“I didn’t realize money was that tight here, Lauren. Dad never said a word about it when we talked.” She smoothed her palms down her slacks. Swallowed. “But Mom and I lived a frugal life too. You know she worked as a concierge while I was in training, and we lived in a tiny one-bedroom apartment. What you may not know is that when I joined the corps at eighteen after my apprenticeship year, I shared a small two-bedroom apartment with three other dancers. I only got my own place—also tiny—after I was named a principal dancer. I’ve never had the money for pricey clothes offstage, either.”
Lauren gave her a skeptical look. “You earn more than I do.”
“I also live in New York City, where the cost of living is super high.”
“I’m sure there are other perks, though. You’re famous, Devyn. You get roses on stage, for crying out loud. I’m lucky if I get a box of candy from my boss once a year at Christmas.”
Oh, boy.
Starting this discussion tonight may have been a mistake.
“I can’t argue with anything you’ve said. I’ve been able to live my dream, and that’s a huge blessing. On the flip side, my job won’t make me rich and it has a very short life span. Your career, on the other hand, will last as long as you want to work in your field.”
Lauren studied her, eyes narrowing. “So what will you do after ballet?”
“I don’t know yet, but for years I funneled every extra dime of my salary into tuition to get a degree in business so I’d have a fallback after I take my final bow. That’s how I spent my free time. Going to school through a program the dance company sponsored.”
Her sister flexed her fingers on her cane. “You never said anything about that.”
“I didn’t want you to think I was looking beyond ballet, after all the sacrifices everyone made for me. And I don’t mean to diminish my success. I’ll always be thankful I had this opportunity, but I’m sorry it came between us. And that it may have cost you your own dreams.” She swallowed. “Is that what happened, Lauren?”
Her sister gave a stiff shrug. “My dreams were never as lofty as yours. All I wanted was a family and a creative outlet of my own. I failed big-time on the family part.” She picked up the half-finished tote bag and stroked a finger over a seam. “But my sewing projects have found an audience.”
“You sell your work?”
“Yes. I design and sew these totes and placemats and other quilted items for Eye of the Beholder. That’s the gift shop on Main Street. They have an online shop too.”
“I saw it when I stopped in at the hardware store.” Devyn surveyed the fabric spread over the table again. “That’s impressive.”
“Not as impressive as being a principal dancer with one of the most famous ballet companies in the world. It’s hard to compete with that.”
“Does it have to be a competition? Can’t we just accept that we each found different ways to express our creativity?”
Lauren shrugged. “I guess. Besides, while I’d love to get roses on a regular basis, the mere thought of performing in front of thousands of people makes me break out in a cold sweat. And I do like working with my hands, creating pretty things. Except it’s hard to concentrate right now. I did more ripping than stitching today.”
“Your focus will improve, along with your stamina. I see giant leaps forward every day.”
“It can’t happen soon enough for me.” She set the tote bag down.
Devyn motioned to it. “Would you make me a dance bag before I leave? With a side pocket for my pointe shoes? I’ll pay you for it. You do amazing work.”
A soft flush rose on Lauren’s cheeks. “I’ve never sewn a bag like that.”
“It might be a new market for you. I could work with you on the design.”
“Yeah. I guess I could do that.” Lauren stepped away from the sewing machine. “Did you tell me you have a show meeting today?”
“Yes. Seven o’clock. First cast get-together to lay out the schedule and pass out scripts and music. Would you like to come along and sit in?”
“Why? So you can keep an eye on me?”
Yes—but admitting that would only ruffle feathers.
“I just thought you might enjoy a change of scene.”
A beat ticked by. “Iamgoing a little stir-crazy. But I’ll have to see how much energy I have later.” She checked her watch. “You want to eat?”
“Yes. I’ll follow you up.”
