Trade It All(6)

“You should have canceled.”

“No, I should have taken the day out of this temp job to be there. Dancing for the suits in the financial district sounds a hundred times more fun than what I’m doing today.”

Willa heard a hint of discontent in her sister’s voice and was instantly worried. “I thought you said you liked working at Poly-Shyn.”

Lexi sighed. “I’m not quitting it, if that’s what you’re afraid of. It pays the rent, and one of us needs a steady income.”

Low blow, but after all the times I’ve spoken to her about the importance of sticking to one job, I guess I deserved it. I certainly didn’t imagine my future consisting of unemployment and taking gigs Lexi sends my way. Willa thought back to the art cataloging job she’d taken for an auction house. She’d thought it was secure when she and Lexi had relocated to Boston to be near Kenzi. Willa’s life had been right on track, and then, wham, they’d let her go. After ten months of looking for something in the art world, Willa was getting desperate. She was used to being the responsible sister, but somehow that had all gone to shit since moving to the United States. “I’m sorry, I’ll find a permanent job soon.”

“Don’t be sorry, Willa, be spectacular today. Even after we pay the dance company, you’ll make enough to pay off some of the debt we’ve accumulated. Which we wouldn’t have, by the way, if you’d taken the job Kenzi’s fiancée offered you at his company.”

“I didn’t go to college so I could be a glorified typist.”

“Like me.”

Willa wiped away a bead of sweat from the back of her neck. She wasn’t trying to diminish what her sister was doing. In fact, she was impressed Lexi had stayed as long as she had. Lexi was notorious for going through jobs as quickly as she went through men. It was only recently that she’d become serious about earning a steady income. Willa also wasn’t used to arguing with her sister, at least never about anything serious. Not since—well, not in a very long time. None of this is worth fighting over. “I’m proud of you, Lexi. Ignore my mood. I’ve never been comfortable being the center of attention. You know that. What if I trample the person next to me and embarrass you?”

Lexi made a supportive sound. “You’ll be fine. Stop thinking about everything that could go wrong, and let yourself enjoy today. Clay said he wanted to make his friend laugh. Above everything else, it’s supposed to be fun.”

Fun. Willa laughed nervously and flagged down a cab. She gave the driver the address Lexi had given her. Life isn’t about having fun. It’s a game of survival. Hold on the best you can because it can be one hell of a rough ride.

She would have said that aloud, but Lexi would never understand. How they could be so alike physically and have such different personalities never ceased to amaze Willa. She knew Lexi felt the same. Her sister made it her mission to push Willa into situations she thought would help her “break out of her shell.” The problem was, Willa didn’t want to break out. She’d tried to be like Lexi once and had learned her lesson. Never again.

Except today, but this is different. It’s just a job. Willa groaned as she tugged at the hem of the skirt Lexi had left out for her to wear. She looked at the high heels that were a good two inches higher than she normally would have worn. “I hope I don’t fall flat on my face.”

“If you do, the video will definitely go viral.”

“Video?” Willa’s stomach did a nervous flip. “I’m serious. I have a bad feeling about today.”

With an impatient sound, Lexi said, “God. Should I say I’m sick and cut out of here?”

Willa gave herself a mental slap. Lexi was finally doing well. I need to do this—for both of us. “No. You’re right. I practiced the moves with you. I’ll be fine.”

“Yes, you will be. Remember, everyone will already be there, and they’ll know what to do. I told them what you’re wearing so even those who’ve never met me will recognize you. All you have to do is go up to whoever Clay is standing with and congratulate him.”

“Who am I congratulating and for what?”

“Clay didn’t say, but does it matter? As soon as you speak, the crowd will freeze. The first few dancers will come out and circle around you. Don’t move until the music starts. We have about eighty-five people scheduled to join in different waves until you’re all dancing together.”

“And I’m in front the whole time?”

“I would be.”

If this doesn’t make my ass willing to take whatever next job I’m offered, nothing will. “Okay.”