Madame Durand wrinkles her nose. David tilts his head as if he could now perceive something in the picture that he hadn't noticed before.
To make it easier for the others, I cover the male dancer with my hand so they are no longer distracted by him. "This woman has unique talent. She can't show it because she has the wrong dance partner."
David looks at me thoughtfully. "And who do you think would be the right one for her?"
The room falls silent instantly. Only the way Juli inhales air with effort can be heard.
What's with this question? "Um." My throat feels dry. "A better dancer, of course."
Madame Durand furrows her brow. "Whom specifically do you have in mind, Monsieur Rousseau?"
Me.
That would be the truth. As soon as I saw Aurora Olivetta dance today, all I wanted was to pull her away from her partner and sweep her across the dance floor with me.
The others stare at me, and unnecessary tension builds up in my lungs.
"Surely, someone will be found," I say as resolutely as possible. If I argue too vehemently, they might think I favor the dancer—for whatever reason.
But that's not the case. I've seen her talent. Nothing more.
To end the discussion, I hand the photo back to the boss. "I suggest we don't write her off just yet and keep an eye on her in the coming days."
I see approving nods all around. Only David doesn't stop scrutinizing me.
"Now, let's continue," I say, trying to force a neutral smile.
It takes an eternity for the boss to present the next photo. "Number forty-four." She looks sternly around the room. "Leonore Haiden and Alan Green. Your evaluations, please."
