Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 75983 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75983 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“My apologies.” My only real regret was that I hadn’t succeeded in turning invisible. Nevertheless, I accepted a brief hug and back pat with a smile. “How are you?”
I braced for the inevitable reply even before I finished asking. I owed so very much to Tavio, yet there was a reason I’d dodged him this evening.
“The better question is, how are you?” Tavio had the barest hint of a Spanish accent, worn away by decades in New York before he retired to the Philadelphia area. “Your sister says you’re working hard, but directed me back to you, darn that doctor/patient confidentiality.”
“Darn.” I shrugged, making a mental note to thank Isabella later. My twin was a well-respected orthopedist, a fact that both awed and disconcerted me. “She’s not technically my doctor though. I’m seeing another doctor at her practice and using Isabella’s physical therapy recommendations.”
“And?” Tavio prompted, long fingers flexing as if tempted to summon Isabella over to make me talk. “When we last spoke, you were so discouraged. I hope the change of scenery and new approach are helping.”
“Thank you.” I did appreciate his concern, if not the reminder of my terrible summer. I’d been on the road to recovery after blowing my ACL in the late winter, only to suffer a major setback right as my Seattle-based ballet company was finalizing roles for the fall season. I’d lost my chance to come back this year, along with a good chunk of my confidence. Reluctantly, I’d let Isabella coax me back for an extended visit to get a second opinion on my rehab. I’d had a decent team in Seattle for the surgery and initial recovery, but the second opinion had been helpful, even if I continually felt two steps behind. I forced an upbeat tone for Tavio. “It’s a little like stepping into a time machine, being back in the area again. But Isabella and her team have been tremendous. I’m making progress. I’m on track for the Valentine’s weekend production.”
This was the stock answer I offered everyone these days. The date was circled on my calendar with equal parts dread and anticipation. I was so much stronger now than a few weeks ago, but the thought of showing up for the start of rehearsals only to face another disappointment gave my stomach premiere night-level queasiness.
“You’re not going to attempt The Nutcracker in December?” Tavio’s calculating gaze said far more than his words.
“Don’t play coy with me.” I wagged a finger at him. We’d both been adults long enough that I could rebuke the man who’d once been a legend to me. “I know you’re still hooked into all the latest ballet world gossip. Retirement has nothing on you.”
“True.” Tavio didn’t look at all repentant.
“The company told me to take my time coming back after the latest setback, and they went ahead and cast The Nutcracker without me this year.” I paused for a brief breath, not giving in to my knee’s current demand for a chair and an icepack. Showing my pain now would hardly fit my breezy tone. “I could have been ready, but it’s smart business on their part not to count on me, I suppose.”
“A shame, especially if you’d be ready.” Tavio made a sympathetic clucking sound. “But more time to recover isn’t a bad thing. And I have a proposition for you in your downtime.”
“Of course you do.” My voice was fond, but I kept my gaze pointed. I owed so much to Tavio and had tremendous respect for his sharp mind, even as his tendency to always have an ulterior motive made my jaw clench.
“I think you might like this idea. The Hollyberry Ballet has had a rough couple of seasons, as has the theater.”
Tavio knew how to pluck at my sympathies. I’d taken my first ballet class at Hollyberry Ballet School, had my first performances in the Hollyberry Grand Theater. I met Tavio there when he’d been a guest performer in the twilight of his career. Under his and his wife’s encouragement, I’d taken my training to new levels and left my little suburb behind. Tavio, on the other hand, had retired in Hollyberry, making the small, local company his pet project as his wife also now taught at the school.
“We need this year’s The Nutcracker to be a resounding success. And I need an experienced Cavelier as a draw.”
“Tavio…” I groaned because even a satellite could spot where this was headed.
“Hear me out.” He clapped me on the shoulder as if to still my escape. “We have the most promising student since you graced our halls. Victoria. She has a place waiting for her to study in New York next year. She’s wowed all the summer programs. She’s a star in the making, and she could benefit tremendously from working with you.”