Page 67 of When Hearts Awaken

“You guys were excellent!” Lisa rushes up to us backstage before throwing herself at her boyfriend and the lovebirds engage in a passionate kiss.

Feeling awkward, I thank her before moving out of the way and heading toward the dressing room, where we have to change and get ready for the gala on site to celebrate the successful international premiere of the ballet.

How am I going to pull this off for the next few months?

My thoughts weigh heavily on my mind as I push open the door to my private room. I blow out a breath and check my phone to see if Emerson has an update for me or if I have any messages from the girls. Anything to distract me from my thoughts.

Inbox zero. I sigh. I know investigations take time, especially in a case this cold, but now that I started on the journey, I want to see it through. I want to know what happened and if I still can, put those bastards in jail.

I want closure. Maybe then I’d be able to dance Odette again.

A knock sounds at the door but before I can even say “Come in,” it swings open.

“You were terrific!” Grace squeals, ambushing me in a tight hug. “That final segment—I had tears in my eyes, Tay!”

Chuckling, I pull away from her. If only she knew why I could dance the last part well. “Sir Ian is kinda pissed. I’m sure I’m in for it later.”

“Pssh.” Grace scowls. “What does he know?”

I snort. “He’s only one of the best choreographers and dance directors in the world, so he knows a lot.”

Grace narrows her eyes. “Well, I never—”

“Seriously, bravo!” another voice chimes in.

My head whips toward the second voice, finding Olivia grinning from the doorway.

“What are you doing here?” I laugh, pleased to see the girl who is quickly becoming a close friend.

She strides over and wraps me in a light hug before motioning to Grace. “I begged your sister for a ticket. I had a medical conference here last week, so I just extended my trip.”

Olivia steps back and scans my face, like she’s searching for something. “You know you were astounding, right, Tay? You’re always too hard on yourself. Speaking as a friend and a shrink, celebrate those wins.”

My heart clenches as I stare at the two beaming faces before me. I’m so thankful I have these girls in my life.

“Damn right,” I rasp.

Grace claps her hands together. “Okay, let’s get ready for your gala! Belle gave me explicit instructions when she sent over your gown. She told me the requirements—champagne dress and light makeup. I’m so excited, Tay! It’s been ages since I’ve seen you in anything other than dark colors.”

I roll my eyes as dread coils in my gut. The outfit requirements came from the top—from Sir Ian and the board of directors, according to Lisa’s insider information. This gala is not only a celebration for the premiere but also an event where who’s who with deep pockets in Europe will show up. Deals will be made, contracts will be signed. It’s important to put up a good front for politics.

And apparently, as lead dancer, they want me to portray an air of elegance and radiance, not doom and gloom.

“I think I look awesome in dark colors. Dark and mysterious, don’t you think?” I waggle my brows.

“Light—let there be light!” Lisa’s faux snotty tone last week when I grumbled my complaints barges into my mind.

I feel naked already and I haven’t even changed yet. I eye the formfitting gown Belle chose for me and while I trust her impeccable tastes, the idea of being out in the real world without my loose outfits and dark makeup makes me want to retch.

“Chop, chop. No time to spare. We’ll make you beautiful!” Grace announces and grabs the gown off the hanger.

I swallow as blood drains from my face.

“Tay, you okay there?” Olivia furrows her brows, her brown eyes glinting with sharp awareness.

Huffing out a laugh, I wave her off. “Let’s get the fucking show on the road.”

Chapter 29

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