Actually, I wanted to ask you something.”
“Shoot.”
“Would you be willing to come to the penthouse once a week? To work with Lily?” I rushed on before she could answer. “I know you’re busy with your own studio, and I can’t pay you much right now, but I could figure something out. I just thinkit would really help her, having consistent instruction from someone who actually knows what they’re doing.”
Delia’s face had gone through several expressions during my rambling. Now she just gawked at me.
“Are you alright?” I asked.
“You’re asking me to go to Hector Valdez’s penthouse. To teach ballet. In his actual home.”
“Yes?”
“Sarah.” She grabbed my shoulders. “Do you know who Hector Valdez is?”
“My boss?”
“Your boss, who is also one of the best chefs in Manhattan.”
I chuckled at her enthusiasm. “You’re being weird again.”
“You don’t get it—I’m passionate about food!””
She threw a pillow at me, and I caught it laughing.
Three days later, Delia showed up. When Lily spotted her, her whole face lit up.
“Remember Delia from the studio?” I said. “She’s going to teach you here now, at home. Is that okay?”
Lily nodded enthusiastically and did a little spin, showing off without even realizing it.
“Look at you!” Delia grinned. “You’ve been practicing, haven’t you? I can tell. Come on, let’s find some space and see what you’ve got.”
We moved to the living room, and Delia started setting up her speaker. Gianna appeared with water bottles like she’d been summoned.
“Can I watch?” she asked.
“You can join,” Delia said. “Sarah too. Everyone’s dancing.”
“Absolutely not.” I backed toward the couch. “I’m here for moral support.”
“Get over here, Tinsley. You move like you’ve got boards strapped to your spine.”
Lily giggled and grabbed my hand, tugging me toward where Delia was stretching. Gianna was already taking off her shoes.
Delia started with basic stretches, building on what Lily had learned at the studio. She was patient, encouraging, praising Lily’s improved form while gently adjusting her positions.
“Sarah, your posture. You’re doing that slouching thing again.”
