Page 76 of Mail Order Pointe (Hawthorne Billionaire 6)

“You definitely should. Why not dream big?” She told the driver where to go.

“Because dreams are for other people,” I looked out the window, “I should know better.”

“What’s with the sunglasses?” She took my picture with her cell. “You look serious today.”

“Why do you say this?” I turned to her. “See my big smile?”

“I don’t know, maybe it’s the sunglasses. They make you look so stern.” She tapped me on the shoulder. “Or is it sad?”

“You picked them out.” I avoided answering. “Are they too dark?”

“I know what you’re doing, Sabrina.” She sat forward and spoke to Bond. “I have something to do before we go shopping. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. I appreciate you taking the time to go with me today.” I leaned my head back. “I think I am tired this morning.”

I could see Bond watching me in the rearview mirror. I knew he couldn’t see my eyes, so I smiled at him, then closed my eyes. It had been a long time since I let my parents make me sad like this. It would pass like it did every year when they didn’t come to see me for holidays or my birthday.

Being with this family is making me want what I never had and never will.

I’d had my eyes closed, trying to relax. The car came to a stop. I looked out the window, surprised to see the building that was home to me.

“What are we doing here?” I worried. “Yury could be here.”

“He is not in the United States right now and, with Bond and Charlie here, I wouldn’t be worried either way.” She stepped out of the car. “Come on inside with me.”

After the devastation of the call to my mother, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go into the very place that consumed most of my life. Apparently, I had sat in the car thinking about it too long. The door on my side of the car opened.

“You wanna talk to me about what’s wrong?” Bond squatted down. “If not me, then you should talk to someone. Murphy is a good listener.”

“Thank you for noticing and caring about me.” I stepped out and hugged him. “Your caring is all I needed. I’m better now.”

“Alright then, let’s go inside. Murphy has a surprise for you.” Bond put his arm across my shoulders. “I think it might make you smile for real.”

Murphy was waiting just inside the main entrance. She excitedly waved me over, turned me to see the stage lit up, then handed me my ballet slippers.

“Now get up there and dance until you can’t move another inch.” She grabbed me in a hug. “I hope this makes whatever is wrong better.”

“This is amazing. I have missed it so much.” I sat down to put my slippers on. “Are you hiding leotards anywhere?”

“As a matter of fact, I am.” She handed me one of mine. “I kept these when they got left behind the day you ran away.”

“How did you know?”

“I didn’t, I just thought you might want them.” She pointed to the bathroom. “Use my office. That way, we can avoid backstage.”

“Thanks, Murphy.” I ran to the bathroom.

I turned the music on as I’d done many times when I had to practice for hours alone. It had been a month, at least, since I’d been on my toes, but it felt so good. At one point, I sat on the stage with a bottle of water.

So many years, so many hours and blisters, and for what?

The music finally took over my body and I began to dance. Before I knew it, I had been dancing for an hour. I paused then sat on the stage floor, thinking.

I’ve missed this so much. I can’t wait to get back to it, but with freedom.

“Have you been out there this whole time?” I laughed when I heard Murphy cheering.

“Duh, I wasn’t going to miss out on a private dance by the amazing Sabrina.” She walked closer to the stage. “I was thinking. I want you to perform for the Halloween Bash.”

---