A Fool's Gold Christmas (Fool's Gold #9.5)(63)

She paused. “When I danced professionally there were times when I was tired or hurt or ill. Times when I didn’t want to gather myself enough to give my all, but I always did. I remembered that, while this was just one performance for me, this was a memory for everyone watching. They had taken time out of their lives to come see me. They wanted to experience the joy and beauty that only comes from dance. They wanted the experience.”

Evie glanced around. Every single girl was staring, riveted by the famous woman’s words.

“You will give them that experience. Each of you will offer a memory that can be carried a lifetime. When you feel nervous, breathe deeply. If you start to shake, focus on the music. Evie has taught you well. We are both so proud of you, and I am very much looking forward to watching each of you perform.”

Talk about a memory, Evie thought, clapping for her boss, as the girls joined in. For the rest of their lives her students would remember being encouraged by Dominique Guérin.

Evie stepped toward the stage. “Thank you, Dominique. Now, let’s all move offstage. Gideon will start the music and we’ll take it from the top.”

Nervous energy now channeled productively, the dancers did as she asked. Evie turned off the microphone and walked over to her boss.

“Thank you for this. You’re exactly what they needed.”

“I’m very excited about the show.” Dominique put her hand on Evie’s arm. “I heard about your young man. I’m so sorry. After Christmas I’m visiting with friends in Fiji for a few weeks. If you feel the need to get away, I’m happy to loan you my apartment in New York. Charlie has the key.”

The unexpected generosity had Evie’s eyes feeling a little moist. “Thank you. That’s very sweet.”

“Some men are idiots.”

“I keep telling myself that. So far it’s not working, but soon, I hope.”

The opening bars of the first song filled the convention center. Morgan settled into his throne as Gideon’s smooth chocolate-and-velvet voice spoke over the music.

“Once upon a time there was a magical kingdom ruled by a kind and generous king. He was blessed with many daughters. Each beautiful and wise. The king loved his daughters so much, he decided he would keep them with him forever.”

The first group danced onto the stage, their wings quivering and catching the light.

Evie turned her attention to them. Whatever happened or didn’t happen with Dante was out of her control. Good ending or bad, she would get through it. Not because she was especially tough or determined, but because she wasn’t alone. She had her friends and her family. People who loved her. She belonged, and right now that was more than enough.

* * *

ON THE DAY BEFORE the performance, Evie knew the show was going to be brilliant. Beyond brilliant. Her dancers were amazing, taking to the stage with grace and style. Their costumes fit perfectly, the music was fabulous and Gideon’s changes to the narration added a heartwarming element that would have everyone in tears.

She walked into the convention center a half hour before rehearsal, knowing that between them, she and her girls had reason to be proud of themselves. There were—

Her cell phone rang.

Evie grabbed it and glanced at the unfamiliar but local number. “Hello?”

“Evie? Is that you?”

“Yes. Who is this?” She didn’t recognize the woman’s voice, but she sounded very upset.

“It’s Shelley, Grace’s mom. I’m so sorry, but there’s been an accident.” Shelley took a breath. “Grace and her friends went up the mountain this morning to find snow. Unfortunately, they also went snowboarding. I’d warned her not to, what with the show tomorrow and everything, but she snuck off. She slipped and fell and broke her leg.”

Evie sank onto the nearest chair. “Is she all right?”

“Yes. It’s a clean break. They barely had to do anything to set it, but she won’t be dancing anytime soon. She’s hysterical, of course. I was terrified, but now that I know she’s okay, I’m hoping this teaches her to be more responsible. Teenagers. Which doesn’t help you at all. Like I said, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry about the dance,” Evie said automatically, relieved Grace was going to be fine. “We’ll figure something out.”

“We’ll all be there tomorrow night, to watch. Grace will be in tears, just so you’re braced.”

“Of course she’s disappointed.”

“And then some. Okay, I need to run. I have to get Grace home. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye.”

Evie disconnected the call, then stared at the phone, not sure what she was supposed to do. Grace had a full minute solo in the most critical part of the story. It was her dance that finally convinced her father to let the girls go into the world. Her dance began the transformation.

Evie dug through her bag and stared at the notes she’d made. There was no way to change the music, so there had to be a one-minute transition. Something simple, she thought, wondering who could learn a new dance in a day. She was still working on options when her students began to arrive.

She waited until they were all there to tell them what had happened.

Abby Sutton rolled her eyes when she heard. “It’s because she likes this boy who loves to snowboard.”