Page 83 of All the Promises We Break

Being on campus today for our kickoff luncheon feels like a smart move on our part. We could have been downtown, but I advocated for being here. I know being surrounded by students with passion like mine would give it a better vibe. It would also serve as the next step for any of the kids our mission is trying to help. Show them what they can be.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Eisner & Lubin Auditorium set up in a banquet style. The glow is perfect. Our catering team and event staff made the room seem so inviting. Just a few flowers, not too many. I asked the art department chair if we could have some of his students bring their pieces over to line the walls.

We have everything from photography to oils to watercolor. There’s even a series of charcoal drawings of ballet dancers. They’re so sexy. One in particular catches my eye while I’m checking on the donor portfolios for each table. The model is in pointe, but it looks like her shoes are all she’s wearing.

“Why didn’t I think of that before?” Eli asks.

“What?”

“Having you look like that. Damn, I miss your loft.”

I lean in and whisper to him, “We could always take over our favorite studio while the cleanup happens. After all, you’re wearing my tie.”

“Your boardroom.” He smiles.

I love watching Eli speak. He’s had this commanding way about him since we met. I thought it might be part of what he’d lose after the accident. I’m happy I was wrong. He’s become more empathetic, if that’s even possible. His welcome address is just what we need to start the program.

We were able to line up performances from not only students on campus but some in collaboration with kids from a local youth center, and even an alum, who’s in town with a Broadway touring show, who was able to make her schedule work. I just hope it’s all enough to help with our start-up costs but to also gain commitments from attendees as mentors.

Eli kisses my cheek before I slide behind the podium for the first and only time today. I’m not the speaker he is, but somehow, some way, the words just flow.

“I hope everyone got enough to eat. I’d like to thank Delmonico’s for always going above and beyond. Before the sweets make the rounds and the sugar shock hits, I’d like to direct your attention to the portfolios circling your centerpieces. Inside them you’ll find our mission statement, goals for the year broken down by quarter, what your generous donations can provide, and ways you can also give of your time.

“I know what an impact an amazing mentor can have. I have a few of you in the room today. I see Madame DuPre, who was my very first ballet instructor. I see Jill Wallace, who has hadan extraordinary influence on my dancing the last eight years. It would also be thoughtless of me not to mention the Roark family for believing so highly in my freshman ability.

“Lastly, I would like to acknowledge Andrew, Jack, and my husband, Elijah. I am given the opportunity to fly with a safety net. Isn’t that what mentorship is about really? It’s about being able to say I don’t know anything, and I want to learn. It’s about being able to make mistakes, learn from them, and apply what you’ve learned to the next thing and the thing after that.

“These are exactly the things we want to bring to any young adult who has a dream. With hard work—sometimes blood, sweat, and tears—with dedication, success is within your reach. Think about those things today as you read our mission. If I can give one kid an ounce of what I’ve been lucky enough to have, then I’ve done my job. Imagine if we all did. Thank you.”

I make it to the top of the stairs where Eli is waiting with a smile and an outstretched hand. He gives my skin a gentle squeeze. It’s code for many things, but today it’s about his pride. His pride for me and I love him for it. Eli circles around the front of the room while I head up the side aisle. I want to make sure I have a quick word with Madame DuPre before she leaves.

Halfway to my destination, Elise Nordby pops in from the shadows. I hadn’t seen her until now and I was honestly hoping to avoid her altogether. She steps directly into my path. My ability to stop is tested with my toe issue. I can feel a flutter of pain through the top of my foot.

“That was a heartfelt speech, my dear. You seemed to have it memorized,” she jabs.

“Actually, I prefer to talk from the heart. It’s easier for me. It doesn’t become disingenuous. I hope you’re pleased with the turnout. Eli will have the total breakdown of everything at the meeting next week. Is there anything else?”

Elise leans in to assure only I can hear her. “Actually, yes. As much as your display today may move everyone, I’m not impressed.”

“I’d like to say I’m shocked, but I’m not. I’m still trying to figure out why you care so much about what I do or don’t do. What does it gain you to cast doubt on me or my commitment to anything in my life, which unless it’s AnSa business is none of yours?”

She raises a brow. “As much as you seem to think you can have it all, you can’t. No one can. You’ll need to make a choice. Unless you want to wait to have the choice made for you?”

Not wanting to draw attention to my clear feeling of shock, I offer her a fake smile. “Ms. Nordby, with all due respect, that sounds like a threat.”

“Take it as you wish, my dear. I’ve selected apprenticeships and principals for more years than you’ve been alive. You’re either all in or all out. I know what it takes, and I don’t see it in you here, or anywhere. So, I suggest you search that heart of yours and decide. You can let me know in your audition, should you choose to follow through. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

I can feel a flush run from my chest up to my cheeks nearly instantly. Eli and I lock eyes on opposite sides of the auditorium. I feel this rotating drum of disbelief that conversation even happened, combined with equal parts of asking is she right and telling her to fuck off.

“Dylan?” I hear my name from over my shoulder. A graceful hand meets my elbow to turn me toward the sound. It’s Jill Wallace. “I wanted to thank you for the kind words today. However, it seems I might have caught you at a bad time. Are you alright?”

“Yes. Yes, I’m sorry. I just got some surprising news.”

“By your body language and my radar-like ears, I’d say more of an unwarranted opinion. Would you like mine?”

“Honestly, I would. Yes, please.”

“Let’s step out into the back hallway. You can get some fresh air and it will be more private.”

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