BRIAR
It’sanother long day of dress rehearsals at the theater. Mr. Carr is still on another tear, and each number is taking painfully long to get through. I spend most of my time backstage on the floor, my eyes on the clock, either stretching or thinking about what I’m going to say to Koen later.
He’s supposed to pick me up at nine, so he’s not due to be here for another hour, but at the rate we’re going… rehearsal is undoubtedly going to run late, and I’m going to be the reason we miss our reservation.
The dress I borrowed from Lily to wear tonight is tucked into my dance bag, back in Studio A where I did warm-ups, with the rest of my things. It’s cute, green velvet, and falls to my knees. But right now, I’m in full costume for the run-through; a beautiful white tutu with brushes of pink sequins that sparkle each time the lights hit it.
I still have one more number to perform, but they’re still on the one three-ahead of me. I sigh, growing impatient. I’ve already stretched as much as I can possibly stretch, and the nervous energy in my body requires movement.
I lean in toward Mia beside me, “I’m going to go grab my new pointe shoes out of my bag. Might as well break them in now since we aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon.”
“Take me with you,” she sighs, bored out of her mind, but her number is next up.
I laugh, “I’ll be right back. Do you want some water?”
“Yes, please,” she hums, and gives me an appreciative smile.
Getting up, I dodge bodies of other dancers, stagehands, and lighting assistants to slip out the back end of the theater, which leads to the hallway most of the studios are on.
After weeks of dancing every day on my current shoes, I finally had to admit to myself that I needed a new pair, so I broke down and bought some from the shop downstairs this morning. Most dancers, if dancing every day, swap them out every one to two weeks, but at over one hundred dollars a pair, I do what I can to make mine last.
Money is tight right now, especially since I haven’t gotten any tips or lesson money flowing in, and the slippers cost me just about my last hundred bucks.
I don’t know how everything is going to work out with Koen tonight, but in one week, our deal will be over, and I’ll have the money for Remi’s meds, I’ll be free of Gio, and I’ll be able to get a job at another club or bar, and with the showcase next week…
The studio lights are off when I enter, but there’s something off about the room. After weeks of being stalked by Koen, I trust my instincts, and I am certain I’m not alone.
I get halfway to the bag and freeze. My eyes scan the dark edges of the studio until I see Giovanni step out into the light.
I narrow my eyes, unsure why he’s here. I’ve been keeping up with his texts, even though I’ve been feeding him all but useless information.
“Bella, Bella, Bella.” He looks me over. “Long time, no see.”
I’m not in the mood for his games. “Butnotlong time, no talk. What do you want, Gio?”
He clicks his tongue at my attitude. ”Have you seen Daniel?”
“No.”I stiffen, but try and play it off.
“Interesting…” His eyes scan my face. “Because the last time I talked to him, he was on his way to seeyou.”
I just shrug, doing my best to keep a blank expression on my face.
“It’s a rough neighborhood…”
“Mmm.” Gio considers, staring at me hard.
I stare back, my face carefully schooled.
He looks away first. “There’s a shipment coming in tonight,” he says, changing the subject, but my entire body tenses further. “Nobody seems to know where.”
“That’s too bad,” I say, trying to pretend this has nothing to do with me.
He smiles. “It is. Because, Bella, I need to know where that shipment is arriving. And I think you knowexactlywhere that is.”
I shake my headno.
“You’ve been spending an awful lot of time with the O’Rourkes; I know you’ve heard more than you’ve let on.”
