Page 7 of A Sky Full Of Stars

I’d do anything to see him again.

But I’m not under any illusion that it will happen.

Chapter Three

Lainey

“How did it go?” Mom asks as soon as I’ve walked out of my audition. I smile, but from the subtle drop of her lips, I can tell she sees through it. And to answer her…it was awful. Okay, it wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t my best.

San Francisco Ballet School is one of the most prestigious schools in the US and it’s on my doorstep. My life wouldn’t have to change if I got in, not like it would if I had to move across the country.

It would be a dream come true.

But I don’t think I did enough to get there.

If this had been two years ago, or even last year, I would have nailed that performance. My heart was in it back then. Life wasn’t as chaotic. But until this year, we hadn’t been able to afford it, and yet, I’ve never qualified for a scholarship.

“I’m sure you did better than you think, Sweetie. You’re always so hard on yourself.” Mom pats my arm as she smiles. “Not only that, but I bet they’ll take into consideration the award you received last year.”

They did. That’s part of the reason why I was invited to audition after sending my video.

“And remember…if you miss out on this school there are others. We won’t give up.”

She smiles brightly and I want to smile with her.This is my dream.It’s always been my dream. I wouldn’t be workingso freaking hard if it wasn’t.So why did I tell Thomas I didn’t want it? And why do I have this sinking feeling in my gut?

Mom notices my lack of enthusiasm and gives my hand a squeeze. “Let’s not worry until we hear back. I think you deserve someyoutime.”

What?

My head snaps her way so quickly it aches. “Me time?”This is new.

Before she’s had a chance to answer, Luke comes running toward me, and I shriek as he lifts me under the knees, raising me in the air to spin me around. “You did it!" He cheers. "You finally auditioned. I’m so fucking proud of you.”

A few heads turn our way, and one lady even gasps, but I don’t care. It’s hard not to get caught up in my brother’s infectious happiness.

“Thank you, Luke. But please, for the love of God, put me down.”

“Sure thing, Princess.” He laughs before dropping me so fast that I squeal, drawing more attention.

“Luke!” Mom scolds. “Was that really necessary?”

“Absolutely. Now it’s time I steal our little ballerina away.”

Again, what?

“I thought I was having ‘me’ time?” I ask, my brows furrowed in confusion.

“You are. You’re just having it with your brother.”

I let out an exaggerated groan as my head falls back, pretending the idea pains me. But it’s much better than what I assumed Mom had planned, which would be to drop me off at the botanical gardens for some peace.

“Come on, Pipsqueak,” Luke says, ruffling my hair, continuing on his mission to call me every embarrassing nickname under the sun. “It’s time to have some fun.”

I’m not sure what I expected out of a “fun” afternoon with Luke, but it wasn’t this.

“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” I ask, looking up at the huge bowling pin on the roof of the alley.

“Of course it is. I’ve got a group of friends meeting us here, and I even invited Melissa.” Luke raises his brows in a gloating fashion.And call me impressed.

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