Page 48 of Count Down

“I’m JUST looking out for you. And mom.” I say through gritted teeth. “I don’t want anything to happen to you. Step down as DA. Protect yourself. Protect your fam—”

“I DON’T JUST QUIT THINGS!” He yells, banging his desk again. “I’M NOT LIKE YOU!”

“No. You’re not.” I glare into his eyes. “And I’m not like you.”

I turn away and leave as fast as I can, slamming the door behind me. People in the office are staring at me. Their faces blur as my eyes well up with tears. I run out of the lobby and toward the stairwell, refusing to let a single tear drop until I’m alone.

* * *

Pilates class was a blur. Luckily, I’ve taught enough that I could handle this beginner group class in my sleep. My body went through the motions of the instruction and feedback to the class. But my mind was replaying the argument I had with my father and imagining what could happen to him if he doesn’t follow my warning.

After class, I have a text from Luca:

Come over to my place when you’re done teaching.

I head directly to Luca’s. I have a couple hours before I need to go to the dance studio for rehearsal. When I get there, I park in the alley and text him that I’m here. It takes a minute for him to come down and let me in.

“Hey,” he greets me at the door and kisses me. “Come on in.”

“Are you busy?” I ask.

“No, I was just working on something in the shop.”

Luca leads me into the atrium of the first floor. “Have a seat, I’ll make you some lunch.” He goes over to the kitchen while I stretch out on the modern gray couch. It’s very austere looking, but surprisingly comfortable. “Did you talk to your father?” He calls from the kitchen.

“Yeah,” I call back. “It didn’t go well.” I hear the sound of drawers and doors opening and closing as Luca puts the food together. He doesn’t say anything else until he comes back out of the kitchen with two plates, a sandwich on each one.

“What’d he say?” He hands one of them to me. I suddenly realize how hungry I am. I take a bite and finish chewing it before I answer.

“He’s either more stubborn than I thought, or he doesn’t believe me.”

“Hmm,” Luca scowls at his sandwich. “Maybe you can text him or call him tonight. Try again when he’s not at the office?”

“Yeah,” I nod. I don’t think it will make a difference, but I have to try whatever I can.

“What’s your schedule look like the rest of the week?” Luca looks at me seriously.

“Uh,” I look up to the tall ceiling and put my hand to my forehead, trying to picture the rest of the week. “I’ve got rehearsal tonight at the studio. Then tomorrow afternoon we move into the theater. I’ve got tech and dress rehearsal in the evening. Saturday night is the showcase. Monday morning I’m teaching two pilates classes…”

“Is that the next class you teach? Monday?”

“Yeah, I blocked stuff out around the showcase.”

“Mind if I go to rehearsal with you tonight? I’ll just sit outside in the car. I’d rather not be too far away until I’ve dealt with the Russians.”

“Yeah, that’s fine. It’ll probably be a couple hours, though.”

“I don’t mind.” Luca takes my empty plate in his and brings them to the kitchen.

* * *

Luca takes me to rehearsal. I feel bad making him sit in the car outside, but he doesn’t seem to mind. I would have invited him in, but I’m just not ready to show him my piece. I want him to see it. But not until the showcase. This piece says something. And I don’t want him to see it just yet.

My frustration from the argument with my father has subsided a little after spending time with Luca between teaching and rehearsing. Rehearsal itself helps even more. It’s a good distraction. I can nearly throw my whole self into it.

Tonight is the first time we’ve really had a chance to run through the whole thing from beginning to end. It’s working. The end with Ivan and Anna really does cap it off as I’d hoped. Anthony, Daniel, Ivan, and Anna all seem excited about it too.

We’re able to run the piece full out five times in a row. I’ve only got a few small items of feedback after the last couple of runs. Mostly, they’re just getting used to the changes now. I’m feeling good. But still nervous that it’ll be performed in front of a live audience in less than 48 hours.

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