Page 224 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“You don’t have to. Cam’ll understand.”

“Oh, yes, it’s totally fine,” Cam said gently. “You shouldn’t be alone after a breakup.”

Anna shook her head. “I just want to go to sleep.” As if to justify her claim, she yawned. “I danced hard tonight.”

“How did it go?”

Anna smiled, remembering the thrill of dancing. “Good.”

“Standing O?”

She nodded. “Two curtain calls.”

He grinned. “That’s my girl!”

“Thanks. I’ll see you in the morning.” She hugged him and then went to her room.

Chapter 116

After a few days, seeing Hugo didn’t hurt nearly as bad. She began to be able to enjoy his company as a friend. The other dancers seemed surprised that they’d broken up, even though they hadn’t been overt in their dating. It was just known that they were together. Questions were asked, but Hugo just said they’d had their reasons and to let it go. When a rumor began to circulate that Anna had cheated on him, his anger flared up and he swiftly put an end to it.

Anna danced both Friday and Saturday nights and received standing ovations both times. Wednesday she danced again, and Thursday was the Spring Gala and the premiere of Hugo’s ballet.

She fidgeted backstage, waiting for the music to begin.

Hugo came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Katrina. It’s alright.”

His touch was calming and she took long, deep breaths. Sometimes when he touched her, an electric current surged through her veins, igniting a longing for what could have been. Yet with each passing day, being around him became less of a constant struggle.

Although the official opening night had been the previous week, the Spring Gala was the really important event of the season. The audience was filled with celebrities and the important people in New York society. After the performances, the audience members would mingle with the dancers during the gala dinner.

The music began at last, and Anna took another deep breath as the curtain opened and the blinding stage lights came on. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to become one with the music and the dance.

Being the first ballet of the evening had its advantages, including the fact that there was plenty of time to get ready for the gala. As she dressed in the lavender gown Wilhelm had bought her, she couldn’t help but wish he was in town for the event. It was comforting, knowing there had been people in the audience that knew and cared about her. Tom and his wife, Kelsey. Tommy, too, although she doubted his wife cared very much. She knew Hugo cared, and Aaron too. The success felt different this time, unlike the hollowness she had experienced while dancing Giselle.

The noise in the hallway grew loud, and she supposed that the evening performances had ended. Those in the audience who were staying for the dinner would be heading out to the promenade, and the dancers were supposed to get out there as quickly as possible.

Someone knocked on the door and Anna opened it to find Aaron standing there, a goofy smile on his face. “Wanna head out together?”

Anna nodded. She and Hugo had discussed going together, but decided against it. They’d broken up, after all.

The grandeur of the massive lobby took Anna’s breath away. Above, the ceiling stretched four stories high, adorned with flowing fabrics and blooming flowers. Tall centerpieces adorned numerous round tables, with vibrant flowers gracefully cascading from them. The fragrant scent of flowers filled the entire space, enveloping Anna as she moved. Hundreds of people filled the bustling space, their conversations and laughter creating a lively atmosphere. The men’s black tuxedos and the women’s colorful gowns created a visually stunning contrast, adding to the overall spectacle.

“Oh, Aaron, it’s so beautiful.” She looked around. “How are we supposed to know where to sit?”

“Over here.” Aaron led her to a table where a dancer from the corps sat. “Hey, Mindy. Where are we sitting?”

She smiled. “Let’s see.” She looked at a clipboard in front of her. “Aaron, you’re at four. Katrina, you’re at—‍” She looked up at Katrina. “Wow. Table one. You’re with the mayor. And that hot blond guy everyone’s been gossiping about.”

Anna glanced at Aaron. “Tommy?”

He shrugged. “Guess you’ll find out.”

Mindy pointed to the direction of their tables and they walked away.

“I’ll find you for a dance later,” Aaron said, and went to go find his table.

The occasional woman’s laughter cut through the noise, leaving Anna feeling uncomfortable. She had outgrown being socially awkward; she was much more comfortable in these types of situations now than she’d ever been, but she was also used to having her ‘duties.’ Was that why Tom wanted her to sit at his table? So that she could help influence the attending men, as she had for Devin? She glanced at the men as she wandered through the large round tables. Would she be expected to fuck any of them?

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