“I hope you don’t have plans to go home for winter break?”
Having not been home in four years, no, I don’t have plans to break that streak anytime soon.
“I’ll be staying in Boston,” I confirm.
“Good.” He nods sharply. “Because Catarina broke her ankle.”
My mouth drops. “Oh my god, is she okay?” Catarina is the lead in the pre-professional piece for the upcoming winter showcase.If Catarina broke her ankle, that means…
“She’s as you’d expect her to be.” His eyes flick to mine. “Or well, you should knowexactlyhow being forced to give up a major role in a show feels.”
Ouch.That was pointed.He’s never going to forgive me for getting pregnant my second year and having to drop out of all major performances.
“Anyway, Catarina can’t dance the excerpt from Sleeping Beauty in the showcase. Andyouare our pick to replace her.”
Those are words I never thought would come out of his mouth. “But I thought Julia was her understudy?”
Mr. Carr’s mouth sours. “Juliacan’t handle the role.”His gaze falls heavily on me. “Doyouthink you can handle it, Miss Ralston?”
No.
Yes.
Fuck.
“I think so,” I respond, carefully, still processing the implications.
Mr. Carr frowns and I swallow the lump in my throat, the one reminding me how Lily’s going home for winter break this year—and not to mention everything else I have going on with Remi at the moment.
“Yes, I can do it. I want it.” I don’t know how I’ll do it, but I will.I have to.This role could changeeverything.
He smiles,a rare sight,sitting back in his chair. “This showcase is a huge opportunity for you, Miss Ralston. I didn’t hesitate when I recommended you for it. But let me make myself clear: the showcase is a lot of work, both on and off the stage. And it is also our biggest fundraising event of the year. And as principal, you’re expected to attend all rehearsals, meet with sponsors, and of course, attend the winter gala.”
The annual fundraising gala. There is nothing I hate more than the idea of stuffing myself into a formal dress and rubbingelbows with Boston’s high society. Nevertheless, I nod my agreement. Anything for this opportunity.
“If I see anything like I saw out there today, I will not hesitate to pull you from the showcase myself. Am I being clear?”
My cheeks are on fire when I nod. “Yes, sir.”
“Showcase practice starts next week; it will be on top of your existing schedule. You’ll make it work?” He eyes me questioningly, well aware of mysituationwith Remi and childcare.
“I’ll make it work,” I assure him, though I don’t know how. But the showcase could land me a full-time job with the Conservatory or an audition with another dance company that could changeeverything.I could pay Gio back what I owe him, fund Remi’s medical care, and not to mention get us out of Roxbury.
He nods approvingly. “I’ll e-mail you the rehearsal schedule.” I recognize the dismissal in his tone and rise from my seat, heading for the door.
“Oh, and Briar?”
I turn back. “The director of the Boston Ballet has just about confirmed attendance.”
My heart skips a beat.Possibly even stops beating altogether. Mydreamcompany. Unlike my peers, I can’t just audition for any role, or rather, any company. I have a child, so I won’t be able to travel for work, go on tour, or even travel for auditions for stationary roles in other cities. The Boston Ballet is one, if not theonlyoption. And their auditions are invitation-only.They only take the best of the best.
Mr. Carr reads the look on my face. “Good. Now that you know the stakes, go home and practice. Your pas dechatlooked like a pas desplat.”
9
DOWN BAD
KOEN
