"Uh huh," she nodded. "With Meemaw and Papaw too. They can't wait to see me." I was about to agree with them when one of the other little girls called Sophia's name. She offered me a distracted wave and bolted off in that direction. I grinned after her, then turned toward the gathered crowd.
"All right," I spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. "First number's about to start. I need the intermediate ballet class to take their places."
The students scattered to all corners of the area backstage, some taking their places, some waiting in the wings to watch the performances they weren't in. The air was a full of excitement and quiet chatter.
"Five minutes," called Samantha.
I peeked back around the curtain, scanning the sea of faces for one in particular. I wasn't sure why, but I knew seeing his face would help ease some of my nerves.
"Lilly," Kyle spoke, calling my attention from the audience. "You've got visitors."
I spun around and my face broke out into a bright smile at the sight of my mom and dad making their way up the stairs. "Hey! I thought you guys weren't going to make it."
"Miss your biggest show of the year? Are you crazy?" Mom scoffed. She held onto my father's arm, and I could tell she was offering him her support. He looked more tired today than usual.
"Hey," I said quietly, stepping up to kiss his cheek. "You okay?"
"Right as rain." He smiled, but I could see pain flicker in his eyes. This wasn't a great day for him, but he was determined to be there for me.
"And don't you look so pretty," Mom cooed, eyeing the pale pink, long-sleeved wrap dress I'd bought for tonight. I hardly ever dressed up, more comfortable in leggings and sweaters, or dance clothes than anything else, but I always tried to look nice for the showcase. I matched the dress with a pair of tan heels that were murder on my feet, but made my legs look fantastic. I was hoping Quinn would get a chance to see me in it before the night was through.
I hugged her and took a step back. "Thanks, Mom. You two better find your seats. We're about to start."
"Okay, honey," she spoke. "We'll be watching."
Dad leaned in for one last kiss. "Your kiddos will be amazing, Lilly Flower."
"Thanks, guys. Love you."
They waved and gave their love back before disappearing toward the front of the auditorium.
The auditorium lights lowered and the ones on the stage brightened just seconds before the music for the first number began.
As the program progressed, I ran around the backstage area like a mad woman, getting my students ready. It was a mix of modern numbers combined with classics to keep with the holiday spirit.
I'd just finished getting Sophia's class in place for their dance. The lights lowered and they filtered out onto the stage. The Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies began to play and I found myself stuck in place, watching Sophia move around with the biggest smile on her face. There were a million things I needed to be doing, but I couldn't have made myself move from that spot if I'd wanted to. I was enthralled.
She was so happy, so excited to be performing, and that radiated from her as she danced. Sophia was absolutely adorable in her dark plum-colored leotard and pale pink tutu, and whether or not she landed each step correctly didn't matter. She owned that stage with personality alone, causing my chest to swell with pride and love, because I really and truly loved that little girl like crazy. It was impossible not to. I was so damn proud of her.
I looked away from her and scanned the audience again, and when my eyes finally landed on Quinn my heart picked up the pace, beating frantically against my ribs. The look of his face was sheer awe as he watched his little girl. I hadn't been lying when I said it was a turn on watching him with his daughter, but seeing that expression? Well, I fell deeper in love with him.
I was crazy about Quinn and Sophia Mallick. I just hoped the feeling was mutual.
ALL THE STUDENTS - right along with myself, Kyle, and Samantha - were riding the high of another amazing Winter Showcase. I was so proud of each and every one of them. They'd finished the final number, where we included every class at every age level, and before the curtain dropped, the kids dragged Kyle, Samantha, and me onto the stage, giving each of us a massive bouquet of flowers. We all took a bow as the crowd cheered and whistled.
The lights finally came up, and the crowd in the auditorium was slowly beginning to thin out as everyone rushed backstage to grab their stuff and come back out to meet up with their families. I'd shaken hands with several of the parents, reminded them of the lock-in we were doing at the school the next day to celebrate, when my folks came up to stand next to me.