Page 19 of Hooked on a Demon
With her voice laced with fake disgust, Eliana replies, “Still. No need to say it out loud.”
Kaia’s head falls back as she laughs. Once she’s composed herself, she pretends to wipe away a tear before looking back at Eliana. “You’re the best kind of mom, though. You let me stay out late and don’t pressure me to have kids.”
“True. No one needs that.”
“Preach.”
Eliana snorts and then pulls Kaia into a hug. “This was great. Text me later and let me know when you’re available to do something later in the week.” Kaia’s arms wrap around her, squeezing her tightly.
“Will do.”
Climbing into her car, she waves as she pulls away, grateful for a friend like Kaia who keeps her on her toes, even if she thinks she’s a mom.
CHAPTER11
Eliana
“Alright, team, we need to start putting together plans for our end-of-season showcase,” June says from the front of the staff room.
Staff meetings are usually held once a month, but June called this one early. Knowing that the staff wouldn’t be happy about having to stay after hours so soon after the last staff meeting, June was kind enough to send out an order form for the Bittersweet Acorn and ensured everyone had dinner. Which is why, as Eliana looks around, everyone is enjoying themselves. Nothing makes dancers happier than a free meal. June may have accidentally set a precedent for future meetings.
“So, our showcase is taking place in six weeks, and to say we are behind on planning would be a bit of an understatement. We will want a dance number for each class to present, as well as decorations, sponsors, and treats for the attendees. I am open to all of your ideas.”
Eliana takes a bite of a fry and raises her hand. Though long out of school, the rule of raising your hand and waiting to be called on is so deeply ingrained that she doesn’t think she’ll ever feel comfortable openly speaking out. June looks at her and nods, giving her the floor.
She swallows. “I have lots of ideas, but before I let them run amok, I’m curious, do we have a general theme we want to build toward?” Eliana asks.
“Good question. What do you all think? Do we want an overarching theme?” June asks, putting it back to the team. She’s always been good about ensuring her team feels included and valued as contributors. It’s one of the reasons Eliana came to work at Strike a Pose when she moved back.
Different team members start calling out answers.
“Holiday.”
“Dance of the night. Little moody and suspenseful.”
“Under the sea. Mermaids, jellyfish, sharks…”
Bellamy groans beside her and whispers, “Under the sea is so overdone.” Eliana nods in agreement as the suggestions continue.
“Dancing through the decades.”
“Hollywood.”
“Masquerade.”
The room ooohs at the final suggestion. “A masquerade theme could be fun and leaves lots of room to play with it,” Bellamy says. “Think of how dramatic it could be with the older ballet classes, while the younger children could be more playful. I think that’s a great idea.”
Other staff murmur their agreement, and June calls for a staff vote. “Alright, hands up if you think we should do a masquerade theme?”
All but one hand rises.
June turns her body to face the only staff member who is not in agreement. “What’s your concern, Lola?”
Eliana sees Lola shift in her seat, uncomfortable with everyone’s attention on her. “I… I…” she visibly swallows. Zoe, sitting next to her, places her hand on Lola’s shoulder in silent support. Lola looks at her, nods, takes a breath, and tries again. “I worry that it will be a bit too mature for my younger children. When I think of a masquerade, I think of how they are associated with mystery and sometimes desire, and that doesn’t feel right for my little friends.”
“Thank you for sharing. Bellamy, could you explain how you see it working for the younger dancers?”
Bels sits up straighter, ready to dive in. “Absolutely. I think for our younger friends, it could be more of an exploration of character. The mask represents something new they can be. It can be playful and fun, with a more lighthearted tone. Think of trick or treating on Halloween. That’s essentially a socially acceptable masquerade—it’s bubbly and fun for young children. Think of a more playful Swan Lake but with masks.”
