Page 64 of On Dancer
“You were splendid,” I assured him. “Your lines in your variation were perfect, especially in the pas de deux.”
“You paid attention.” He offered a small smirk.
Our gazes met, a private moment in the thick of so much backstage activity. The fondness in his eyes made my breath catch. That this man, this legend, loved me was a wonder beyond words, and gratitude filled my chest, making it even harder to speak.
“Truly, darling,” Elaine assured him, filling the silence. “You’d never know you had a year away.”
“I owe a lot to Isabella and my PT team.” He gave a humble shrug.
“And your own hard work,” my mother added. “Your Cavalier for us was one of your finest moments, but you were incredible tonight.”
“You are all much too kind.” Alexander demurred, but his eyes revealed how pleased he actually was.
“Are you showering here or at home?” I asked him.
“Say that again.” He grabbed my hand, pulling me another step closer so my legs brushed him.
“Home.” My chest lifted with the word, an almost indescribable happiness filling me. I could be that for him, be the home he needed and wanted, create that space for both of us.
He smiled slowly, a genuine grin, all for me. “I’ll take a fast shower here so as to not frighten our driver. Or you.”
“I’m not afraid of a little sweat.” Knowing our mothers were close behind us, I made it a light tease, but Alexander wasn’t shy about giving me the most heated of looks.
“I know.”
After another round of praise and congratulations, he took his leave to go shower and change. I’d walked to the theater, but Alexander was exhausted enough that I ordered us a driver on the rideshare app for the trip back to his apartment. We held hands the whole way back and in the elevator on the way up to the apartment. He sagged against me as I unlocked the door.
“I’m starving—” He cut himself off with a startled noise as he took in the changes I’d made to the place. His gaze swept over the art on the walls to the couch to the dining area, pleasure softening his features. He squeezed my hand. “Oh. Look at this. You outdid yourself.”
“Trying to earn that lifetime role.” I mimicked his humble shrug from earlier, adding the same arch tone.
“It’s already yours.” He pulled me in for a kiss. “Along with my heart.” He punctuated that declaration with another, more lingering kiss, one that warmed me from the inside out. He pulled away with a reluctant groan. “And my body, but that may have to wait till after food.”
“I can wait.” I meant that. I’d waited ten years for my crush to become reality. I’d waited through the holiday season for our fling to transform into undeniable feelings. I’d wait through this season of long distance and transition for our future together. I leaned in for another quick kiss. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Alexander.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day.” His blue eyes shone brightly, reflecting back all the same emotions rising within me. “I can’t wait to spend all my holidays with you.”
“It’s a plan.” I laughed as I made my way to the fridge to prepare our late-night Valentine’s supper.
Had I planned this whole thing? I hadn’t, of course, and neither had our scheming mothers, but we certainly felt meant to be, as inevitable as Alexander kept joking. In him, I’d foundmy true purpose and calling, but also a deeper confidence and sense of self. He’d chosen me to partner with, and I, in turn, chose to welcome his love. We both deserved this happiness, and I couldn’t wait to watch our next act unfold.
Epilogue
Coda:the fastest part of the pas de deux at the end. Also, the finale of the whole ballet.
Alexander: Three Years Later
“Merde.” The usual good wishes were whispered backstage as we prepared for the curtain to rise on Barcelona, for the opening ofDon Quixote.Tonight was the opening performance for Ballet Philadelphia’s biggest, most lavish production yet, as we brought to life the iconic romantic comedy ballet renowned for its humor, romance, and technically brilliant choreography.
I nodded at Alicia, the dancer playing Kitri to my Basilio. We had tirelessly rehearsed for our leading roles in the love story at the heart ofDon Quixote.Julian called our chemistry “electrifying,” which spoke as much to our acting chops as anything else. Since arriving at Ballet Philadelphia around the same time, Alicia and her husband had become good friends and frequent dinner partners for Rudy and me.
Rudy and Alicia’s husband would be watching from the audience that filled the historic theater. Forget the other hundreds of ballet-goers, I wanted nothing more than to make Rudy proud tonight and to make all of our sacrifices and his support worth it. I had my headphones on, and as I prepared to hand them and my phone to a member of the backstage crew, my phone vibrated with one last message from Rudy.
I’m already proud of you.
Damn him for being such a good mind reader.
Merde. Point your toes. I’m proud of you no matter what. Go out there and have fun.
