Page 14 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“I could definitely try again at the next intake, but I won’t get much support for it.”

“What do you mean?” My brow furrows in confusion.

“My grandmother is a famous alumna of Jaiton Academy of Dance in New York. She and my mother have always wanted me to go there. My gran still works there occasionally as a guest, teaching students ballet etiquette.”

“You don’t sound enthused.”

“I’m not. Can you imagine the pressure? Genevieve Swinton’s granddaughter following in her footsteps? I used to think I could go unnoticed, because we don’t share the same last name. But Mom and Gran have been trying to convince my dad to let them change mine.For years.So I can truly be a legacy.”

“Jesus. That’s a lot.” I lean forward, itching to reach for her hand to comfort her, and it’s a strange feeling for me. I want to do anything I can to help. To ease her pain. “Have you auditioned yet?”

“No, I wouldn’t attend until college. I’ve only just registered my interest. But she wants me to try out for New York schools before then.”

The resignation in her tone has my chest tightening, until an idea comes to mind. “Could you…ahh…throw your auditions?”

“Throw them?” Lainey frowns but there’s a hint of genuine intrigue.

“You know… Could you…suck? Like with bowling?”

“Oooh.” She shakes her head, but giggles, finally looking a little more relaxed. “It wouldn’t work. My Gran would know, and she’d just get me another audition.”

“Even if you swore at the admissions committee, threw your ballet shoes across the room, and performed a rap routine?”

“Wow.” Lainey bursts out laughing. “I’d love to live inside your mind.”

“Too far?” I chuckle. “Because I can picture it. You seem like the type to rebel.”

“I do?” she asks with a raised brow.

I have no idea why I think that, but it’s all I can picture in my mind. “Yeah, I do.”

“It’s a great thought, but I don’t think it would work.”

“Shame.”

“It is.” She falls quiet, and something tells me her mind is whirring, but then she shocks me by saying, “I’ll have you know, Icanrap, and I’m freaking amazing. So knowing my luck, I’d still get in.”

I burst out laughing, and Lainey’s smile brightens. “Now, I’d pay to see that.”

Lainey laughs. “One day, if my dancing career fails, you might be able to.”

“Or maybe you could combine both. A new age rap ballet.”

“Now there’s an idea.”

I laugh again until a hint of Lainey’s sadness returns. “So, you still want to dance, but not at Jaiton Academy. Is that right?”

“Or New York. I’ve only ever wanted to go to school in San Francisco. It’s my dream to be part of the San Francisco Ballet.”

“Then why don’t you wait? Ask your parents to hold off on New York, audition again next year.”

“I’ve already done that. It’s a long story, but this was my last shot.”

“Fuck.”

“Exactly.”

No wonder she’s upset. I couldn’t imagine my parents interfering with my dreams, forcing me into something I didn’t want. Although, my dad’s always been set on me playing football, so maybe I’d have that pressure if I’d chosen another path?

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