Page 79 of The Failed Audition

“Yeah.” We say our goodbyes, and I sit up, already wearing workout clothes.

Before I click off my phone, I notice the time.

Almost three.

My eyes grow and I spring to my feet, already late. I’m supposed to train with Nikolai today. I mentally calculate the bike ride to The Masquerade. If I don’t pedal fast, I’m going to be later than late.

I check my texts that I must not have heard.

Where are you?– Nikolai

Call me.– Nikolai

You’re breaking a fucking rule.– Nikolai

I text back:On my way. So sorry!

Last night, I grabbed my suitcase from his place, and he walked with me outside The Masquerade. I didn’t have to wait long for a cab, and he kissed me before I climbed in and left.I have trouble containing this smile in remembrance. I even subconsciously touch my lips.

I’m falling for him.

But I haven’t seen Nikolai since then. He had to practice with Elena this morning, so he scheduled a later time to train me.

I don’t know how things are going to be. I guess I’m about to find out. I just need to get there first.

By the timeI arrive at the gym, my forehead is dripping with sweat, my cotton pants sticking to my legs, butt and thighs. I rode my bike (another thrift store find) as fast as I could without breaking the rusty, old thing.

Halfway there, I feared the chain would fly off. My one thought was:don’t fall off. Notdon’t be late.My mental energy can’t turn back time. I’m just happy that I’m here, in one piece, with a bike also in one piece.

I spot Nikolai sitting on a large blue yoga ball, his eyes flitting to the clock with agitation and maybe some concern. He clutches his cell tightly.

When I approach with hurried feet, his head swings my way, pieces of his hair falling over his red bandana. I throw up my hands. “I’m so…sorry…” I lose my initial thoughts at the relief in his eyes. “You didn’t think…”something bad happened.

He stands. “I have no idea where you live, Thora,” he reminds me. “Just don’t be late again.” He gives me a harder, stricter look, delivering the lines with finality. Then he takes a few steps closer, with a much more intense gaze.

Butterflies swarm my insides.Stop smiling like a fool, Thora.

I bite the inside of my cheeks so hard. And I nod. “I will…I mean, I won’t.” Why? Why am I screwing this up right now?“You know what I mean…”hopefully.

He crosses his arms over his bare chest, his brows raised. “Think you can hold your weight today?” He’s all no-nonsense, seriousness—business.

Right.

He’s determined not to step in the way of my goal, and that means keeping things as professional as we can in the gym.Good, I think.

“I’ve been practicing on the aerial hoop,” I tell him, “so I hope so.”

“We’ll see then.” He leads me to the pole.

I stare up at the thirty-foot vertical structure that stands between me and the aerial silk.You can do this, Thora.I exhale a tight breath and step out of my cotton pants.

“Use your core,” he reminds me. “Don’t put all of your weight in your arm.”

I grip the pole.You can do this.

There is so much that says I can’t. But I’m going to try—with everything I have. I begin the climb in thin acro-shoes, using the tips of my toes and hands as I quickly make the ascent.

“Stop at ten feet,” he calls to me.

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