Page 42 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“I...” Anna bit her lip. “I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe?—‍”

A man’s cheery laughter caught Anna’s attention. “Heh. I should’ve known the whispers were about you, Alex. Oh, and Kurt, too. Why am I not surprised? Hello, Wilhelm.”

Anna spun around. A tall man faced away from her, shaking Alex’s hand and slapping him on the back. Bits of glitter caught the light from the ceiling in his light-brown hair that was plastered to his head. He wore only navy-blue sweatpants, showing off an upper body of lean muscle and male-dancer perfection.

Kurt grinned when he saw her looking at the newly arrived man. “Aaron, I think you have a fan.” He nodded in her direction. “She said she knew you.”

Aaron?

Aaron turned, and his eyes widened when they landed on Anna. He stared with his denim-blue eyes for a moment until a small smile crept onto his face. “Is that my little Giselle?”

He remembers me? Anna nodded as butterflies fluttered around in her chest at the sound of his nickname for her.

He walked over and stopped, gently tipping her head up to study her face. “It is my little Giselle, all grown up.” He grinned. “You grew up good, Anna.” His eyes grew soft.

Anna’s heart caught in her throat and she backed away. She was here for Kurt, not to reignite past childhood crushes. Oh, this was not a good idea. I shouldn’t have let Kurt bring me back here.

Alex cleared his throat and stepped closer. “You know her, Aaron?”

Aaron laughed, his blue eyes sparkling. “I do. The partner I didn’t want.” He put his arm casually around her shoulders and rolled his eyes at Alex’s grimace. “I got stuck dancing with her for my graduation performance.”

Alex frowned, looking between the two of them, his brows drawn together in confusion. “How did that happen?”

“She walked in with Delia and I was told I was dancing with a twelve-year-old. I flat-out refused... until I danced with her. Then it turned out it wasn’t so bad.” Aaron looked back at Anna. “I’d love to dance with you again.”

Kurt took her hand and pulled her away, laughing. “You really were telling me the truth when you said you were a good dancer.”

Anna gave a small shrug and shook her head. “It was a long time ago.”

“You’re still good, Anna,” Jenna said. “I’ve watched you in your classes.” She looked at Aaron. “She said she was gonna take more classes again.”

“I said maybe.” Anna waved her hands helplessly in the air. “I don’t know anything for sure.” Though Devin had said he’d make the call. She smiled. “I’m hoping to.”

Aaron wagged his eyebrows. “Anytime you want to practice partnering, Anna, I’m available.”

Anna looked away. She didn’t even know if Devin would let her perform again, let alone practice. Though he’d mentioned performing... Best not to get my hopes up. Besides, there was no way she could ever get good enough to dance with Aaron again. Not at her age and not after not-dancing for so long.

“I think he likes you,” Kurt whispered in her ear.

Anna shook her head. “No, Kurt, I?—‍”

“Don’t listen to anything he says, Anna.” Aaron laughed. “He’s full of shit.”

“Alex, I need to get to the airport.” Kirsty crossed her arms over her chest and stuck out her lip.

Alex raised his arm and glanced at a heavy gold watch on his wrist. He nodded. “I’m sorry. Kirsty is right, and I promised her I would get her there in time. I will see you all later.”

Kirsty gave brilliant smiles to all the men, glared at Anna, and ignored Jenna. Alex gave a bow of his head and the two of them turned and walked away.

“Bitch,” Jenna muttered under her breath after they were gone.

Aaron and Kurt laughed.

“I told you,” Kurt said, grinning at Anna.

“I have to get going,” Jenna said, hugging Anna again. “Give me your number and I’ll call you on Monday so we can get together.”

“I don’t have a phone.”

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