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)
“Sounds good.” I was a fan of simpler costumes, but I wasn’t about to limit Kitty’s fun. I’d also been in plenty of productions where we made do with existing costumes without as many alterations, but Kitty wanted to practice tailoring. “What do you have planned for Victoria?”
“What do you mean?” Kitty made a choking sound as her cheeks went redder than Rudy’s. Kitty had her mother’s paler skin and her father’s unruly hair. She wore denim overalls that likely predated Rudy and a flowy purple overshirt that might have started life as a robe. “I don’t have plans for Victoria.”
“He means costume-wise.” Rudy was fast to smooth things over as usual. I was coming to appreciate how he could soften the blunt edges of my delivery. He was far better than I was at dealing with all of the younger people and kids.
“Exactly.” I nodded, which brought my head closer to Rudy’s as he measured the length of my arm. I was going to spend all damn night trying to place his minty scent. “Irina said the costume came with a lot of obvious wear, especially on the bodice, and missing rhinestones.”
“Oh yeah, that.” Kitty brightened as she flipped her tablet toward me to show off professional-looking costume concept sketches, complete with notes. “Victoria is getting a sparkle overhaul. My teacher is helping me to hand-clean the costume and add new embellishments. I want her to look perfect. No offense to you, but the Sugar Plum Fairy is the real star of the show.”
“None taken. You’re right. Think of me like a picture frame displaying and accentuating my partner’s performance.” Dancing with much-younger costars was always a delicate balance. Common enough, but I preferred to think of the Cavalier role as a way to showcase my partner’s talents rather than attempting to convey chemistry like I might in a more romantic role like Don Quixote or Swan Lake. “Victoria and Cheryl need all the sparkles and spotlights.”
The two dancers would share the Sugar Plum Fairy costume along with the role as they were similarly sized enough for that to work with some minor alterations after Victoria’s school-day performance.
“Other than your variations.” Rudy was as quick in his defense of me as Kitty was of Victoria. “Then the spotlight is all yours.”
“I’ll try to do it justice.” My knee had felt strong for the last several days, and I was hoping with everything I had that we wouldn’t have to water down or omit my variations. “But seriously, Kitty is right. The production is all about the younger dancers like Victoria.”
“Yep.” Kitty furiously added a few more notes to her drawings before looking up from the tablet. “Victoria deserves all the attention. Did you know she already has an invitation to train full-time in New York? After another summer intensive with them, and her senior year at boarding school, she’ll likely get hired into one of the companies and move to New York.”
“She’s immensely talented.” A few rehearsals had been more than enough to reveal Victoria was going places.
“She certainly has the makings of a star,” Rudy chimed in. “But it can be hard when a friend moves away, even for happy reasons.”
“Yeah.” Kitty sighed heavily. “She’ll miss all the senior year stuff here.”
“I had the same situation.” I tried for a reassuring tone. “She’d likely be too busy for much of those extracurriculars even if she stayed local.”
Far from reassured, Kitty tensed, head falling forward and shoulders slumping as she directed all her attention toward her tablet. Heck. I’d screwed up.
“I’m sure she’ll be sad to miss all the traditions.” Rudy had the soothing tone to make Kitty glance up as he asked, “Do they still do the Senior Surprise?”
Thanks to Isabella, I knew the Senior Surprise was an elaborate annual prank of sorts. Isabella’s year had taken over the faculty parking lot for a pancake breakfast, complete with tables and chairs and diner-themed decor. It had sounded like a lot of work to me, but Isabella and her friends had been delighted with the outcome.
“Yep.” Kitty managed the smallest of smiles. “I can’t wait to help plan.”
“I’m sure you’ll come up with something great.” Rudy returned her smile with a sparkling grin before glancing down at his smartwatch. “Speaking of Victoria, her class is ending. We better let Alexander get to rehearsal.”
“Yes.” Relieved to end the torture of a conversation I kept screwing up and Rudy’s nearness, I stepped toward the doorway only to be gripped by some force I couldn’t name as I nodded at Rudy. “You locking up tonight?”
“Of course.” Rudy beamed that much wider, and I knew without asking that he’d have the board game at the ready. We had a routine going, and we often played the game long after my icing time was finished. I had to admit that it beat long, lonely hours in my parents’ pool house. Rudy was good company, and the game brought out my competitive side.