Page 181 of Facing Off
Around us, the rest of the company surges in. Otherdancers, the choreographer, crew members, people joyously singing her praises.
I step back, so all the focus is on her. She deserves every second. Every bouquet, every compliment, every tear shed in awe. My chest flows with so much love. I could seriously watch her be surrounded by all this support all day.
Through all the noise and movement, her gaze finds mine. She gives me that quick grin. It’s quiet, private, meant only for me.
It still wrecks my heart in the best way.
Later, when the theater’s quiet and the world’s dimmed down to us, we’re in my car. The night hums soft and low outside, city lights sliding across her face.
“I can’t believe that was the last show,” Sonya says, sinking deeper into the seat, her voice a blend of happiness, satisfaction, and fatigue.
My backseat is full to the brim with bouquets. I’d gathered every last one that had her name on it, ignoring the stagehands who laughed when they saw me hauling armfuls offstage like a lovesick fool.
“You were incredible tonight, baby. You’ve always been good, but what you did today? It took my breath away, Sonya.”
She turns her head toward me, eyes soft. “I’m proud of you, too.” Her knee brushes mine. “So. How’s it feeling? First game coming up, not being captain anymore?”
I exhale slowly, the question settling deep. “Good, actually. Better than I thought.”
She tilts her head, waiting, listening the way only she does.
“I’m such a big part of the team,” I say finally. “Stillloud in the locker room, still there for the rookies. But it’s…” I pause, searching for the words. “It’s rewarding, letting go and watching someone else step up.”
Her shoulder leans lightly into mine, murmuring again how proud of me she is. I tell her that I couldn’t have done it without her.
Sonya has taught me how to take care of myself in ways I never even realized I needed.She’s made me more balanced.More whole.
I grip the wheel tighter, trying to ground myself amidst the happiness. My pulse has been picking up the closer we get. Every red light feels like a countdown. My palms are sweating, and for once, I don’t have the words to fill the space between us.
I think Sonya notices. She’s looking at me curiously but hasn’t said anything yet. Collecting data and mulling over what’s happening because I know she sees past every one of my smiles easily when they’re hiding something else.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take long to get to where we’re going. She knows exactly where we’re going the moment we pull up to the building.
“The studio?”
“Yeah.” I try to sound casual, but my voice comes out a little too tight. “Wanted to show you how it’s coming along.”
She raises an eyebrow. “It’s late.”
I shrug, because if I open my mouth, I’ll blow the surprise. “You said you wanted to see the progress.”
“Idid.” She bites back a smile, tired but radiant. “So…I’m glad we’re here.”
She doesn’t see the lights yet. I planned it that way. Just a few soft bulbs along the walkway, building slowly into a cascade of this bright, warm glow as we step inside.
The moment she walks through the door, she stops dead.
The whole skeleton of the studio is alive with light.
She looks around slowly, stunned. “You did all this?”
I shove my hands into my pockets to hide the shaking. “Wanted you to see the bones. The potential. You’ve been too busy dancing to stand still in it.”
It’s been six months of planning that’s led to this, and it’s Sonya’s dedication that’s made it possible. She’s been the spokesperson, sharing her vision with donors who have the same beliefs as her.
So many of the Wings are on board, with me leading the charge. But we’re not the only ones.
That moment from the gala when Sonya ripped the check apart went viral. It’s attracted the right people to this project, and now it’s finally coming together.
