Page 99 of Mafioso's Muse
‘Just seats and carpets to go.’ Nigel crouched to inspect a tiny mark on the wood, then rose. ‘We predictGisellewill be our biggest season yet.’
Sliding his hands into his pockets, Vaughn glanced about. ‘Good. I can’t think of a dance company more deserving of sold-out shows.’
A young assistant approached Nigel. ‘Harrison’s looking for you,’ she puffed out.
‘You go,’ Vaughn said. ‘I can find my way to my seat.’
‘I’ll come see you at intermission,’ Nigel said with an apologetic look before following the assistant off the stage.
Vaughn spent a few moments admiring the set, then exited the stage the way he'd come. As he was passing the dressing rooms, he spotted Willow leaning against the wall a few feet from the door. Her back was rounded, and she was holding on to her hips. He stopped out of sight and watched her for a minute. It was clear she wasn’t in a good way, so he headed over to her.
Willow glanced in his direction, then straightened when she recognised him. ‘Hey.’ She even managed a smile.
‘Miss Hayes.’ He stopped a few feet away, eyes moving over her glittery exterior. She was like a living portrait. ‘Are you okay?’
Willow waved a dismissive hand. ‘This is just my regular “try not to throw up before the performance” moment.’ She gestured between them. ‘That’s probably a safe distance, but I won’t take offence if you take another step back.’
He didn’t move. ‘You’re a fairy. Won’t it just be glitter all over the floor and five years good luck if I’m hit?’
Laughter erupted from her, and he soaked up the sight and sound of it.
‘I need you backstage before every performance,’ she said. ‘The jokes definitely help.’ She drew a slow breath. ‘What are you doing back here?’
He glanced behind him. ‘Nigel was showing me the new stage.’
‘Isn’t it great?’
Whenever she lit up like that, everything inside him seemed to light up too. ‘Yeah. It really is.’
They watched each other for a moment, and then his eyes travelled down. ‘You look…’ He reached for an adequate description.
‘Like the Fairy of Joy?’ she offered.
‘That’s exactly what I was going to say.’ He was pleased to see some colour back in her cheeks. ‘How are you feeling now?’
Willow took another slow breath, her chest rising and falling. ‘Better, I think.’
He nodded. ‘Well, don’t stand out here doubting yourself. You’ll be perfect.’
A smile came and went on her face. ‘Thanks for coming tonight. Your support is…’ She looked down. ‘It means more than you’ll ever realise.’
He resisted the urge to go to her and cradle that pretty face, ruining her fairy make-up in the process. ‘Promise me you’ll have fun tonight. Just enjoy yourself. Revel in the spotlight and the knowledge that you’ve earned every moment.’
She nodded. ‘I promise.’
The door to the dressing room opened, and Lili stepped out, adjusting the strap of her costume. She stilled when she saw Vaughn standing there. He couldn’t tell whether her expression was surprise or animosity.
‘Well, well, well,’ she said. ‘The infamous Mr Gallo.’
He bowed his head. ‘Miss Chén.’
‘What are you doing here?’ she asked, glancing accusingly at Willow.
‘I was just wishing Willow luck for her solo.’
‘Oh.’ Lili turned her attention to Willow. ‘Did you throw up yet?’
Willow laughed silently. ‘Not yet.’