Dance Me a Dream (Wishful 7)

Tara straightened at the unfamiliar voice, squinting against the stage lights to see who’d spoken.

Jace hurried from his seat to help her up the steps to the stage. The tap of her cane echoed in the silence.

Tara’s cheeks were flushed as she waited, hands folded neatly at her waist. Her gaze flicked to his in question, but she said nothing.

“How long has it been since you danced that role?” the older woman demanded.

“I was cast for it nearly two years ago. I never had the chance to perform it until now.”

“Yet you remember all the choreography.”

Tara inclined her head. “I’ve stayed in practice as best I can.”

The older woman nodded, seeming to make a decision. “Young lady, do you know who I am?”

“No ma’am, I’m afraid I don’t.”

“My name is Jeanette Farrar. I own Focal Pointe Dance Academy.”

Tara’s gaze sharpened. “A pleasure to meet you.”

“It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen a talent like yours.”

Jace half expected her to take another of those fluid bows, but she only nodded politely. “Thank you.”

Jeanette shifted, both hands wrapped around the head of her cane. “I understand you gave up study at SMU to come here as guardian to your siblings.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“And you’re working as a barista at the coffee shop.”

“I am.”

“Ridiculous,” Jeanette snapped. “You should be dancing. Such talent shouldn’t be wasted.”

Temper flared in Tara’s eyes. “That’s not—”

Jeanette rolled over her objections. “I have a dance studio. I’ve been unable to teach myself because of this blasted knee. You should take my place as primary instructor.”

Anger shifted to surprise. “I’m sorry?”

“You’ll start after the first of the year,” Jeanette said. She tapped at Jace’s arm. “Help me down, young man. I’ve got family waiting on me and a Christmas dinner to get started.”

“Wait,” Tara called out. “I haven’t even said yes.”

The older woman turned back, one brow arched. “Are you really going to say no to doing the thing you love for a living?”

Exasperation stole a little of Tara’s easy grace. “Well, no, but I’d appreciate the chance to actually give my answer instead of having it shoved down my throat.”

Jeanette smiled. “You have spirit. I like that. Well then, give your answer. Do you want the job as instructor at my dance studio?”

“I do, thank you.”

“Very well. As I said, you’ll start after the first of the year. Long enough to give Cassie notice. Have a merry Christmas.”

Tara dropped into a low curtsy. “Thank you Madam Farrar.”

The gesture clearly pleased her. “Oh, I will like having a protégée again. Linda, Evan.” Jeanette nodded to them both. “See you at church on Sunday.”