Page 35 of Kissing the Debutant
“Down Under?” Lillian frowned. “That sounds sleazy.”
“It’s an underage dance club in Riverpass.”
Lillian shook her head. “I can’t leave campus for something like that. And dance clubs really aren’t my thing.”
“That’s exactly why you’re coming with us tonight. We’ll sneak you off campus. It’ll be great.”
“We? Who’s we?” Lillian’s face paled at the mention of sneaking off campus without permission.
“Me, Mia, and maybe Wylder and a few others. You seriously need some fun in your life, and a night of unstructured dancing will help wipe the slate clean. From now on, you’re officially on a break from ballet.”
“No, I can’t do that, Jack. I have to keep up with my training.”
“Nope, you and ballet are not friends anymore. You’re breaking up, taking some time apart. Then when you return to it, you’ll know.” He shrugged as if it were that easy. He knew it would be one of the hardest things she’d ever done, but he also knew she could do it.
“I’ll know what?”
“If you love it enough to make it your life.”
12
Lillian
“Lil, what is that on your head?” Wylder let herself into Lillian’s room.
“What?” Lillian turned to check her face in the mirror. Running her hands over her hair, she couldn’t find anything wrong.
“Seriously?” Wylder shook her head.
“What? Do I have food in my teeth?”
“You cannot go to the club with your hair in a bun, wearing a stuffy sweater and old lady slacks.”
“I am not wearing old lady pants.” Lillian checked her reflection in the mirror again. What was wrong with her outfit?
“Sit.” Wylder pointed to the chair in front of Lillian’s desk.
“Wait, what are you doing?” Lillian tried to swat her hand away, but Wylder snagged the hair tie from her bun, and Lillian’s hair tumbled down around her shoulders.
“The bun is adorable when you’re sporting your leotards and tutus and whatnot, but that’s where I draw the line. You have gorgeous hair, Lil.” She ran her fingers through Lillian’s long blond tresses. “It’s time to show it off.”
“Fine, I’ll wear it down.” In her mind it didn’t matter what she wore or what her hair looked like. Tonight was just another practice.
“Good, hold still.” Wylder moved in front of her, blocking Lillian’s view of the mirror on her desk. “Close your eyes.”
“Now what are you doing?”
“Just a little mascara and lip gloss, and you’ll be good to go.”
“Did anyone ever tell you you’re irritating?”
“As a matter of fact, lots of people tell me that.” Wylder didn’t seem to think that was a bad thing. “Now we just need a change of clothes.”
“My clothes are fine, Wylder.” Lillian tried to shoo her out of her room, but Wylder was like a bumblebee zooming around her closet.
“Who does your shopping? Your mom?” Wylder called from the closet.
“Yes. Well, her personal shopper does.”
