Page 2 of Count Down

“We’re ready for opening night,” Alvaro announces after he’s given his notes. He pulls an envelope out of his back pocket and unfolds it. “This weekend’s evening shows are all sold out!” he announces. I cheer along with all the dancers and Lexi bangs the floor next to her with her fists. “We still have tickets available for the matinee this weekend,” Alvaro adds, reading a note on the envelope. “And we’re about 80 percent sold for our closing weekend.”

What Alvaro has done with this company since he took over three years ago is impressive. It’s easy to sell out for something likeThe Nutcracker, or evenSleeping Beauty, but to sell outLa Bayadere? I’ve got to hand it to him.

“I also want to announce choreographers for this summer’s showcase,” Alvaro says. My spine straightens and my pupils dilate. I’m no longer distracted by the theater. I’m just focused on Alvaro.

“We had a lot of great submissions this year,” he continues. “After much discussion, we’ve chosen our three choreographers.” I can feel my heart beating. It feels like 15 minutes between each beat. “Zane Greene, Terrence Jordan, and …” Great for them. Who else? It’s like 90 fucking minutes have gone by. “Gina Nicoletti,” Alvaro finally announces.

I freeze. Did I hear it right? I feel Lexi grab my arm and shake it and hear her yell, “Yeah!” I see the other dancers look around at me and clap politely. A large grin spreads across my face and my spine relaxes.

“Congratulations to you all,” Alvaro says as he joins the applause.

I got it. I’m going to choreograph a piece for the summer showcase. I can hardly believe it. I almost felt stupid for even submitting my idea. I smile at Lexi. She smiles back. She knows how much this means to me. How much I want to be a choreographer.

“Are you also going to announce company promotions?” Cara asks Alvaro from across the group.

“No, not yet.” Alvaro answers. Cara lets out a huff and crosses her arms. If I didn’t know her, I would have thought she was joking. “We’ll announce promotions at the fundraising gala. Like we do every year,” Alvaro continues. “Let’s focus on finishing this year strong.”

“Seriously,” I hear Lexi mutter next to me. I glance at her just in time to catch her rolling her eyes. Cara must have heard Lexi as well, because she turns and glares at Lexi. Lexi shrugs back at her and shakes her head.

I hide my grin behind my hand. Sometimes I wish I was like Lexi. I wish I called people out on their shit like she does. But I can’t.

“Alright everyone, that’s all for tonight,” Alvaro says. “Go home, get a good night’s sleep. See you in the morning for class and then call time at 5pm.”

Lexi and I walk off stage and down to the dressing rooms. “Don’t know if I’ll be getting a goodnight’s sleep tonight,” Lexi grumbles as we change into our street clothes.

“Your roommate’s boyfriend still there?” I ask.

“Yeah, I don’t think he’s ever leaving.” Lexi shoves on her shoes. “He’s pretty much moved in,” she continues. “It’s not the sex that keeps me up. It’s loud, but I don’t care about that. It doesn’t last that long.”

I grin at Lexi as I pack everything in my dance bag.

“Last night, he fell asleep in the living room watchingBlue Planetat full volume. I had to go out and shut the damn TV off myself. He doesn’t wash his dishes, leaves his crumbs all over the table. Have you ever had to share a bathroom with a guy?”

I shake my head no.

“God damn! It’s awful. Fucking rinse out the sink after you shave!” We walk out of the dressing room as Lexi continues. “Did I tell you she makes him sleep in a sleeping bag?”

“What?” I laugh.

“Yeah,” Lexi smiles at me as we enter the lobby. “I heard her telling him that he moves too much in his sleep. So, she makes him sleep in a sleeping bag next to her but on top of the covers.” Lexi shakes her head. “Fucking weirdos. That’s the last time I ever move in with one of my sister’s friends.”

“Gina!” I hear Alvaro’s distinct accent behind me as we reach the doors out to the street. Lexi and I turn.

“I don’t want to distract you too much before tomorrow’s show,” Alvaro continues as he walks across the lobby toward us. “But nice job on the proposal for your piece.”

“Thank you,” I say, feeling my voice quiver as I say it. Alvaro’s not necessarily intimidating. He’s not mean. He’s just… authoritative. And in the ballet world, he’s pretty well known. As a dancer you get used to receiving far more critiques and corrections than compliments. It can get old.

“Your piece was one of the more thoughtful and put-together proposals,” Alvaro says. “But I want you to start working on it next week. Start thinking about who you want to cast. Any of the students from the school will be happy to join if you’ll have them. And start booking your time in the studio. I’ll find some time next week to give you my feedback and suggestions on what you’ve got so far.”

Before I even respond, Alvaro has already turned and started walking back across the lobby to the dressing rooms. He’s always in a hurry and is probably rushing off to find someone else he needs to give information to. “Goodnight!” he calls out without turning around as he leaves the lobby.

I turn to Lexi. She just nods and smiles. I bite my bottom lip and just stare at her. I almost regret having my piece chosen. What was I thinking taking this on? What if I just fuck it all up?

Lexi leans against the door and pushes it open with her back. “Are you planning to move out of your parents’ house any time soon? I promise I’d make a good roommate.”

“I don’t know,” I reply. I wouldn’t say I enjoy living with my parents. But I’m used to it. It’s not calm and relaxing at home. But I can only imagine how much more stress it would be to move out. Especially after hearing what it’s like to have a roommate like Lexi’s.

“I haven’t thought too much about it,” I say. “But I get the sense Archie thinks we should get a place together.”

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