Skinny Dipping (Skinny Sagas)

by Alicia M Kaye

  He sighed but he finally opened the door. “I’ll take you in. But no upsetting the leading lady, and don’t stay longer than two minutes.”

  Sophie nodded, smiling to herself as the security guard escorted her through the backstage corridor. He had let her in! She followed him obediently through a series of doors.

  As she paced through the first corridor, she passed a series of clothing racks on wheels, loaded with elaborate flowing dresses for the show. Through a second door were dancers, who appeared like they’d only just finished school, fresh faced and pubescent. They paraded white-corseted leotards, the laces threaded up at the back with long tutu skirts. Their hair was oily and slicked back, showing their unlined faces and the workings of a can of hairspray. Many wore feather ear muffs, pinned on. They were all so youthful. Sophie wondered how long Carol could keep dancing, being the same age as Sophie. Surely, these girls would be scratching to be principal dancers.

  Sophie excused herself as she stepped over girls stretching on the floor, legs horizontal. Sophie and her escort weaved through the corridors until the security guard stopped protectively in front of a grey door with a single gold star painted on the front.

  He knocked.

  “Come in,” Carol called from inside.

  “Two minutes only,” the security guard instructed.

  Sophie gave him the most winsome smile. “Thank you.” He opened the dressing room door, a floral scent escaping as Sophie entered, the door closing automatically behind her.

  The room was so large, Sophie could have cart-wheeled the length. At least ten mirrors bordered with light bulbs extended across the room. Carol sat at the last dressing table, surrounded by large bouquets of flowers and majestic floral arrangements.

  Sophie approached Carol. “Hey, I brought these,” she muttered, placing her small flowers next to the others. They seemed to pale in significance.

  Carol barely turned her head from the mirror as she held black eyeliner. “Thanks, Soph.” Her lips pursed tight like a string on a guitar.

  Sophie picked up one of the cards, scanning the signature, wondering who it was from. “Wow, look at all these. You’re a star now!”

  “They’re not for me.” Carol applied more makeup. Her bench was cluttered with boxes of hair pins and canisters of hair spray. “They’re for the sick leading lady. I’m temporarily using her dressing room, so the director knows where to find me, if and when the need arrives.”

  “Well, you’ve got this room for tonight, anyway. That’s exciting!”

  Carol dropped her eyeliner pencil. “Oh, I’m a mess….” A hand came to her chest. “I can’t believe this is happening. Sophie, what if I can’t do this? All the girls keep whispering that I’m too old. They don’t think I can hear them, but I can, even though the average ballet dancer stays with a dance company until they’re at least thirty-five, maybe even until forty. I’m ten years off that, at least.” She swivelled in her chair, wearing the same silk dressing gown Sophie had seen earlier that day, although it now hung over a white ornate leotard and tutu.

  Sophie sat on the stool next to her. “Come on, your director gave you this opportunity for a reason: because you can do it. He wouldn’t have if he didn’t think you could.” Her words were positive and she realised she was sounding like Matthew, at the pool.

  “It’s only one night, I suppose. He knows I’ve been dancing forever, I’m quick to learn new steps and it is only one night, so he doesn’t care if I’m old.”

  “Why are you thinking about being old now? He picked you, didn’t he? You just said ballet dancers are still part of a dance company up to forty. You’re way off being forty. Focus on why you’re doing this, not your insecurities. This is your dream. You can do this.” Sophie picked up the eyeliner pencil and passed it to Carol.

  “I can’t get the eyes right tonight. They’ve got to be perfect.”

  “Let me.” Sophie noticed Carol’s hands shaking and she extracted the eyeliner from her fingers. “I won’t stay long, I know you need to prepare.”

  “I’ve done one eye already. Oh…I love the new hair. You look hot in that outfit tonight.”

  Sophie laughed. “Thanks.” Sophie looked intently at the made-up eye with dark black coal pencil drawn in thick, dramatic strokes. Sophie copied the expertly applied make-up as Carol sat quietly.

  “What if I can’t do it, Soph? What if I run out of stamina? What if I can’t get my breath?”

  “What nonsense. You’re the fittest girl I know. You’ll be great! Remember, you’re the best understudy there ever was.”

  “Yes, but I’m not the understudy tonight, I’m the principal dancer.”

  “You’ve been practicing these steps in the flat on a daily basis. I’ve seen you rehearse so many times that even I know the dance moves. You have boundless energy, like a bouncing kangaroo, you never stop,” Sophie said, her voice encouraging. “You told me that you’ve danced in front of audiences over three hundred times. You’re a natural.”

  Carol shrugged. “Yeah, I love the audiences. I do get nervous though.”

  “Nerves are healthy. Use them. Remember that you can do this in your sleep. Don’t let any bitchy girls get in your way.”

  “Okay, Soph.”

  “So remember, this is what you’ve been waiting for.”

  “Yes.” Carol’s voice was firmer.

  “Now visualise yourself on stage.”

  “Come on, Soph, do I have to do this?”

  “Visualise it, ’cos whenever I see you dance, you’re so graceful and I wish I could be you. You’re a star.”

  “I’m hardly a star,” Carol said, modestly.

  “You are in the star dressing room. Darling, you were born to be a star. You love dancing. You love this.”

  “I do love performing.”

  “Well don’t forget it. That’s why you’re here, to perform.”

  “I can do this!”

  Sophie finished the eyeliner and inspected her work on Carol’s thin face. “A perfect Swan Queen,” she mused. Sophie couldn’t help feeling proud to see her friend in the lead costume.

  Carol’s breathing began to regulate properly. “Sorry for being stupid.”

  “Don’t be silly. Now have you warmed up?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Well make sure you do it again. Now I want you to start acting like a star.”

  Carol frowned, her shoulders shifting back. “Okay.”

  “Do me the honour and sign my programme. I want to be able to sell it for a million pounds one day.”

  Carol grinned, taking a pen from Sophie’s hand. She signed a large signature on the front of the programme cover.

  There was a soft knock on the door. The security guard poked his head into the room. Sophie gave Carol’s shoulder a squeeze. “You’ll be great; see you after the show,” Sophie said.

  Carol revealed a cheeky smile. “If I didn’t emphasise the fact before, you are looking hot tonight. Blonde hair, lovely. Gorgeous makeup, and that dress looks amazing. Whoever owns that has impeccable taste. Now go get him. I want to hear some interesting details later on.” Carol winked and Sophie almost cried with happiness hearing her words. Carol was better. She’d be fine.

  “I’ll see you after the show. Now... merde!”

  Carol laughed, and Sophie found herself laughing, too. “And remember it’s not a date!”

  “Isn’t it?” Carol mused, back to her normal self.

  Sophie left the dressing room, feeling relieved as the door closed. Date or not, she’d better go and find Matthew.

  Chapter 18

  Sophie stood on the steps outside the theatre waiting for the group to arrive. She hated being the first person at an event, so she felt relieved when she noticed Mickey walking towards the theatre. She looked tall and confident, walking close to an extremely drop dead gorgeous man who must be none other than the mysterious date.

  Mickey talked and laughed animatedly. She wore high heels and a designer dress. Th
is was a stark change from her work flats and trousers. Her red hair hung softly around her shoulders. Her face was slightly flushed as she gazed up at the man. He slung an arm around her shoulders, and Mickey gazed adoringly at him.

  Sophie caught up with them. “Hey guys,” she said, feeling awkward, like she was interrupting an intimate moment.

  “My God, I didn’t recognise you!” Mickey enthused, stepping back to study Sophie, her expression curious. “You look totally wow. I love this look.”

  “Same to you,” Sophie said, scanning Mickey’s dress which showed off her friend’s excellent figure.

  “This is Clive Jefferies.”

  “Pleased to meet you,” she smiled at Clive.

  “It’s nice to meet you too,” Clive continued.

  Sophie nodded. Then, realising the time, she wondered where Matthew was, as the theatre was becoming busier by the minute. “You go on inside. I’m going to wait here for Matthew.”

  Mickey and Clive went inside. Sophie hovered to one side of the doorway, watching people stroll through the crowd as she searched for Matthew. As she waited, she continued to brush down the fabric of her fairy floss dress.

  Then she saw him, and was about to call his name when the lady selling ‘Swan Lake’ programmes propelled a booklet into his face. Forgetting the price, the sales girl became tongue-tied when faced with him. He was undeniably handsome, as he flashed a grin.

  Sophie threw her hand above her head, waving frantically, realising her voice was caught in her throat. Did she like him? Did she want this to be a date? She suddenly felt nervous.

  She finally caught his attention and his face lit up. He rushed forward to meet her as she raced down the staircase, hoping she wouldn’t fall flat in front of him.

  Matthew reached her, leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Sorry if I’ve kept you waiting.” He ran his hand through his blond hair. “You look fantastic. I almost didn’t recognise your new look. Stunning.” Her skin tingled from where he’d rested his lips. She touched her cheek, which still burnt.

  “You look great too.” He’d always looked dashing in suits, since the first time she’d seen him outside the hotel for the gala night. “I already have a programme.”

  “Great,” he said, smiling in admiration.

  She extracted an item from her bag. “This is for you. I wanted to give it to you now, not in front of the others.” She felt the tips of her ears going pink as she placed a small package in his hands.

  “What is it?” He asked and cocked his head to the side.

  “It’s a Christmas gift and a thank you, all bunched into one.” She didn’t dare look at his face, feeling completely embarrassed.

  “Really?”

  “I just wanted to thank you for the swimming lessons and everything. But you’re not to open it until Christmas.”

  “Is that right?” He was curious.

  “Yup, so you can put it in your pocket.”

  He turned the package over in his hands, and slipped it into his lapel pocket. “You’re so mysterious. Thank you. Thank you very much.” He gazed at her and an odd expression crossed his face.

  “We’d better find the others.” She led him towards where Mickey and Clive waited in the foyer.

  “Matthew Silver,” she introduced. “This is Clive, and of course you’ve met Mickey.”

  “Hi.” Matthew pecked Mickey’s cheek and shook Clive’s hand.

  “I’ve ordered some champagne to be delivered to our seats,” Clive informed. “It appears the girls have been pretty awesome by securing us our own box.”

  “That was a courtesy from Carol,” Mickey admitted.

  “A drink would be great,” Matthew agreed.

  “A drink might help fight off the boredom,” Clive suggested.

  “You’re such a boy.” Mickey shot Clive a glare. “It’s Carol’s night, so behave.”

  “Michelle,” Clive replied sharply and Mickey shot him a glance, hearing ‘Michelle’.

  “Peetie, you know I don’t like that,” Mickey insisted.

  He roared with laughter and she slapped him playfully on the arm. Matthew and Sophie exchanged glances as Clive looked down at Mickey.

  Clive nodded and turned to Matthew. “How did you get roped into this?” he asked Matthew pointedly.

  “How would you tell Carol you’re not seeing her show?” Matthew replied.

  “I’ve never met this formidable Carol,” Clive joked. “I’m curious too. She sounds like a hoot.”

  “Sophie.” Mickey suddenly went stiff. “Don’t turn around.”

  “Why not?” Sophie asked. Since Mickey instructed her not to turn around, that was exactly what she wanted to do.

  “Why don’t we go to our seats?” Mickey continued.

  Sophie saw Matthew’s gaze follow Mickey’s. A deep frown disturbed his smile.

  “What is it?” Sophie asked.

  Matthew met Mickey’s gaze and they both frowned. He then turned to Sophie. “Do you trust me?” he said softly.

  “Yes,” Sophie answered bewilderedly.

  “You can turn around if you want to, but you might ruin your night,” Matthew muttered.

  “Oh but what could possibly go wrong? Don’t tell me Bradley’s here. He’ll think I’m sloping off from work too early. Don’t worry about me, I can face Bradley. Besides, you all keep telling me to always face things,” Sophie replied.

  Matthew shook his head in annoyance as she turned around.

  Derek, tall and handsome, was in the middle of the foyer. He held the hand of a girl who could only be Georgina from the shopping centre.

  “What’s he doing here?” Blood raced through Sophie’s veins. Panic rose within her body. “He’s coming this way.” She wanted to run, exit the building. Her heart galloped, like a horse race was happening in her chest. “I haven’t spoken to him for ages.” She looked for the exits, but knew she couldn’t leave; Carol’s performance was one night only; that she did know.

  “Matthew, Mickey, what am I going to do?” Run. She should run. But if she did, he’d be sure to see her darting away, and she’d look like a coward.

  “I’ve got it, I have a proposition, one you might not like,” Matthew volunteered. “Would it help if you had a boyfriend at your side? I could pretend.”

  “Yes. Yes. That would help.” This was an excellent idea. A boyfriend. That would make Derek wildly jealous. “Great idea. Your best proposal yet!”

  She was already facing him; Matthew put his arm around her.

  “Keep talking to me. He’s coming this way; I think he’s seen Mickey,” Matthew whispered, monitoring Derek’s movements as he watched over her shoulders. Matthew brought his arms around her neck, his chin rested on her forehead.

  She could feel his breath. Behind her, she heard the familiar voice.

  “Mickey,” Derek’s voice exclaimed. “I can’t believe that’s you. What are the chances?”

  “Yeah,” Mickey muttered.

  “Swine,” Sophie blurted under her breath.

  “Have you met Clive Jefferies?” Mickey continued.

  Sophie whispered to Matthew, her words inaudible. “You know girls don’t ever make the first move.”

  “No, I didn’t realise that.”

  “In a situation of fake boyfriends….”

  “You want me to become more of an actor? I’m a pretty impressive actor,” he insisted.

  That settled it for Sophie. “Kiss me?” She asked. “That’s what boyfriends do, isn’t it?” He stared deeply into her eyes, contemplating his next move. His lips suddenly touched hers, and for a moment, she lost all sense of time. She felt a tingly sensation, her breathing quickened as his tongue probed gently.

  She didn’t know how long the kiss went on for. It eventually stopped; after all they were at the theatre. Pashing at the theatre – she’d lost all class! Her heart beat impossibly fast. Maybe the drumming was because Derek was there, right behind her, and hadn’t even noticed it. Or possibly because since
she’d broken the kiss, they’d stared at each other, like she’d never seen Matthew clearly before. There was a strong possibility, that behind his gaze there was an unmistakable longing, and this night, maybe, just maybe, was a date.

  “See, I told you, one day I’d have you falling at my feet,” he muttered under his breath.

  She couldn’t help but smile and gently swatted him with her palm. “Cheeky,” she said, turning around.

  Derek was in mid-conversation with Mickey, and glanced in her direction. He did a double take and froze.

  “Oh my God,” Sophie said, with fake surprise. “Derek?”

  “Sophie?” His voice was stiff. “I didn’t recognise you. The blonde hair, that’s new. The dress. I’ve never seen it before.” Why would you, when you have a new girlfriend? Sophie wanted to reply sarcastically, but she managed to remain calm.

  Sophie smiled. “This is Matthew.” She introduced him.

  Derek’s gaze filtered up and down Matthew. “Your boyfriend?” Derek asked casually. Almost too casually.

  “We’re ….” She glanced at Matthew, how did she answer that?

  “Dating,” Matthew piped up, beaming, like he’d won some sort of prize.

  “Exclusively?” Derek persisted, as if he wasn’t able to help himself.

  “Derek. Don’t be rude,” Georgina interjected.

  “Yeah, exclusively, I’d say,” Matthew continued, sliding his arm around Sophie’s waist. He kissed the top of her head, very naturally, like he did it all the time.

  “This is Georgina. Georgina, this is Sophie and Matthew.” Derek made the introductions.

  Sophie smiled tightly at the girl next to Derek, extending her hand politely. Manners were important.

  “It’s great to meet some of Derek’s friends,” Georgina gushed. She was nice and Sophie wanted to hate her, to say something spiteful, but she couldn’t. “Haven’t we met before?”

  “Yes, I think so, at Selfridges’s, shopping,” Sophie replied. “I’m not sure if you remember but I ran into the two of you. Derek bought you Chanel perfume. Had you two started dating then? I didn’t want to intrude.” Sophie probed for facts.