Page 13 of Desire

I look down at the babbling little girl. She really is the spitting image of her mama—her eyes are the same color, and she even has the same little button nose. It takes my breath away and leaves me speechless. I can't believe it. I try to form something of a sensible answer.

“You would look amazing with purple hair. Maybe we can persuade your mama to do it semi-permanently.”

“No, it has to stay its natural color.” Elise chuckles behind me, and the other woman joins in. “Leo, this is my friend Natalie, but we all call her Natalie. And this little lady you’ve already met”—she ruffles her daughter’s hair—“is Isabelle, or Izzy as she prefers to be known.”

“Your daughter?” I respond still testing the word on my tongue.Daughter.

“Yes.” Elise pulls the little girl into her arms, and I see concern flash across her perfect features. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you about her. I was caught up with everything that’s been happening over the last few days.”

“It doesn't matter. It's been a long while since we last saw each other. There is probably a lot to learn.”

“Yes. I think there probably is.”

“Izzy’s father?” I question not really wanting to hear the answer.

I suddenly realize I know nothing about Elise. I am a fan of her movies, but I’ve been too busy with my own career and traveling to follow her private life.

“He isn't in the picture. We don’t…” A look passes between Natalie and Elise. It’s a look I really want to know the meaning behind—there’s something dark and foreboding about it. However, now is not the time to press her for an explanation. “…We don’t see him anymore.”

“Well I'm happy to meet you, Miss Natalie, and you too, Miss Izzy. I must admit I'm in dire need of a drink. We’ve been talking to reporters for the last hour. I’m not sure how well I’m going to do with your mama in the contest. She's absolutely awful at dancing and treads on my toes all the time.” I wink at Izzy to show her I’m teasing her mama. “We’re going to have to work very hard to get her anywhere near to dancing at a professional level.”

“I’m not that bad.” Elise pouts.

Natalie laughs along with Izzy.

“How about we get some lemonade and ice cream, Izzy? You can tell us what you noted during the show, and we can discuss where your mama needs to improve.”

“Yes, please. Can we? Please, Mama.” Izzy claps her hands excitedly.

“Of course.”

It doesn’t take long to find an ice cream parlor and get our food. As well as ice cream, I grab a plate of crêpes for everyone but manage to eat most of them myself.

“So how long have you been dancing?” Natalie asks after she finishes her bowl of praline ice cream.

“Ever since I left high school. I was awarded a scholarship at a prestigious school in London.”

“Have you danced at the Blackpool Tower?” Izzy interrupts.

She has chocolate ice cream smeared on the corner of her mouth. I point to the same spot on my face and then pretend to lick it clean. Izzy gets my meaning and does the same.

“How do you know about Blackpool Tower?”

“When Mama told me she was going on the show, I wanted to do as much research about it as possible. My friend Issac helped me. It was nice to talk to him about something other than football for once. We read all about the different shows around the world and all the competitions. Apparently, there is a big one in Blackpool. Can we go and see it one day, Mama? The floor wobbles and everything.”

Izzy certainly has done her research. The floor is on springs and absorbs the shock of our dance movements, which gives it a softer feel.

“You’ve learned a lot. I have danced there. It’s an amazing feeling. The atmosphere is the greatest I’ve ever known. Unfortunately, we don’t get to go there on this show, but if your mama and you ever want to visit, then I’d be happy to accompany you and show you around.”

“I’ll add it to my wish list,” Izzy replies as she finishes her ice cream.

“Your list is getting rather long now,” Elise points out.

“That’s because you introduce me to so many great things.”

“You’re such a suck-up. Come on, we’ll head to the bathroom and clean up.”

“I don’t want to go to the bathroom.”

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