“What’s happening? Did I miss something?” I stood just inside the door, looking at them. “Tell me.”
“You didn’t miss anything. We just found out Yury added more shows and new routines.” My bedmate Irina began packing her bag to leave. “We’re so exhausted. How could he do this?”
I dropped down on the edge of the bed, rubbing at my temples. “I heard him say something last night about a new show, but I had no idea he meant this visit. We can do this. Let’s get to the theatre.”
No one spoke on the bus ride. Yury wasn’t at the theatre yet, so we had time to stretch properly. Gustave, the male lead, took charge and began practice. I was the only one that was told to be at the theatre this early, but the troupe decided to all go early. It wasn’t like they were allowed to do anything besides sit in our rooms, but I appreciated their support.
“Sabrina, try to relax. You’re doing so much better,” Gustave smiled ever so slightly. “Yury should be happy.”
“Yury happy? Not sure that’s a possibility.” I readjusted my pointe shoes. “I can’t take much more of him. I’m afraid I’m not cut out for lead.”
“It takes a while to get used to the stress of it all. Stay strong and you’ll get there.” Gustave looked past me. “I hear Yury yelling. Let’s get going, we don’t want to give him more things to yell about.”
We practiced for an hour then took a water break. Yury had stood off to the side with his arms crossed watching us. As I downed the last of my water, he yelled for me to go to his office.
What’s the worst that can happen? He sends me home? Yes, that is worst. Being sent home because you couldn’t do it right would be a bigger dishonor than going home injured.
“I’m here, sir,” I said from the doorway.
“I thought you wanted this lead. That practice was garbage, and you don’t deserve it.” Yury never looked up from his papers. “Jacqueline could do better, even injured.”
“I’m trying my best. I’ll stay late and keep working on it.” I felt sweat rolling down my back. “I promise I’ll get it right.”
“I don’t know that it’s something you can do. When we get home, you will have to work twice as hard or I will be looking for a replacement.” Yury looked up from his paperwork. “Why are you still standing there? Go practice.”
Why do I kill myself for this man? I can’t do this anymore.
“Sabrina, come sit with me. Let me look at your feet.” Henri, the troupe medic, waved me over.
“I’m fine, Henri. I don’t have time to worry about my feet.” I slowed my pace to reply to him.
“I won’t have it. Come, sit now.” Henri stepped in front of me. “I can see blood coming through your slippers.”
“I won’t die from it, but I will lose my position if I show weakness.” I sat to comply for Henri. “Do what you must, but hurry.”
“Henri, do not bother her with this nonsense. She must practice,” Yury barked from across the room. “Go now.”
I jumped when Yury barked. Without looking in his direction, I nearly ran from the area. I knew if I stopped moving on my feet the pain would set it in, and I knew without a doubt that Yury would only make me practice longer. The rest of the troupe had already packed up and left for the afternoon, all except Gustave, who sat center stage waiting for me.
“Gustave, you’re so sweet, but there is nothing you can do. Yury has it out for me. Please do not get yourself in trouble with him trying to help me.” I looked back to see if Yury had followed. “Go get some rest for the show.”
Gustave eventually gave in and left for the hotel with the troupe. I downed some Advil, put in my air pods, and gave myself to the music. I had to block out everything to focus fully, including the feeling that Yuri was watching, waiting to pounce.
ChapterTen
COTA
“Aunt Victoria, you look amazing as always.” I kissed her cheek. “Thank you for taking time to meet with me.”
“Oh, stop with the formal mush. You know I’m always available when you need me.” She placed her cell on the table. “Sadly, I only have about ninety minutes now, a last minute meeting came up. I ordered an antipasto to share. You do still like that, correct?”
“You never forget, do you?” I covered my glass to block the waiter from pouring wine. “I’ll get to the point since I don’t have a lot of time. I need your help.”
“I gathered you needed my help, or you would have caught up with me over the phone,” she smiled. “I’m guessing it has to do with your father.”
“Isn’t it always? At least this time I haven’t gotten into trouble that needs fixing.” I leaned back in my chair. “I want into the family business.”
“Good to know. What has your father said no to?” She looked to her vibrating cell then back to me. “What is his reason for saying no?”