Page 69 of Kissing the Debutant
“We’ll let you get warmed up,” Layne said.
“But we’ll be right there in the audience cheering you on,” Rose added.
“Thanks, girls. You’re the best.” Lillian gave them each another hug. These girls knew what it was like to strive for something, and she was relieved to have their friendly faces in the crowd, cheering for her.
“Good luck, Lillian, you’ve got this, girl.” Rose called over her shoulder as they made their way to the auditorium.
“What was that?” Lillian’s mother stared at Rose and Layne’s retreating figures.
“The Diva squad.” Lillian smiled after them.
“The what?”
“Just some friends.” Lillian returned to her stretching.
“I still can’t believe you’re insisting on this silly scholarship competition.” Lillian’s mother scowled at the other dancers preparing for the singles dance competition. “It’s not even a ballet-centric program.”
“Mom, you didn’t have to come,” Lillian said from her place on the floor where she went through her stretches. Her slot was coming up soon, and she wanted to be ready. “You could have gone to your charity thing without me.”
“Of course, I had to come, darling. I don’t know what you’re thinking with this competition, so someone has to be here to talk some sense into you. I mean, they didn’t even give you a private dressing room.”
“It’s not that kind of competition, Mom. It’s just a thing I wanted to do. A way to explore all my options. Don’t read too much into it.”
“You’ve been different lately. More rebellious.” She examined her perfect manicure. “I’m trying to understand what you need to get your head on straight. It’s not like you to ignore a charity event I’ve asked you to attend.”
Lillian shrugged. “I think that’s for me to figure out for myself.”
“Hey, Lil!” someone called over the din of dancers preparing to perform.
“Mia?” Lillian scrambled to her feet. “What are you doing here?” She crossed the room to hug Jack’s friend.
“I’ve been all over this place looking for you,” she panted. “Jack’s with me.”
“Jack?” Lillian’s heart soared into the clouds.
“He wanted to see you perform, but he didn’t want to make you nervous, so I ditched him to come find you.”
“Thank you, Mia.” Lillian hugged her again. “You’re a good friend.”
“I’m Jack’s friend, but I’m rooting for you. Don’t make me have to hurt you.”
“I’m going to fix this, Mia. I promise.” Lillian squeezed her hand before Mia took off through the crowd. She didn’t know how she was going to fix it, but just knowing he was here—that he showed up for her—meant they still had a chance.
“Who is Jack?” her mother asked.
“You met him at the ball, Mom.” Lillian rolled her eyes. She had an idea. One that could destroy all the hard work she’d put into this competition. But it might be the solution to everything. If Jack was willing to come all the way to New York, then Lillian had to show him how much she cared.
“Was he the handsome one from Dartmouth?”
“No, he was my escort. The one you insulted.”
“Oh. The one you brought to humiliate me?”
“No, the one I brought because I happen to like him very much. Contrary to what you might think, everything I do isn’t a direct reflection on you. Sometimes the things I do are to make me happy.” Lillian turned on her heel and headed to the stage. Her turn was up soon.
She shifted on her feet, suddenly more nervous than she’d ever been before any competition or recital. She paced across the backstage area, waiting for her turn in the spotlight. She wasn’t nervous about the dance. She could do that part in her sleep.
“What’s your music?” Someone asked her, perusing a clipboard for her information.
