Page 93 of My Favorite Secret
“Cindy is your understudy. She knows she was filling in for you while you were away. She’ll understand.”
“No. She’ll be devastated.” I stand from the swing, entering a panic. My skin is clammy. “I told her I was never coming back. She thought the role was hers for good. Besides, I haven’t danced in several weeks. My technique will be gone. I don’t understand why the academy are giving me my role back.”
Dad rests a gentle hand on my shoulder. “The academy knows all of this and yet they still want you as the lead because you’re incredible. TheSwan Lakeperformance isn’t until May. That’s over six months away. You’ll have plenty of time to catch up. This is amazing, honey. You should be ecstatic. Cindy is a good friend and will understand.”
As soon as Dad returns inside, I start pacing the porch, freaking out about the tension this will cause between me and Cindy.
“Harp, your dad is right. Cindy will understand,” Tyler says.
“I need to speak with her.” I grab my phone from the swing and call Cindy through video chat.
My foot taps impatiently as I wait for her to answer. I almost think the call is about to ring out, but Cindy’s face appears. She’s standing in front of a brick wall I recognize from the academy. Her eyes are bloodshot.
Shit.
“Hi.” She tries to smile but there’s no hiding how miserable she is.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I hear you’re returning to the academy next week. It will be good to have you back. I’ve missed you.”
My pacing increases. “Cindy, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize they would take the lead away from you. I’ve been gone so long I didn’t think I’d have any role in the production.”
“Don’t apologize.” She gives another miserable smile while wiping her eyes. “The role is yours. I’m your understudy.”
“I know but…”
“No buts. You’ve been through a lot and I’m glad you’re getting back on your feet.”
With a sigh, I give in, appreciating her support. “Thank you for being so understanding.”
“That’s what friends are for. I’ll see you on Monday, okay?”
“I love you.”
“Love you too.”
The call ends and I’m left staring at my screen, feeling no less guilty than before talking to Cindy.
“I knew Cindy would understand. She’s a good friend,” Tyler says. My gaze switches to him, still sitting on the swing.
“I don’t trust her,” Felix counters.
“Why?” I ask.
“She’s fake.”
“Cindy isnotfake. She’s hurting and yet she’s being supportive. She wants what’s best for me.”
Felix folds his arms, slowly rocking back and forth onthe swing. “People are jealous when they see others getting what they want. In an art form as competitive as yours, there’s no way Cindy can’t be green with envy.”
I sigh. “Felix, you’re being ridiculous.”
“All I’m saying is watch your back with Cindy. I promise you, she’s not as supportive as she appears.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
TYLER
