Page 59 of Last Dance, Second Chance

“Nope.”

“In that case, that sounds absolutely brilliant!” said Jessica excitedly. “It’s the Bolshoi Ballet, isn’t it?”

“It is indeed. How did you know that?”

“Ballet crazy, remember? Can I go halves on the tickets?”

“You may not,” Nathan said, firmly.

“In that case, I’m treating you to supper first.”

“That sounds great.”

* * *

Jessica didn’t get back to her parents’ house until four in the afternoon the following Saturday after working at the dance studio, which didn’t give her much time to get ready. Nathan was picking her up in half an hour. He’d wanted to drive them into London so she wouldn’t have to walk, but she pointed out that if the traffic was bad, which it invariably would be, then it would take far longer than going by train and the underground to Angel. In the end, Nathan wouldn’t budge though and Jessica had given in. Thinking about trying to traverse the London underground with crutches, she was glad that Nathan had stuck to his guns.

She was pleased that she’d packed a couple of nice dresses in case she ended up going out somewhere in the evening. She redid her make-up and curled her hair, though it was so thick the curls probably wouldn’t stay in it for long. She pulled on the black cocktail dress she’d chosen, lamenting the fact that, because of her foot, she couldn’t wear shoes that would go with it and was stuck in trainers.

Nathan was on time, as she’d known he would be. She’d never had a friend as reliable as he was.

He’d downloaded a recording of Tchaikovsky’s score, which they played in the car with Jessica explaining the story to him.

“That’s pretty tragic,” commented Nathan.

“Yep!”

They parked on a side street.

“Where would you like to eat?” Nathan asked. “We haven’t got long.”

“Banana Tree,” said Jessica automatically. “They’re quick and the food is yummy. I discovered it when I was dancing here a few years ago.”

“You’ve danced at Sadler’s Wells?” asked Nathan, his eyebrows raised.

“I was in The Nutcracker here one Christmas. It was an amazing experience.”

* * *

They walked to the restaurant and sat down opposite each other on the benches running along the long wooden tables. They ordered sparkling waters and Jessica chose the Singapore laksa with grilled chicken, while Nathan opted for pad thai.

“This is really good,” Nathan said, tucking into his meal.

“Told ya,” said Jessica, smiling. “I came here practically every day for lunch during that run of The Nutcracker. Oh, before I forget, my mum and dad were wondering if you’re free to come to dinner tomorrow. Dennis is invited too.”

Nathan smiled at her. “Sure, I’d love to.” He held her gaze for a moment before going back to his pad thai.

They finished, Jessica paid, and the pair walked to the theatre together. “I should have said before, you look really beautiful this evening,” said Nathan.

“Even with my trainers? Or should I say, trainer.”

“Even with your trainer,” confirmed Nathan.

They entered the theatre. Jessica felt Nathan’s warm hand on the small of her back as they moved between the crowds and into the auditorium.

“Good seats,” commented Jessica as they sat down.

“I googled to find out which ones had the most legroom and the best view,” admitted Nathan.

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