Page 60 of Last Dance, Second Chance

“Thank you.” Jessica was so touched.

“Would you like a programme?”

“Absolutely — I’ve kept every programme from every ballet performance I’ve ever attended.”

“I’ll go and get you one,” Nathan said. “I’m worried about your foot getting knocked with it being so busy out there.”

“Thanks.”

He left and Jessica took the opportunity to look around, taking in her surroundings and working out what she felt about being back in this world again, even if it was in front of the stage rather than behind. She could imagine exactly what was happening on the other side of the dusty velvet curtains. Everyone hurrying around, warming up, stage hands getting props in place. Nerves would be on edge. She smiled as she recalled the many times she’d stood in the wings, feeling sick with anticipation, going through the sequences in her head, doing her best to block out the busyness around her. She couldn’t imagine never doing that again.

* * *

Nathan watched Jessica as he made his way back to his seat with her programme in his hand. She looked beautiful. What was she thinking? She seemed pleased to be here, though he’d doubted the wisdom of bringing her almost as soon as he’d purchased the tickets. Would she be upset seeing the dancers on stage doing what she was currently unable to? By that point, though, there was no turning back. Turned out decent tickets to see a ballet were pretty pricey.

But they were having a really nice evening and he was glad he was getting to experience going to the ballet with Jessica. It was such a huge part of her life, he wanted to understand more and be at least a tiny bit involved in it.

The lights went down and anticipation filled the air as the curtains opened to reveal the beginning of the ballet. Nathan glanced across at Jessica. She was on the edge of her seat, totally enthralled, already enchanted by the performance.

* * *

The curtains closed for the interval and only then did Jessica sit back in her seat.

“What did you think?” asked Nathan, smiling. It was obvious that she was having a wonderful time.

“Brilliant!” Jessica replied. “Absolutely magical. What about you?”

“I’m glad you talked me through the story earlier, but I’m still a bit confused,” he admitted. “I’m enjoying it more than I thought I would, though.”

“Good,” said Jessica happily.

“Do you want to stay here for the break?”

“No, can we go for a bit of a walk around? I need to move.”

“Sure. Let me go first, though, so I can clear the way.”

“Like I’m a queen?”

“Absolutely.”

* * *

When they returned to their seats and the ballet started up again, Jessica stayed sitting back in her seat and leaned in close to Nathan, whispering to him about what was going on. She smelled of something light and floral, and her hair tickled his cheek occasionally.

“Thank you,” he whispered back, taking her hand without thinking about it.

He’d definitely never had a friendship that made him feel like this, but as much as Nathan told himself that he needed to protect himself and hold himself back from giving too much to Jessica, it seems he was determined not to listen. She squeezed his hand gently to signal what a lovely time she was having, and Nathan had to conclude, he was a goner.

* * *

They came out of the theatre into night-time London.

“That was brilliant.” Jessica looked up at Nathan with shining eyes. “Thank you so much. Did you like it?”

“It was my pleasure. I did like it, the company in particular,” he said. He frowned. “Are you cold?”

“A little,” admitted Jessica.

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