Page 25 of On Dancer
“That’s putting it mildly.” Tavio gave a fond chuckle. “A parade could come through the studio, and Alexander would block it out.”
“I guess it comes down to priorities.” I pursed my lips, unsure whether Tavio was complimenting or teasing me. “Dance has always been my all-consuming passion. I can’t imagine making anything else my life. From middle school on, making it as a professional dancer was my only priority.”
“I get that.” Victoria sighed, briefly shutting her eyes. “My mom says I can’t waste the opportunity in front of me.”
“She’s not wrong.” My tone was pragmatic, born of years of my own experience and watching countless others. One only got so many opportunities. Tavio, however, shot me a warning look as if I’d said something insensitive.
“But you are also still a human teenager.” Tavio adopted the same soothing voice he used with Kitty’s many crises. He undoubtedly was far more fluent in speaking teen-girl than I was. “Distraction happens as I well know. Unlike Alexander’s single-mindedness, I had to learn to leave all my other various passions at the studio door.”
“That’s good advice.” She offered him the smile I’d hoped to earn. “I’ll try harder.”
“Just do your best. And point your toes,” Tavio advised sagely before tilting his head. “Do you need me to talk to Kitty?”
“Oh God, no.” Victoria’s eyes went horrified. “She’d never forgive me. I’m not sure what’s up with her. Probably just the performance deadline getting to her and the rest of the costume committee too.”
“Perhaps.” Tavio shrugged. “We are all wound a bit tight, Kitty included. Shall we take it again from the top?”
We resumed rehearsal, and I tried not to let any distraction of my own enter. I’d agreed to playOdysseywith Rudy after rehearsal, but I refused to let myself dwell on the little jolts of anticipation that kept sneaking in until we were actually finished with work for the night. Tavio and Victoria packed up in short order, and Victoria’s waiting mother, who had been watching us through the hallway window, collected her right before Rudy came bustling in. A sharp-edged draft from the hall followed him into the studio, and I shivered as my sweat cooled.
“Damn, it’s cold tonight.” I pulled my warm-ups on before gesturing at his many layers. His oversized tan cardigan with leather elbow patches was better suited to a sitcom grandfather. “I should have packed a hat and scarf.”
“Sorry.” Rudy adjusted his green knit beanie like he might be about to offer it to me. “I know it’s extra chilly because temperatures are dropping, but the heating bill is sky high already.”
“I am well acquainted with microscopic arts budgets.” I smiled through another shiver.
Rudy frowned, glaring at the ancient wall vent. “I was about to fetch your ice packs, but my apartment is warmer than the studio, if you’d rather come ice on my couch. I’ve got a space heater and a throw blanket you can put around your shoulders.”
If I had to freeze my knee for the sake of my career, at least I could be comfortable. Rudy’s place sounded lovely, but I didn’t want to seem too eager.
“I suppose that works.” I leisurely picked up my bag and water bottle and followed him to the back stairs. My muscles were warm from rehearsal, but the three flights of stairs still gave me an appreciation for Rudy’s stamina. He had toted the ice packs and shifted them to one hand so he could unlock the door at the top of the third-floor landing.
The apartment was small with mismatched furniture that reminded me of my early days at the ballet, when I’d shared an apartment with several other apprentices. But unlike our utilitarian used furnishings, Rudy appeared to have some sort of decor scheme going with his thrift store finds. The walls were lined with posters advertising various tabletop games. The artwork was undoubtedly acquired from his friend at the game shop, but unlike the loose posters at the shop, Rudy had placed his art in thick, vintage frames, giving a kitschy sort of vibe.
The lumpy brown couch in the living room was lovingly piled with knit throws and colorful pillows that echoed the blues and reds of his painted wooden chairs in the nearby dining nook. A row of cheap bookcases had been similarly dressed up with paint, and their collection of board games and card decks was neatly organized. A worn but cheerful area rug had been spread over the scarred hardwood floor in front of the couch. A mini Christmas tree sat in the corner opposite the couch, twinklingaway. The overall effect was one of a warm welcome, even before Rudy flipped on the small space heater near the couch.
“Sit.” Rudy motioned me to the couch where he fussed over me, pulling the coffee table closer, arranging pillows for my leg and ice packs, and draping my shoulders with a fuzzy throw.
“You don’t need to go to any trouble for me.” I protested, resisting the urge to preen like a cat from all the attention. The throw turned out to be electric and heated up quickly to provide delicious warmth all down my back.
“One of these days you’re going to figure out that I like going to trouble for you.” Rudy fluffed another pillow to place at my back.
“In that case, carry on.” I regretted the words as soon as I said them because his ministrations brought him much, much too close. I could smell his minty shampoo, and this time, I knew exactly how soft his hair was. And his lips, which were pink and full and right there, damn it. I forced myself to look away and gesture at his bookshelves. “You mentioned getting some new cards.”
“Yes.” Rudy’s blush said he was also all too aware of the nearness. He fetched the shark deck and game supplies before perching next to me on the couch. He left ample space between us, but I remained aware of his every breath. I forced myself to focus on the game, but my attention kept wandering right back to that kiss.
To his credit, Rudy capitalized on my distraction with a nimble card-swiping move.
“No fair.” I groaned as he took control of my best creature and used it to attack. “You’re taking advantage of my newbie status. I didn’t even know that play was possible.”
“Do you want to see the rule?” He reached for his phone as if I might actually request a check of the official rules. Expressionturning more somber, he met my gaze. “I’d never take advantage of you, Alexander.”
I had a feeling he meant far more than the card game, but I said lightly, “I’ll have to get you back on my next turn. That’s all.”
“Seriously. I pride myself on being a fair player.” Tone as earnest as his eyes, Rudy wasn’t letting the point drop. “You can have the points back if you feel cheated.”
“I don’t.” I exhaled hard. “You’re a good teacher. You have far more patience than I would, that’s for sure.”
“No ballet teaching in your future?” Rudy’s voice turned teasing.
