Page 139 of Sins or Secrets
I answer the phone and walk out to the little porch outside the kitchen.
“Hi Jodi,” I say.
“Oh Quinn, I’m so glad I caught you.Sorry to call so late. Can you talk?”
“Of course.” I’m eager to hear what she has to say.We usually email. Something that warrants a phone call is going to be important.
“I was in the middle of emailing you but I have some exciting news that’s too good not to call you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I have just gotten approval for the new dance program I’m setting up at Juilliard and I’d love for you to join me as my assistant in September when the new semester starts.”
My ears ring and I can’t believe what I’m hearing.Months ago when I first contacted her I was hoping she might know of someone who had a job opening.But she’s talking about Juilliard, working with her.
“Oh my God,” I rasp out and clutch my hand to my chest.“Me? You want me?”
“Dear don’t sound so shocked.You were one of my best dancers.When I took you through the teacher training program I hoped we’d be able to work together some day.This is it if you say yes.” She laughs.“I know it’s just an assistant’s position and probably not what you were looking for in terms of teaching, but I’d love to welcome you to the family at Juilliard.You’d be helping me choreograph and get students ready for their exams.There’s potential to also work with the more advanced students who will be going on to the NYC Ballet, and as alumni I’m sure there would be room for you to do all sorts of things.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“I want you to say yes, but please take the time and think about it.I know you’re in Wilmington and it’s been a while since we last spoke.This was in the making from then but I had to wait for funding to be approved and you know how it goes with the school board.They take forever sometimes. It was worth the wait though.”
“I’m excited,” I say in a breathy rasp.
“Good. I’ll send over the email with the details and the contract so you can look over everything.If you want in, just send everything back by the end of the month.We have a bit of time to play with but I need your response by then so I can hopefully get you set up on the systems.”
“Thank you so much.”
“You are very welcome, Quinn. Hope to see you for a glorious new year at Juilliard.”
“Me too.”
“Bye now.”
“Bye.”
The phone clicks off but I still have it pressed to my ear.
I can barely breath as I try to process the conversation and digest the offer.
An offer to work at Juilliard in New York.
My God.
It sounds good, great even. An opportunity like that is going to get me ahead to what I’ve always wanted.I’d move up and through the dance world and eventually have my own school, or studio.
Exactly like the building I’m looking at about a hundred yards away from me.
The building I designed from scratch because the old studio was so damaged from the hurricane.Out with the old school that belonged to Lilly and in with the new that felt like mine.
Foolishly, I remember the day when I told Joey off about the mirrors and got so jealous of her interest in Logan.
Logan…
If I accept this I won’t see him.I barely see him now as it is with his new job.
Turning back to face the kitchen I walk in and find Logan cutting the pie in slices.
