Page 16 of Mafioso's Muse

When they reached the foyer, Willow moved to walk beside him. ‘I’ll be so happy to see Lili get the recognition she deserves. She hasn’t stopped smiling since you mentioned the Myrtha role.’ Before he could respond, she quickly added, ‘And yes, I realise that nothing is definite yet, but the opportunity alone is huge.’

Harrison nodded. ‘I knew it would make you happy.’

‘This isn’t about me,’ she said, her smile faltering.

‘I’m not allowed to make you happy?’

Willow’s feet slowed. ‘I wasn’t a factor in the decision, right?’ She searched his face for confirmation. ‘This is about Lili’s incredible talent and work ethic. She’s at peak fitness too.’

Harrison gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. ‘Lili will make the perfect Myrtha. Seeing you happy is just a bonus.’

The uneasy feeling in her belly remained. She really hoped he wasn’t offering the part to Lili as a favour to her. She didn’t want to be a factor in Lili’s success, because she knew how important it was to a dancer toearnit, in the same way Willow never wanted any special treatment from Harrison because of their shared history. Past and present had to be kept separate.

‘Lili was always going to outgrow the chorus eventually,’ Harrison said. ‘She’s ready. I know that.’

Relaxing a little, Willow nodded. ‘She is.’

When they exited the theatre, she glanced over at the spot where Vaughn had been earlier as if expecting him to still be there, but he was long gone. She hugged herself against the cooling air and increased the space between herself and Harrison as they headed for the car park.

6

February 2024

Vaughn had said he would meet with Nigel Thompson, so when the director phoned him to organise a time, he kept his word.

Vic Ballet’s offices were located above Star Theatre on the same level as the dance and Pilates studios. Vaughn looked through all the windows as he followed the receptionist to Nigel’s office. He saw a number of dancers on the short walk, but there was only one he was looking for: Willow Hayes.

‘Just in here,’ the receptionist said, rapping her knuckles on the door before opening it. ‘Mr Gallo is here.’

A grin split Nigel’s face as he came around his desk to shake Vaughn’s hand. ‘Good to see you. Please, take a seat.’ He closed the door before returning to his chair.

Vaughn looked around at the photos, certificates, and awards hanging on the walls. There was enough history on display in that one room to fill a small museum.

‘I appreciate you making the time,’ Nigel began. He picked up a jug of water and poured some into a clean glass, placing it down in front of Vaughn. ‘Been keeping busy?’

‘Busy enough.’ That was as much small talk as Vaughn could stomach for one day. ‘I got the proposal you sent through. That’s quite an ambitious project you have planned.’

‘It is, but a necessary one, as you know. Bringing this place back to its former glory will completely change the game for us.’ There was genuine passion in his voice. ‘The Star is more than just a building. It’s an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.’

That was overselling it somewhat, but Vaughn didn’t disagree aloud. ‘Tell me about this equally ambitious timeline of yours. I’m particularly interested in the part where opening night isthree weeksaway.’

Nigel linked his hands on the table in front of him. ‘Performances are Friday through Sunday, so we have Monday through Thursday to chip away at the listed projects. Obviously, carpet and seating inside the theatre will need to be done when the season ends.’

‘Finding flexible contractors who can work within your budget and parameters will be the challenge.’

‘You of all people know it’s possible. You’ve completely gutted venues and opened them mere weeks later.’

‘This venue is much bigger, as you know.’

Nigel reached for a folder and placed it in front of Vaughn. ‘No structural repairs are needed. I’ve been told “she has good bones.”’

‘Don’t they all?’ Vaughn said drily, looking down at the folder.

‘These upgrades are purely aesthetic.’

Vaughn leaned back in his chair. ‘The bar needs to be completely gutted. No amount of paint will fix what’s wrong with it.’

‘Then the bar will also have to wait until the season ends.’