Page 44 of You're the Reason

Grace knew better than most that the challenge of dancing as prima ballerina was more than physical. The mental endurance to handle the expectations that came with the lead night after night could chew a person up. But handling the big roles was her sweet spot, and Alec had made it clear that Madame Laurent needed to see her dance the part today. And he hadn’t reached out to her to cancel, that had to be a good sign.

Even Dr. Medler had cleared her yesterday at her appointment. He wanted her to continue her exercises and therapy but was confident it was safe for her to return to the demands of the role.

But if she got the part, would she be able to finish the summer dance class? Probably not, which meant today’s class could very well be their last class. A weight settled on her with that thought. But if she were offered Giselle, she couldn’t turn it down.

“I want to dance on stage.” Susie’s words pulled her back to the moment.

“Maybe we can figure out a way for you all to do a show for your parents.” She bopped the little girl on the nose with her index finger. And she would. Even if she had to cancel the rest of the summer’s lessons, she’d find a way for them to do a show.

“Not my mom, she left. But I know my dad would come if he isn’t working. He calls me his dancing princess.” Her face twisted up. “But he does have two jobs so we don’t see him too much.”

Suddenly, she had a lot more appreciation for all Zane did and compassion for him running late.

“And you. You can be in it too.” Susie bopped Grace right back. “And you can show us how you are lifted in the air sometimes.”

“That would take another dancer to lift me.”

“Have Seth do it.”

“How do you know Seth?”

“My brother’s been exercising with him and Pastor Nate and Jimmy. I wanted to go, but Zane said I was too small. My brother says Seth is super strong, so I’m sure he could lift you.”

No doubt he could lift her, but the idea did very strange things to Grace’s insides. But Grace was saved from answering as a kid who was all legs and arms came running across the square, his brown hair flopping in his face. “Sorry, Susie.”

“You must be Zane.” Grace stood and lifted her purse to her shoulder. “Susie has been waiting for you.”

The boy cringed. “Sorry.”

“I’m okay.” Susie jumped to her feet and then proceeded to hop down each step. Zane scooped up his sister’s hand.

It was so reminiscent of the way Gregory used to pick her up that Grace stood frozen, unable to move. Life had been so simple before?—

“You’re going to be late.” Susie pointed at Grace’s car parked along the curb. “Get going, teacher.”

Grace blinked away the memory and hurried to the driver’s side. Teaching was definitely different than she’d expected. She had expected it to drain her, but instead it made her come alive, if not a little distracted.

She climbed behind the wheel of her Sonata, tossed her purse into her open duffel bag on the passenger’s seat, and started the engine. The dash lights dimmed a moment, then flickered, but seemed to find their footing. That was weird. She’d have to have that checked when she returned.

She pulled out onto Heritage Road and was almost to 31 South when the lights dimmed again. She turned on her blinker, but that wasn’t working either. Luckily, she hadn’t gotten on the highway yet. She pulled into a gas station and had just made it to the closest parking spot when the whole car went dead. Dead-dead. No turning over. No dashboard. No nothing.

This couldn’t be happening. Over two weeks of strength training, working and reworking Giselle’s solo, and now it was a complete waste. Grace turned her key once more in the ignition. Still nothing. She clicked it back and tried again. Nope. She rested her head against her steering wheel. Now what? Nothing. There was nothing she could do.

She’d have to call a tow and then message Alec. Madame Laurent would be angry, but what choice did she have? Her parents were gone this weekend, and there was no way Mallory could get here in time to get her back to Chicago for the audition.

Grace eyed the Marathon station. At least she was mostly out of the way. She gave the starter one more try, but nothing. She pulled out her key then reached for her cell phone.

“Dan’s Garage.” A feminine but no-nonsense voice filled the line.

“Hi, Danielle. My car is dead at the Marathon just off 31, the one by Heritage exit. I need a tow.”

“We can, but it will be a couple of hours before we can get there. Both the trucks are out right now. There was a wreck on 31 just north of the Heritage exit.”

She sighed and let her head fall back on the headrest. “I’ll be here.”

“If you can get a ride, just leave your keys with Charlie. He’s the owner of the Marathon. He’s a good guy.”

“Okay. Thanks.” She ended the call and stared at her phone. Get a ride?