Page 115 of Igniting Sparks
I stare at my food, my appetite wilting like the lettuce on my burger. “Let me guess. This job is in LA?”
Leo nods. “Of course, although there will be jobs all around the world. This could be her big break into show business.”
I scrub my face with my hands.
This is going from bad to worse to… I don’t know what the fuck it is.
“So, you have a job for Mina. A real job, with full-time work, a good salary, benefits, all that shit?”
“All that and more. She’ll become eligible for SAG-AFTRA, which opens the door to televised performances, music videos, national tours, you name it. There are all sorts of high-end perks—royalties, rubbing elbows with the Hollywood elite. Plus, we offer temporary housing for new employees to help them get settled in LA.”
“You’ve thought of everything,” I mutter.
“Mina deserves all that and more, but I wanted to check with you first. I know how important you are to her, and I didn’t want to overstep.”
“I appreciate that.”
And I do. Leo is a total gentleman, and what he’s offering is world-changing for Mina. Far beyond the humble studio I’m building in Sparkwood.
Hollywood is calling, and I know Mina needs to answer that call.
Leo senses my turmoil and adds quietly, “It will give her a life in the dance world again.”
“More than that,” I mumble, shoving a fry in my mouth. It tastes like cardboard.
To be fair, everything has lost its flair in the last few moments.
I bite into my burger as the numbing pain settles over me. “Mina could be the next big Hollywood choreographer.”
Leo nods. “That’s the plan. She has the drive and talent. She just needs an opportunity. But I’m not sure if I should say anything.”
I wipe my mouth and ball up the napkin, my decision already made. “You’re going to tell her, Leo, and you’re going to convince her she needs to go.”
“Might be easier with your help.”
“Whatever you need. Whatever Mina needs.” I toss my burger onto the plate. I can’t eat another bite. Hell, I’m two seconds from losing the breakfast I already had.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal. Once we fill the spot, I can’t say when—or if—another will open. She’ll need to decide quickly, and I think she’ll need your help to push her in that direction.”
I don’t want her to go. I want Mina to live here in Sparkwood with me, but what kind of man would I be if I hid her lifelong opportunity from her?
It’s London all over again, but this time, I’m ensuring she grabs the brass ring and holds on with both hands.
Which means I have to let her go.
Mina is sitting at the kitchen table when I walk into the house that evening. She doesn’t say a word, her eyes fixed on the polished wood grain, uncertainty clinging to her like smoke.
I toss my keys on the counter and grab the bottle of whiskey from the cabinet. I’m going to need it to get through the next few minutes.
Pouring myself a glass, I swig down half before walking over to where Mina sits, silent and still.
I pull out a chair and sit, reaching across to thread my fingers through hers. “When do you leave for LA?”
Her eyes widen as she snaps from her reverie. “How do you know about LA?”
I shrug, downing another swallow of whiskey. “Leo met me for lunch. Told me about the job he has waiting for you.”
Mina buries her face in her hands. “It’s a good offer.”
