Perfection - Kitty Thomas Page 0,18

us a name, but instead it says: “Season ticket holder. Private. Reserved.”

“That's weird,” she says. She clicks onto something else, but the screen locks her out. “We always have to have their information on file in the system. Always.”

“Thanks anyway.”

Lilah gives me an apologetic smile, but I shrug, act like it's no big deal, and leave, even more sure it's him and not just my imagination.

5

I'm sure he watched me all four nights from that private box nearest the stage. I felt him. I didn't make any more mistakes the rest of the performances, so maybe if he noticed the one on opening night, he won't comment the next time I see him.

On Monday I've got a free period while the principals are rehearsing. Natalie, Frederick, and Mr. V are running some of the choreography in Studio A, which is the largest rehearsal space. There’s an extra mirror at the far end of the studio and several barres set up where other dancers—mostly from the corps—are using this time to warm up and rehearse some of their own parts.

I take a spot at the end of one of the barres and put my pointe shoes on. But I don't practice my own steps. I'm watching Natalie. She's going through Odette's opening solo piece. It feels like I've seen this a thousand times, so on a certain level I know it already. But my feet don't know it like my brain does.

I stand off to the side and mimic her movements. It's the same Swan Lake choreography we've used since I've been here, so it's easy to pick up—easier than I thought it would be. I glance over to find Mr. V. has stopped watching Natalie.

Instead, he's watching me. Natalie doesn't notice. She's too wrapped up in her role as Odette. I shift my focus back to her and continue marking and learning the steps, but I feel Mr. V.'s eyes on me.

When the music stops he says, “Take five and get some water, then we'll work with Frederick on the pas de deux.”

As soon as Natalie has gone off to follow his direction, he makes a beeline across the floor to me. He's so intense that several other dancers nearby stop what they're doing to watch.

“May I see you privately out in the hallway?” he asks, his voice low and curt.

I just nod and follow him out of the studio, my stomach going into a tight hard knot with each step. The hallway is empty. All the dancers are in either Studio A or B working on something for the show.

“What were you doing in there?” he asks, keeping his voice low. “You aren't the understudy. We've already set the list for the season. You're distracting me.”

For a moment, I just stand there staring at him, the nervous dread gone now that he's said this out loud. How am I distracting him? I'm off in the corner doing what I'm doing. It's not as though I'm dancing in front of Natalie right in his face screaming for his attention.

“I-I'm sorry. I know. I just wanted a challenge... to learn more.” It's not as if I can tell him the real reason. It's blackmail homework to stay out of prison would require a much longer explanation. One I'm not prepared to give.

Mr. V. sighs. I can actually see the pity on his face. And then I know. My mysterious blackmailer was telling the truth. Conall really was keeping me from progressing in the company. I could have been a principal.

“Go get some lunch and meet me in the small studio at two p.m. I have a couple of hours free on Monday afternoons.”

“I... wait what?”

“I'm going to work with you, Ms. Lane. You did say you want to learn and be challenged, right?”

“Yes! Thank you!” I think I squeal this. I know I hug him. Then I quickly step back and practically flee from the building before he can change his mind.

I grab lunch at a nearby cafe and am back in the small studio warming up at the barre by one-thirty. The small studio is the third studio space in the building. It really is a small and intimate space, but it's large enough for a couple of dancers to rehearse when the other spaces are being used. And it's private to keep out distractions.

There are a few other small rooms that can be used for this purpose as well, but the small studio is the only one with