The Swan and The Sergeant - Alana Albertson Page 0,54

what she did was okay, but it was her path.”

Bret wasn’t in the mood to listen to her New Age dogma. “It wasn’t the cheating. I think she was raped, which, of course, is not her fault. But she doesn’t see it that way and still wants to compete at Blackpool with Dima. I can’t accept that.”

“I will never ever condone an assault, but that is for her to figure out, not you. Don’t you see, Bret? This was your journey. To help her heal. She needs you. We don’t have to share the same beliefs, but you can’t live in the past. You must be present, be here now.”

“I never thought of it that way.” I had been so angry with Selena for still wanting to dance with him after she should realize what he did to her.

“You know, things haven’t always been perfect with Xavier and me. In the earlier years, I found out that he had cheated on me when he was on the road. I was devastated—filled with so much rage. I blamed him, myself, his music. I left him and filed for divorce. It ended up being a good time for me, though. I focused on improving myself—I learned how to meditate, studied yoga, took a painting class. Once I released all the anger I had toward Xavi, I realized that no matter what, I still loved him. I am happier with him, despite his betrayal than I am on my own. He had learned from his mistakes also, and now we are stronger than ever. So, what I’m saying is that if Selena makes you happy, and you truly love her, you owe it to yourself to forgive her…or you’ll never be at peace.”

The cool ocean breeze made me shiver. “I still don’t see how we could ever create a life together. We’re just too different.”

“Yes, you are different. But she loves you, I can see that. And sometimes, that is enough.”

We finished our coffees and headed into town. The shoot was on “The Patch”—a gorgeous stretch of sand that was popular for longboarders. A group of photographers stood under a makeup canopy, with production people huddled behind them. I was sure the locals were not thrilled with the shoot littering their beloved beach with cameras, dressing trailers, and stylists.

As I sat in the makeup chair for my on-location clip, I scanned the scenery for Selena, just in case she popped up with Xavier. She had a habit of showing up everywhere I was. She wasn’t here, which was a relief.

But no matter how hard I tried to push her out of my mind, she kept haunting my thoughts.

Selena

It had been weeks since Dima and Bret’s fight. I still hadn’t spoken to Bret. At least I would have fun tonight—Xavier was throwing a huge bash. Bret would never come, though. He hated parties and costumes.

But first, I had to focus on the show.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for Xavier and Selena, who will be dancing a swing to the Ray Charles classic ‘Hit the Road Jack.’”

Xavier and I glided onto the stage. He looked so fine in his Pachuco-Zoot-Suit-inspired digs. The man had gotten into the creation of his costume, big time. He’d called all of his fashion gurus in to design the perfectly authentic outfit: a black and red pinstriped double-breasted jacket with sleeves that hung to the end of his fingertips, a cardinal-tinted silk shirt, flowing pegged pants, a black fedora with a scarlet feather, a long wallet chain and tan calcos shoes with squared-off bulldog toes. Classic.

And they’d hooked me up, too: a killer red plumed skirt with a black ruby-bedazzled corset studded with diamonds and rubies, and a huge red-feathered headdress. I’d even stuck a switchblade knife into my bouffant-styled hair. H-O-T, baby.

The audience went wild when we began to dance. Swing was one of my best dances, and for tonight, I had choreographed a very Lindy Hop-inspired routine. The two of us flicked up our heels in unison and flew across the floor.

Xavier was divine. A true musician. He pulled out all the stops. He had even planned a huge Zoot Suit bash.

We did our signature sugar push move, with Xavier tossing me away then yanking me back, and I knew we had nailed this number. As we kicked into our final pose, the music came to a crashing end and applause exploded from the audience. Boo-yah, baby!

Both of us breathing heavily, we headed over to Matt.