Page 22 of Kissing the Debutant
“Yes, yes, your mother and I recognize your desire to explore your secular college options. We are prepared to meet you halfway. You may enter this silly little competition, and we will treat it as practice for what matters. And if you wish to attend a college, you may audition for Julliard.”
“That is hardly the secular college experience.” Lillian managed to interject.
“That is why it’s a compromise.” Claude steered her toward the mirrored wall, pushing, turning and pulling her body until she stood in first position to his satisfaction. “Hold your pose.” He moved, circling around her like predator stalking its prey.
Lillian felt her choices slipping further away. With Claude and her mother on the same team, she’d never have an opportunity to voice her own desires.
“You will lose five pounds of fat immediately.” Claude eyed her figure. “We will put you on a strict diet, low in carbohydrates and not to exceed seven hundred calories per day.”
“That’s insane, I—”
“You will also follow a regimen of diuretics and laxatives that will help you achieve your goal.”
“No.” Lillian relaxed her pose, folding her arms across her chest. She drew the line at harming her body just for a few pounds. She was thin enough. With hisdietshe would do much more harm than good.
“Excuse me?” He turned his glare on her. “Did I give you permission to move, much less speak?” Spittle flew from his mouth as he raised his voice.
Lillian lifted her chin. “I think you’ve been misinformed, Mr. Mallery. I have no need of a new choreographer.”
“You don’t?” He sneered. “I think your mother would have something to say about that. If you refuse me, no other choreographer will touch you.”
“I will take it up with my mother. Th-thank you for your time.” She took a nervous step away from Claude. Her mother would never forgive her for this, but she refused to work with this man. He gave off such a sinister vibe, it left her much too aware of their solitude in the empty studio.
“Lil, you okay?” Jack stepped through the curtain, frowning at her would-be instructor.
“This doesn’t concern you, boy,” Claude snapped at him. “Go clean something.” He eyed Jack’s dust mop.
“This is my cousin’s studio, sir, if someone is mistreating one of her dancers, it is my business.” He took another step into the room.
Lillian’s heart pounded a little less with Jack there beside her.
“Her dancers?” Claude scoffed. “Go back to your mopping.”
“He’s my new choreographer.” Lillian reached out to grab Jack’s hand.
“What?” Jack looked at her in surprise.
“The janitor is your new choreographer?" Claude mocked. “You think this small-town boy is going to help you win some silly scholarship competition? You’re done, girl. You may as well quit.”
Lillian choked back the tears that burned her eyes and throat. Maybe he was right. Maybe she should quit before she sacrificed her whole life to a career she wasn’t sure she even wanted.
“That’s right. I’m her new choreographer, and I think it’s time for you to leave.” Jack pointed toward the door.
“You’re under contract, little girl. You better hope your mother has a good lawyer.” Claude marched to the exit and slammed the door behind him.
Lillian let out a shaky breath. Her mother really was going to kill her this time, but for once, she was certain of her decision. Claude Mallery represented everything Lillian knew she didn’t want.
“So… what just happened?” Jack turned to her, scratching his head. “Seriously, that guy was a jerk.”
“He’s some expensive choreographer my mom hired, but he’s an awful human being. I just couldn’t stomach him for another second.”
“When do you want to start?” Jack asked.
“What?” Lillian gave him a startled look.
“I have some time later this week if you want to schedule our first practice.”
“No.” She shook her head. “Jack, no, I wasn’t actually serious. I just needed to get rid of him.”
