Page 62 of Devoured By Peace
19
MIRANDA
The audience was mesmerized by Belen’s seemingly effortless intricate footwork. Her guitarist’s passionate accompaniment synchronized perfectly as the pair built up to an exciting crescendo. She swayed her hips swayed sinuously and twirled her wrists artfully. A dramatic expression coated her dark eyes, giving her a formidable, almost dangerous air.
I cheered her on, swept along by a chorus of “olé.” Her performance was so visceral that I became breathless, as though I’d been dancing. The children followed her, their tiny feet tapping in time to the guitar. I couldn’t stop smiling.
When the performance ended everyone leapt up from their seats and cheered loudly.
Harriet whispered, “Oh my god, Ava’s awesome. I didn’t realize she was so damn good. And so’s Manuel. They’re going to be stars.”
“See? I told you she was great.”
“I always knew that, silly. But who would have thought she’d be great at Spanish dance?” She shook her head in wonder. “Say, Lachlan’s mom’s a great teacher, and hell, can she dance. It’s like she’s fucking possessed.”
I nodded while ogling my boyfriend, who was chatting with the guitarist while Manuel stood close. My heart warmed to see the return of Lachlan’s big smile, and I loved how he was around the children.
“Lachlan takes after his mom in the talent area. He’s one hell of a drummer,” I said.
“That, he is.” Harriet sighed.
“What’s wrong, Harry?”
“Orlando.” She smiled sadly. “It’s breaking my heart to see him like that.”
“Sweetie, I hope you’re there for the right reasons.”
“What do you think?” she snapped. “I don’t expect to become his girlfriend or anything. I’m just determined to help him walk again.”
I looked over her shoulder at Lachlan, who’d come to join us.
“Hey, that was sensational,” I said. “Your mom’s world-class.”
He nodded, looking justifiably proud. “That, she is.” He let out a deep breath. “Sherry’s here to take Mannie back. Do you want to go to the apartment?”
“Sure. I’m happy going anywhere, as long as you’re there.” I surprised myself by admitting that.
After we left the studio, we headed back to the apartment so that Lachlan could relax before his gig. I couldn’t help sensing a wall between us, but despite all the questions banking up, I remained quiet.
A few hours later, I stood in a crowded, noisy bar, watching four heavily tattooed men who looked more like bikers than musicians.
Wearing a Rolling Stones T-shirt and worn jeans, Lachlan looked good enough to eat as he pounded away on the drums, moving his head to the beat.
Although he’d suggested I stay home and enjoy a film instead of enduring loud, thunderous rock, I was glad I’d gone. After a few drinks, I loosened up and forgot all about Lachlan’s mood shifts and the earlier disturbing exchange with his stepmother.
I’d called Harriet to join me, and when she turned up, we danced like mad.
We took a break so that Harriet could have a cigarette. Although I hated her smoking, I followed her out, mainly because my ears were ringing from the loud music.
“He’s very sexy up there,” Harriet said.
“I know.” I frowned.
“Hey, I’m not interested. Don’t worry. I know who I want.”
“Harry, Orlando’s got a long journey to make. The poor thing.”
She shrugged. “He won’t even look at me. He stares out the window, lost in his own world, or barks orders. He’s actually quite nasty at times. But who can blame him? If it was me, I’d be pretty fucking shitty with the world too.” She shook her head. “That hot boy. That hot body. It’s fucking tragic.”