Page 71 of Master of My Life

“I have to worry, Mom. It’s my job.”

Grace frowned. “I know you think so, but it isn’t.”

“We’ll have to disagree on that as usual.”

Grace laughed. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Mom.”

Butterflies filled Sabrina’s stomach as the overture began. She fidgeted with the skirt of her costume.

I can do this . . . I can do this . . .

Jayson appeared next to her, dressed in a hoodie and sweatpants. “How ya doing?”

“Okay, I think.” She looked out at the stage. “It’s been so long since I’ve danced anywhere except

back home.” She turned to Jayson. “What if they hate me?”

He laughed. “Not gonna happen. You’re a phenomenal dancer and a perfect Clara. You’ll capture

their hearts.” His eyes turned soft.

She bit her lip and looked away. She knew he still had feelings for her, though he tried to hide it.

He flirted innocently and deferred to Chase, but she could still see it sometimes. “Thanks.”

“Break a leg,” he said as he pulled her into a hard hug. “You’ll be great.”

She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, imagining her transformation into Clara, and

then walked out onto the stage.

Chase sat up straighter in his seat as the music began. Only a few more seconds before he’d get to see

the love of his life debut with the Boston Ballet Company.

The curtain lifted and Chase’s heart swelled as Sabrina danced across the stage. Oh, God, she

was beautiful. The pink bow in her hair, the pink dress—she was sixteen all over again—an angel,

captivating the audience with her smile and charm.

When Clara’s little brother broke her precious Nutcracker, Chase balled his hands into fists, then

chuckled silently. It’s a ballet, you dumbass. He shifted in his seat, determined to keep his emotions

under control.

But as hard as he tried, he couldn’t help but lose himself in the story. Even Jayson, as the

Nutcracker Prince, danced better than Chase had ever seen him. Sabrina made everyone better by

being around her.

When the curtain fell for intermission, no one moved. Then, slowly, as if coming out of a trance,

people began to clap. Within seconds, the hall rang with applause and cheers.

---