Page 75 of Kissing the Debutant
“I just wonder why you’re here and not in New York at Julliard or a principal ballerina of a Ballet Company. You are that talented.”
“I know.” Lillian blushed, hating the way that sounded. “I wanted the real college experience. I love to dance. It’s in my blood, and I know I could go all the way, but I learned a long time ago, the best way to make me hate dancing is to do it competitively. I don’t need to be a famous ballerina to still have dance in my life. I just want it to be on my own terms. And I happen to love history. It’s my major. I hope to teach someday. Maybe even history of dance. And I’d like to open my own studio one day and teach those who have the desire and talent to dance professionally.”
“It’s refreshing to see someone your age that knows what she wants,” Professor Jenkins said, folding his arms across his chest. “Will you be pursuing a Master’s Degree?”
“Yes, sir. I want to be able to teach at the college level.”
“Very good to know.” He nodded as if deciding on something right then. “I need a teaching assistant, one I can rely on for years to come. I don’t normally offer such a position to an undergraduate, but you have the skills I’m looking for. You’re an academic, and you write intelligent, well thought out papers, but you’re also a talented dancer, and I have need of both skills.”
“You want me to be your teaching assistant? You know I’m just a junior, right?” Lillian couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It was exactly what she’d hoped to achieve—in graduate school.
“I’ve been watching your academic career for a while, thinking you might be a good fit down the road, and then I saw you dance Swan Lake at your recital, and I was sold. I would be happy to have you on my team, Lillian.”
“Yes. Yes!” Lillian shouted. “A hundred percent yes. When should I start?”
Professor Jenkins chuckled at her enthusiasm. “You can start next week. I’ll have you grade some freshman essays, and then we’ll go from there. I would like you to attend as many of my workshops as you can reasonably fit into your schedule. You’ll observe at first, and over time, you’ll assist me in demonstrations and teaching classes.”
“Sounds amazing, thank you, Professor. I won’t let you down.” Lillian’s heart hammered in her chest. She couldn’t wait to tell her mother.
“Don’t you want to know what it pays?” He laughed.
“It pays?” Lillian gaped at him.
“You’ll earn college credit each semester, but I pay my assistants a small stipend each week, and I cover most expenses. It’s not much, but enough to make it worth your time.”
Lillian grinned, eager to get started. “I’m looking forward to it, sir.”
“Me, too. It’s going to be wonderful having a talented assistant again.”
“Thank you.” Lillian turned to leave, already dialing her mother’s number.
“Mom, you’re never going to guess what just happened.” Lillian walked down the wide hallway as she told her mother all the details of her new position.
“Oh darling, I’m so proud of you. This will be a wonderful learning experience. When you insisted on giving up your chance at ABC, I was so worried for your future, but you’ve really thrived at Oberlin. It’s been the best thing for you, and I’m so proud of you for making your own decisions.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Lillian left the building and squinted into the afternoon sunlight.
“I love you, darling. I’ll see you this weekend, won’t I?”
Lillian stopped to scan the crowded quad.
“Yes. We’ll be home on Friday. Love you, bye.” Lillian hung up the phone just as her gaze settled on the person she was looking for.
“Jack!” She jogged to catch up with him.
“Hey, Lil.” He flashed his brilliant smile as he caught her around the middle. “You look like Christmas came early, what’s up?”
“Guess which undergrad is going to be Professor Jenkins’ new teaching assistant?”
“Seriously?” He grabbed her hands. “Lil, that’s amazing! I’ve been trying to get into his choreography workshops for ages. The man is brilliant. I’m so excited for you!” He picked her up and whirled her around. “And I’m a little jealous you get to work one-on-one with him.” He grinned.
“I’m sure I can put in a good word for you.” She draped her arm around his waist as they headed across the quad for their afternoon coffee break.
“I have some exciting news as well.” Jack held her close to his side. “Yours truly has been asked to choreograph a dance for the winter recital.”
“Jack, that’s fantastic! Don’t seniors usually do that?”
“Yes, but I’m special.” He grinned down at her.
“Yes, you are.” Lillian laughed, feeling happier than she ever thought she would be.
“And I will be dancing the lead.” Jack paused at the entrance to the campus café. “Which means, I have a very important question for you, Lillian Preston.” He kissed her gently. “Will you dance with me?”
Lillian reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him back. “Always.” She might not dance competitively anymore, but dancing would always be the center of her world, and she knew Jack Butler would always be right there at her side.
