“Hi, Artem. You, um, wantedto see me?”
He gestures for me to have a seat in the black leather chair across from his desk. “Yes, I did.” He sits, and his cold steel eyes appraise me.
“Michelle, how many seasons have you been with LABT?”
“It’s Minerva, and three, sir.”
“Three? Hmm, I’m surprised it’s been that long.” He nods curtly, resting his hands on his desk. “Well, in any case, I’ll cut right to the chase.”
I sit taller in my seat, leaning forward.
“The recent formation of the Los Angeles City Ballet has caused LABT to be placed in a financially delicate position.” His lip curls. “Unfortunately, it’s fallen to me to ensure that the company is able to maintain the high-quality shows that our patrons are accustomed to.”
LABT being on the edge of bankruptcy is not exactly a state secret. When our star soloist, Clara Little, left the company two years ago, so did many of our donors. Then six months ago, LABT was placed in an even tougher position when the LA City Ballet opened its doors to the public.
I know they’ve been a thorn in Artem’s side. Both companies are competing for the same audience members. Plus, LA City Ballet has also been poaching some of the soloists and principals from LABT. I can’t say I blame the dancers who have left. I’ve heard LA City Ballet is offering double what Artem is.
“Mich—Minerva, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, especially during the holiday season, but LABT will be letting you go after theNutcrackerrun.”
My throat goes dry. My pulse beats against my ribs as fast as a hummingbird’s wings. “You’re firingme? But what about the apprentices you’ve just taken on and promoted to the corps?”
I’m taking a big gamble by assuming Sage and Viola have been promoted.
“This year’s apprentices are LABT’s future.” The muscles in Artem’s forehead furrow into a deep V. “Let’s face it, Mich—Minerva, you’ve gone as far as you can go in ballet. You have weak turnout and poor extensions. You’ve had every opportunity to show me and the rest of my staff what you’re capable of. Yet all we’ve seen is mediocre dancing.”
“I don’t understand.” My voice is cracking.
“I should’ve done the right thing by you and let you go last season; it wasn’t fair for me to get your hopes up that you’d have a future here.”
My heart is shattering. Being a professional ballerina has been a lifelong dream. Artem has never viewed me as having a future here? “Then why did you even hire me?”
“I needed an extra body forNutcracker. You are the right height for a snowflake.”
“But I’ve been here three years, why didn’t you say anything?” The corners of my eyes grow moist. The walls are closing in around me. My chest grows tight. I’ve heard enough.
He shrugs. “You’ll receive your final check the week after New Year’s.”
With a wave of a hand, I’m dismissed. It’s like I’m a piece of nasty gum that’s stuck to the bottom of his shoe. Fat, salty tears fall down my cheeks as I seek sanctuary in the dressing room.
Corinne’s exuberant smile is immediately replaced by a look of deep concern. “What happened?”
I can’t hold anything back. “He firedme.”
“Oh, Minerva, I’m so sorry.” She envelops me in a tight hug and gently rocks me back and forth, running circles on my back. “Artem is an idiot. I’m going to go in there and give him a piece of my mind.”
“No, Corinne, you can’t.” I stiffen and pull back. “I don’t want you to lose your promotion.”
“I don’t care.” Her eyes flash dangerously.
“Yes, you do, being a soloist is your dream.”
“So? It’s no good if it comes at the price of losing you. I want us to be together. I’ll give it all up if it means you’ll be here with me.”
I shake my head. “Artem is pigheaded. He won’t change his mind. You and I both know that.”
She stares at me, biting her lip. I know she wants to argue with me, but she knows I’m right. “Then I’ll quit and we’ll both look for a new company.”
“No. You’ll hate me forever if you quit.”
