“Congratulations. That’s a huge accomplishment. How do you feel about it?”
“Really good.” My heels and fingers tap in unison, excited energy needing somewhere to flow. “Things are finally starting to come together. And I’m really liking my new company.”
The more time I spend at Ballet Potomac, learning their processes and getting to know my fellow dancers, the better of an environment I think it is for me. Now that I’ve let go of the dream I’d envisioned of dancing principal at the Institute and partnering with Blake, on and offstage, my eyes are more open to the possibility of a future where I’m at. I adore Evelyn, Veronique, and Sara. I enjoy the class and rehearsal structure. And now, with this opportunity to travel to Sydney and dance at the festival, it’s a sign they see a future for me there too.
“And how about Jax? How are things going since you mentioned him at our last session?”
My body goes very still at the mention of him, but I shake it off quickly, hoping Dr. Tanner didn’t notice. Her pen meeting paper tells me that’s not the case.
Crap.
“Good but quiet. His job takes him away for long periods of time.” I bite my lip, trying to think of what I can strategically say. “I got a note with some flowers from him this morning.” I leave out the part where the peonies were delivered via Bloom harbinger bunny.
Dr. Tanner smiles down at her paper and jots more notes. “How did that make you feel?”
“Valued… Loved.” Though Jax hasn’t said the words to me aloud, they are no less felt.
“I know being apart can be hard and sometimes lead to feelings of insecurity or resentment.” She gives me a sympathetic dip of her head and waits. When I don’t say anything, she continues, “But you feel good about things?”
“I do.” Though I have to admit it’s hard to feel like I’m fully living when I’m constantly straddling being present and dancing with a ghost just out of reach. It’s not Jax’s fault, but sometimes his absence tampers with my belief. “I’m counting down until I can see him again.”
At least everything I’ve said is true.
“When will that be?”
My grin widens. “Winter.”
30
JOLIE
As soon as I walk through the door to the apartment, Delilah’s already yelling, “You’re home in time to catch the last period!”
She ushers me into the living room, taking my bag and discarding it by the wall before she pats the couch. I almost hesitate, Jax’s letter is still on my mind, but Delilah’s enthusiasm draws me to her.It’s not like the note is going anywhere.I hustle over and grab some Twizzler popcorn before tossing it in my mouth. I almost forgot it was the playoffs.
Delilah has been beside herself since her team made it. “The Redhots are up by two. Really hoping they’ll score a couple more goals before the end of the game.”
“How was your day?” I ask Lark, my hand fighting hers in the bowl as we both go for a big scoop of popcorn.
“Great!” Lark says between bites. “The Institute finally sent out the list for the Summit.”
“And?”
“Looks like you’ll have time to get sick of me in a whole other country!”
We both squeal, and Delilah ignores us, eyes glued to the television, her entire body is tense.
I loop an arm around Lark’s shoulder. “Love that for us.”
It’ll be so amazing to see her dance again and have a buddy for the trip since my closest friends from the corps weren’t invited. Plus, I’m always down for another Blake buffer. “Do you know what you’re dancing yet?”
“Nope. I’m thinking of maybe the Emerald’s first variation fromJewels. You know I love me some Balanchine choreography.”
“Oh, you’d do amazing with that!” I’m already imagining her beautifully long legs sweeping with her tulle, moving gracefully through the fluid arm movements, spinning across the stage. Lark’s body is naturally long, whereas I’m built more petite. Working for those impeccable lines took me years.
“Plus, there’s a green corset-and-tutu ensemble I’ve had my eye on in the costume department.”
“Of course there is.” Leave it to Lark to pick her piece based on the costume.
