He told me that he loved me each time—that he didn’t want to leave me, but he left anyway.
Our relationship was now relegated to talking on the phone every night—recapping our days, getting off on each other’s fantasies in between, but it wasn’t enough. And I knew it wasn’t going to be enough for me for too much longer.
I needed him here.
“Forty minutes everyone!” A stage hand slipped past me. “Places in forty!”
I took a deep breath and walked to a mirror that hung near the wing. Staring at myself, I looked over tonight’s costume—a glimmering white visage that looked like it’d been plucked from a dream: Sparkling crystals adorned every inch of the leotard, the tutu was freshly fluffed and sprayed with glitter, and my feathered headband was far more defined and layered than the one I’d worn in Durham.
“Aubrey?” A familiar voice said from behind.
“Mom?” I spun around. “What are you doing backstage?”
“We wanted to come and tell you good luck in person.” She nodded at my father.
“Thank you…”
“We also want you to know that despite the fact that we still wish you’d pursued law school, we’re very proud of you for pursuing your own dreams.”
I smiled. “Thank you, again.”
“And we are also very, very honored to have you as our daughter because you’re such an inspiration to all the college students who will be heading to the polls in this year’s election—students who have similar dreams and ambitions regarding careers in the arts.”
“What?”
“Did you get all that?” She turned to the reporter behind us who was shutting off his device. “Make sure you use that last part as a sound bite for the next commercial.”
“Seriously?”
“What?” She shrugged. “I meant every word of that, but it’s also good to get it on tape, don’t you think?”
I didn’t bother with a rebuttal.
My father stepped over and hugged me, posing for an unnatural photo-op, but when the photographer walked away he smiled.
“I’m happy for you, Aubrey,” he said. “I think this is where you belong.”
“You’re just saying that because you think me being here means I won’t mess up the campaign at home.”
“No, I know you being here means you won’t mess up the campaign at home.” He laughed. “But I’m still happy for you.”
“How reassuring…”
“It’s true,” my mother chimed in. “We’re excited for you.”
“Ladies and gentlemen we are about to begin our show in exactly one hour!” Mr. Ashcroft bellowed. “If you are not a ballerina, a danseur, or a stagehand please find your way off my stage. Now!”
My parents embraced me—holding onto me for a long time. As they pulled back, they took turns kissing my cheek before they walked away.
I adjusted my headband one last time and checked my phone. Sure enough, there was an email. Andrew.
Subject: Good luck.
I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to your first opening night, but I look forward to hearing about it tonight when you call me.
I’m sure you’ll be quite memorable to everyone in the audience.
—Andrew.
PS—I miss you.
Subject: Re: Good luck.
I am not calling you tonight. You should’ve been here. I’ll think about recapping it for you next week.
—Aubrey.
PS—You “missing me” would be a lot more convincing if the subject of the email you sent two hours ago wasn’t “I miss your pussy.”
Subject: Re: Re: Good luck.
I know I should’ve been there. Hence the aforementioned apology.
And you will call me.
—Andrew
PS—I miss you both.
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Good luck.
I really wanted you to be here…
—Aubrey
I turned off my phone so I wouldn’t have to continue messaging him. I needed to focus.
All the rehearsals and dance lessons I’d taken over the past twenty-two years had brought me to this moment. In thirty-six minutes, my every move would be on display for one of the biggest audiences in the dance world.
It would draw critiques from the staunchest critics—the most advent admirers of ballet, and the papers would run early reviews that could make or break the remaining production run. But right now, in this moment, none of that mattered.
This was my dream, I was finally living it, and I could only make sure I was the best I could possibly be.
“Are you ready, Miss Everhart?” Mr. Ashcroft placed his hands on my shoulders. “Are you ready to show this city that you belong here?”
I nodded. “Very much so, sir.”