Chapter Thirty-Three

Three Months Later

 

Scarlet watched the sunset from her apartment window as she carefully packed her pointe shoes into her bag. She thought about what had brought her to this moment.

It was opening night. She would be performing Cassandra for a full house of ballet patrons. They would expect nothing less than perfection. She was ready to perform.

Scarlet looked down at her bag and the crimson shoes she would be dancing in later. They were finally broken in, just in time for the first show.

She frowned at the shoes, letting her memory trace back the months.

For Scarlet, the entire ordeal with Nora was now a fading bad dream, although it didn’t stop her from thinking about the woman every now and then. Nora was in prison, and probably would be for a long time. She awaited trial, and Scarlet knew that when the time came, she would have to revisit everything. For now, she enjoyed the quiet.

Maxim and Isobelle entered a plea bargain to reduce their sentencing. Maxim would probably spend minimal time in prison, while Isobelle would be spared.

Stefan Petrovich fled back to Croatia, where there were no extradition laws, leaving Nora behind. Scarlet almost felt bad for her. She knew she would receive the punishment she deserved, but she hoped it wouldn’t ruin Nora forever. Deep down, Scarlet wanted to believe that Nora had some sort of humanity inside.

Scarlet zipped up her bag, and sighed.

Knowing Petrovich was still out there was unnerving at times, and it would often give Scarlet anxiety attacks when she least expected it. However, the CIA kept a constant watch on him and that helped her sleep at night. She didn’t understand a lot of what went on, but Uly checked in on her from time to time, assuring her that Stefan Petrovich wasn’t a threat.

Her cell phone rang from her pocket and she answered it quickly.

“I’m leaving now,” she said. “I’m not late, yet.”

“I didn’t say you were.” Victoria chuckled into the phone.

Scarlet walked to the living room of the two-bedroom house she shared with Victoria. The area was cluttered with books and clothes—most of which were Victoria’s.

Lily had decided to move back to her hometown in Maine to fully recover, and Victoria, with her new-and-improved attitude, insisted Scarlet move in with her.

“My roommate is moving to a different state and your roommate is in prison… come live with me.”

“I forgot my lucky tights,” Victoria said. “Can you bring them with you? They’re on the couch, I think. Maybe the kitchen table.”

“You would have lucky tights.” Scarlet sighed, reaching over to grab the pale pink article of clothing off the back of the couch. She stuffed them into the side pocket of her bag. “Got them.”

“Thanks!” Victoria said. “See you soon.”

Scarlet pushed her phone into her jeans, put on her jacket, and walked out the front door.

The air was chilly, and it rained all week, making the air smell fresh. Scarlet inhaled and looked up at the night sky.

She couldn’t see many stars, but she didn’t have to. She knew they were there.

Scarlet had learned a lot in the past three months. She learned that her grand jeté needed work, and Madame Adele didn’t mind staying late to help her practice. She learned that Victoria was disorganized, insecure, and idolized Bette Midler. She learned that she enjoyed walking at night, not letting her fears get in the way.

Scarlet made her way toward the coffee shop down the street, smiling to herself.

Tonight was the night. It would be her first performance as prima.

After the harrowing ordeal three months ago, some relaxation, and even some therapy, Scarlet was able to focus on her dreams once more, and this time, she had the support of a man who had saved her life, allowing those dreams to continue.

Scarlet was proud of herself for fighting when she could, but she wasn’t ashamed that Alex had saved her. The world needed a little balance.

Scarlet walked up to the coffee shop and smiled at Alex, who was waiting outside dressed in a black suit, holding a single red rose and a disposable coffee cup.

He smirked at her. “I was beginning to think you stood me up.”

“I would never.” She raised herself up on her tiptoes and kissed him.

He held the rose up. “Before you’re showered with all the other flowers in the Bay Area.”

Scarlet took the rose from him, held it to her nose and inhaled the sweet scent. “Thank you. This one will be my favorite.”

Alex held up his other hand and presented her with the coffee cup. “And a large caffé latte for the caffeine addict.” He winked.

Scarlet took the cup from him and grinned. “Just don’t tell Madame Adele on me. She would die if she knew I drank espresso right before a performance.”

Alex shrugged and ran a hand through his hair like he usually did when he was nervous. “You ready?”

Scarlet held the rose and the coffee in one hand, looping the other through Alex’s arm. “As ready as I can be,” she said.

“I made it,” he said to her, as they walked down the street toward North Pointe.

“What?” Scarlet was confused.

“That first day we spent together,” he said. “You asked me to come to your opening night. Back then, I was pretty sure we wouldn’t be in each other’s lives anymore, but…”

“You made it,” Scarlet agreed, smiling at the thought.

The past three months flashed into her mind, reliving each moment with Alex.

His patience, his helpfulness, and his passion for her showed in every action. He helped her move out of the old house, and into Victoria’s apartment. He supplied pizza and beer by candlelight when she had a bad week of rehearsal. He brought her old movies to watch. He rubbed her feet. He stayed over despite having a house inland, since Scarlet wanted to be close to North Pointe. Alex understood the mess in Scarlet’s head, and she understood his.

She took a drink of her coffee, enjoying the hot liquid on the cold night.

“I didn’t think I’d ever be excited to see a ballet,” Alex said. “Even if my date is Lance.”

Scarlet laughed as they continued the walk. “I’m glad you’re here, Alex. It means a lot that you believe in me and my passion. The long rehearsal hours, the breakdowns, and the mangled feet.”

Alex’s brow creased in thought. “I’ve never believed in anyone more. You’re inspiring to everyone around you. You went through some hell, and you pushed through. You didn’t give up.”

“You were there,” she said. “You helped me through it. You saved me.”

Alex came to a stop in front of North Pointe, turning to face her. She blinked up at him as he cupped her chin with his hand. He kissed her gently, and her skin tingled with renewed excitement. The night would be memorable; of that, she was certain.

“I love you,” he said. “Bloody feet and all.”

Scarlet felt her heart beat faster. She didn’t get tired of hearing the words from him. The past few months had been some of her best. Even in the wake of almost getting killed, she was able to be happy. Dancing made her happy, but Alex made all of the ugly she had endured slip away. He was everything she needed, and life was good.

“I love you, too.” She smiled. “With all my heart.”

****

            The North Pointe Theater was sold out of tickets to the performance. As the patrons slowly found their seats in the main theater, the dancers warmed up backstage.

“Five minutes,” the stage director called.

Scarlet took a series of deep breaths, raising her arms above her head to stretch. The spellbinding silk of her costume enveloped her body. The deep red chiffon skirt fell down to her calves in billowy waves, opening in the front to allow for full range of movement, and the corseted bodice was embroidered with subtle purple brocade. She felt like a real Trojan princess. It was simple, yet stunning.

Some of the female corps dancers hurried by, their pancake tutus wiggling as they hustled. A few turned to smile and wave at Scarlet.

“Miss Prima.” Jason walked up and twirled into her arms. “You look devastatingly beautiful. I am almost sexually attracted to you.”

Jason looked handsome in his Trojan soldier costume. Scarlet couldn’t help but admire him. He had stuck by her in rehearsal these past few months, keeping Ivan in check. He became even more of an overbearing big brother, but Scarlet didn’t mind.

Jason clasped her hands in his and gave her a kiss on each cheek.

Scarlet smiled at him. “I’ll take all of that as a compliment.”

“She does look good in red.” Victoria floated by without skipping a beat. “See you two out there. Let’s drop some jaws.”

“Afterparty at Rin’s,” Jason told her. “She’s got the keys to her parents’ penthouse. I have a feeling we’ll be celebrating all night.”

She squeezed her friend’s hands and shook her head. “I’ll see if I can stop by. I will probably be exhausted.”

Jason raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “I know what that means.”

“Places,” the stage director said.

“Kill them.” Jason winked. “You know … with your grace and elegance.” He kissed her cheek again before running off into the wings.

The ballet started shortly after, and Scarlet found the darkly powerful music kept her nerves at bay. She’d heard it over and over in the past months, and it had become comforting once the company was safe again.

Her entrance was six minutes into the ballet. She took another deep breath and rolled her head around to loosen her neck.

“Scarlet.”

She turned around to see Armand and Edward looking at her the way a parent would look at a child going to their first day of school.

“Gentleman.” She bowed.

“We won’t keep you,” Edward said. “I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you look, although I’m sure you’re tired of hearing it.”

“You know,” she said, running her hands down the sides of her costume. “It doesn’t get old. Even Adele said I looked ‘good enough.’ I hope she’s not getting soft on me.”

The men laughed.

“Well.” Edward glanced at Armand. “If tonight goes half as well as the dress rehearsals, we have a solid season and beyond.”

“I’m sure it will.” Scarlet’s smile stretched wide. She ran her hands down the delicate fabric of the dress, relishing the feeling. She reached out a hand to Edward and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “I wouldn’t trade this night for anything.”

Edward nodded in understanding, taking in a sharp breath. “Good luck.”

The men turned and walked away as the stage director motioned the three-minute mark for her entrance.

This is it. She walked to her place in the wing. She gazed out onto the stage where she had fought her own battle, and where she would make her own history. Time slowed down as she thought about how she’d gotten to that moment, and who had helped her get there in one piece.

Alex would be sitting a few rows back, center stage. It was what Edward deemed the perfect seat to experience the ballet.

The entrance was fast approaching—her entrance, and the official start to her career as prima.

A hand softly caressed her shoulder, and she turned to see Alex smiling back at her.

“What are you doing?” She suppressed a laugh. “You’re not supposed to be back here.”

A few dancers turned their attention to the duo, tilting their heads in interest while the stage director threw them a scowl. Their story was front-page news, and Scarlet was getting used to the spotlight.

“Edward said I could,” Alex explained. “I want to watch from here. I can get tickets anytime and see you from the audience. I want this one to feel like my own personal performance.” He placed a hand on her arm, brought his face close, and touched his forehead to hers.

“Well.” Scarlet closed her eyes at his touch. “You could have just come to dress rehearsal.”

“Not the same.” He let his lips graze hers. “I’ll be right here. Dance for me.”

Scarlet kissed him quickly before pushing him back. “I will.”

And with that, Scarlet’s arms became her wings, and she floated out onto the stage.

She launched into her character as the music played and the dancers whirled around her in haunting beauty. The trials of her whirlwind rise to prima filled her with confidence.

As she danced, she thought how her grandmother may have been wrong all along; dancing wasn’t the closest thing to magic. Dancing was part of her heart, and always would be.

But her heart, and the love she’d found with Alex, were all the magic she needed.