Page 23 of A Temporary Forever

I look at Reinhard, but he takes no responsibility, even though it belongs to him as much as me, if not more.

The muttering around me is soft, but I still catch the “how could she,” “letting us down like this,” “who will replace her,” and “so irresponsible” comments swirling around.

“Our next performance is in a week. I’ll have it fixed by then. You can terminate my contract officially, so I’m not an employee. Just let me rehearse in the meantime.”

All heads turn to Reinhard. “I doubt you can manage that.”

“I’ll quit if you don’t let her rehearse with us till next Wednesday.” Jose folds his arms across his chest.

“Me too.” Matilda steps forward.

“Me too.”

“Me too.”

Other dancers join in. I stifle a sob. What is happening? I spent months with these people, but never have I expected them to show up for me like this.

Everyone is staring at Leon, who says nothing, but looks at Reinhard.

The theater manager fidgets, his lips in a narrow line as he grinds his teeth. He pins me with an annoyed glare. “You better have a visa next Wednesday.”

Chapter 8

Celeste

Saar

@Celeste Are you engaged?

Cora

What did I miss?

Saar

I unleashed Caleb on Celeste. I’m about to board the plane and neither of them is answering.

Cora

Celeste was amazing. I left Lily alone and went to see her.

Saar

Was there a diamond on her finger?

Never mind. There wasno time for that.

“Stop sniffling, chica.” Jose hands me another tissue.

“We didn’t mean it, anyway.” Matilde bumps her hip against mine, and I snort.

“Celeste, you made this show a hit. You made a mediocre play into a divine art with your dancing. If you leave, we’ll be unemployed anyway, so it wasn’t even that much of a risk.” Jose wraps his arm around my shoulder and squeezes.

“But you better have a solution, because Reinhard will sack us all, and I have children to feed,” Matilde says.

My stomach dips as the depth of their unsolicited help sinks in. Reinhard would take revenge, maybe not firing the entire ensemble, but as he told me last night, everyone is replaceable.

“Interesting how Leon didn’t join the rebellion, though. That was disappointing.” Jose echoes my thoughts about our choreographer.

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