I no longer know what I would prefer. No matter how I twist and turn it, this can only end well one way. By pretending I have no feelings for this woman. I would have to ignore every heartbeat and every glance. As long as she is merely a student like any other. But while dancing, we would touch each other. Be close to one another.
I don't know what would happen if it were only half as intense as today. However, I know one thing: nothing must happen.
"Forty-three." Madame Durand's voice interrupts my daydreams. "You may start, David."
David takes out his pen and flips a page in his notes. "Ah," he says as if suddenly realizing who couple number forty-three is. His gaze flickers to me. "Neither of them convinced me."
Juli wrinkles her nose but remains silent.
Madame Durand pouts her lower lip forward. She must have expected a different evaluation. "Reasoning?" she inquires.
"The little dance performance with Maxime was good, but it shouldn't be part of the evaluation. If we disregard that, there's no reason to accept them," David responds. He keeps looking at me intently. Is he trying to signal that he's doing me a favor here? Or is he gazing at me so insistently to draw conclusions from my reaction?
But he won't get any reaction because there's nothing to react to.
I don't care about Aurora, I pray to myself.
"Yes, Maxime, what is your opinion on this matter?" the boss wants to know next. "After all, you were... closer... so to speak," she inquires.
From her tone, I can tell that she disapproves of my behavior. Although she refrains from expressing it openly in this gathering, I sense that she might call me for a one-on-one conversation in her office tomorrow.
"Today, if I may, Monsieur Rousseau," she reprimands me.
I have no idea what to say. But one thing is clear to me: I cannot back down from my stance now. I have advocated for Aurora for days.
I have praised her talent on multiple occasions. If I were to vote against her now, I would not only be a jerk who destroys her career for my self-preservation but my colleagues would also wonder why I would do that.
I adjust the cutlery in front of me. "I am still convinced of Aurora Olivetta's dance abilities," I state.
David inhales sharply. "Today's mambo only proved that you are a good dancer. Even a beginner would look good next to you," he retorts.
His eyes narrow, and I realize how serious he is. Whether he wants to protect me or has other reasons, he won't allow Aurora to attend the academy.
"Come on! A dance couple is only as good as its weakest member. Everyone knows that," Juli interjects indignantly. "Just because the man is in charge of leading does not mean the woman doesn't contribute."
Madame Durand raises her hands in a calming gesture. "Please, let's stay objective."
Juli presses her lips together, David clenches his fists relentlessly, and I don't know where to look. Awkwardly, I reach for my wineglass and down it in one go, earning another stern look from the boss.
Afterward, she clears her throat. "So Juli and Maxime are in favor of admission. David is against it."
I can't help but hold my breath and discreetly slide my hands under the table, trying to hide how little control I have over my fingers.
"My vote is also against the couple," she says in a sharp tone, marking crosses next to their names on her list.
That settles it. In case of a tie, the academy management makes the final decision. And that's what she just did.
I try to breathe. It's better this way. If Aurora started here, she would distract me too much.
At best.
At worst, our attraction would have driven me insane. I should be glad. The danger is averted.
"Very well," David comments with delight. "Now, let's move on to couple number forty-four."
Juli immediately focuses her attention on Madame Durand, who smiles contentedly.
Out of nowhere, Cyrille's flat hand slams vigorously on the table. The dishes clatter loudly, and the knives tinkle brightly. "Not so fast, ladies and gentlemen."
