Dancing With Raven (The Young Shakespeareans Series)

by Rogers, S. G.

Raven was pleased to know she’d paid attention. “Hmm. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  During Raven’s final period, the music instructor, Mr. Thresher, passed out sheet music from the Broadway musical, Oklahoma! The last time Raven had performed in a musical, he’d been a ten-year-old soprano. Although he’d enjoyed playing The Artful Dodger in Oliver!, he’d concentrated on straight acting after that.

  Thresher played piano as the boys sang “Oh What a Beautiful Morning.” After the first stanza, the instructor stopped abruptly. “Who’s got the powerful baritone?”

  George cocked a thumb toward Raven. “It’s him.”

  At Thresher’s direction, Raven sang the first stanza by himself.

  “See me after class,” the instructor said.

  When the class was over, George caught his arm. “I’m beginning to seriously dislike you.”

  “What did I do?”

  “You’re a triple threat.”

  “A what?”

  “Someone who can sing, act, and dance.”

  “I can’t dance.”

  “That’s not what I hear from the girls in your movement class. They say you and Tori dance a hot samba.”

  Raven scoffed. “That’s all her. She could dance with a mannequin and make it look good.”

  “Maybe.”

  With a curl of his lip, George strode off. Chuckling, Raven stopped by Thresher’s desk on the way out. “You wanted to see me?”

  The instructor beckoned him over to the piano and asked him sing a few scales. Afterward, he nodded. “I can use your voice in the showcase.”

  Raven stifled the urge to edge toward the door. “I hadn’t planned to audition, actually.”

  “Just so you know, our spring musical showcases always attract a lot of media attention and A-list directors. For the last few years, performers have been tapped for several high-profile projects. One kid scored his own television pilot, and several others have been cast in starring movie roles.” He shrugged. “It’s up to you, but I think you would attract attention.”

  A flicker of interest followed. The rejection from The Royal Drama Academy of London had bruised Raven’s ego more than he realized, and Fletcher’s acceptance into the school had been salt in the wound. A film role would go a long way toward making him feel better…and prove to the admission committee how wrong they’d been about him.

  “All right. I’ll seriously think about it,” Raven said.

  “Auditions are in March.”

  “Okay. Thanks.”

  As soon as Raven left the music room, he remembered he was supposed to meet Tori in the parking lot. Blazes! He careened down the hallway, dodging students right and left, and darted from the building. With his backpack pinching the top of his shoulder, he flew across the quad. When he reached his motorcycle, however, he found a note on the instrument panel.

  I couldn’t wait any longer.

  Maybe some other time.

  -Tori

  Disappointment mixed with an equal measure of frustration and regret. I should’ve told Thresher I had an appointment. After a few moments of stewing, Raven had a flash of inspiration. I’ll meet Tori at the studio…if only I can remember the name! He recalled the studio was on Ventura Boulevard, and had the name Madame attached to it. A quick Internet search on his cell phone brought up the address for Madame Martine’s Dance Studio. That’s the one.

  Chapter Six

  One Sweet Kiss

  AS SHE DROVE DOWN VENTURA BOULEVARD, Tori dreaded what lay ahead. Not only did she have to face Madame Martine’s disappointment regarding SBT, but she’d have to cope with Jenny, Deborah, and Kirsten too. One of them was responsible for the “moose” campaign at school. Although Kirsten was the likeliest candidate, both Jenny and Deborah had avoided talking to her all day—out of guilt, perhaps? When Raven had expressed interest in watching her dance, she’d had a few blissful hours to daydream about walking into the studio with him by her side. Now she had to deal with the coming ordeal by herself. I was so stupid and naïve to assume SBT would hire me! Maybe Madame Martine will have connections to dance companies for giants.

  Even after Tori parked, she wondered if she shouldn’t just go home. No, I don’t want to give anyone the satisfaction of thinking I’m broken—although that isn’t far from the truth. With resolve as firm as she could manage, she retrieved her dance bag from the trunk and hastened through the double doors of the busy dance studio. A class for children was in still progress in the main room, and she had only a few minutes to change. First, I must speak with Madame Martine.

  The dance instructor was in her office. As the woman glanced up in response to the knock on her door, Tori gave her a sad smile. “Things didn’t go well for me on Saturday.”

  Gasp. “What happened?”

  “Mr. Saltare felt I was too tall for his company and wouldn’t let me audition for him.”

  The woman looked stricken. “Oh, non! Je suis désolé. I’m so disappointed for you, but I’m not entirely surprised. You’ve grown quite tall, and Saltare is known to be very particular about his ballerinas.”

  “I was hoping you might have another suggestion.”

  “There are many careers open to a girl of your considerable beauty and talent, ma chérie.”

  “My heart belongs to classical ballet.”

  “It’s time to branch out a little, peut-être? Many classically trained dancers have found careers in the film industry and musical theater.”

  Not the response she’d sought. “Yes, Madame.” Her throat tightened and Tori felt tears sting the back of her eyelids. “Excuse me. I must change for class.”

  As she fled the office, she nearly collided headlong into Raven. He reached out to steady her. “Oops.”

  “What are you doing here?” she exclaimed.

  “I wanted to watch class, remember? I’m so sorry, but I got hung up with Mr. Thresher after school. I hope you didn’t think I stood you up.”

  “N-No, I…”

  Her emotions, already in turmoil, threatened to overwhelm her. Without thinking too much about it, she gave Raven a hug. Over his shoulder, she spied Kirsten and her mother on her way into the studio.

  “Kiss me,” she murmured. “I’ll explain why later.”

  Without missing a beat, he bent his head forward and claimed her lips in the sort of sweet, slow, tender lover’s kiss she’d only read about in romance books. His fingertips caressed her face at the same time, and the sensations aroused by his touch shot down her spine and to her core. When she stepped back afterward, she felt almost woozy. Kirstin and her mother must have already passed by because the only people around to watch were a pair of giggling five-year-olds.

  “I just, um…I’m sorry about that,” she managed. “I’ll see you after class.”

  Bemused, Raven watched Tori hasten off toward the dressing room. He asked a little girl where he could watch class, and she pointed him toward the observation area. As he settled into a seat, he had a few moments to reflect on what had just transpired. The most amazing kiss he’d ever had still lingered upon his lips, and he didn’t know whether to be triumphant about it or angry with himself. When Tori asked him to kiss her, it was as if his self-control and reason had evaporated. I should be protecting my heart and instead I’m letting it float away like a helium balloon. He folded his arms across his chest and squared his shoulders, vowing to get a better grip on his emotions. I can choose how to feel—or not to feel—about Tori Moss. Friendship with a side order of cool detachment is on the menu.

  The students in Tori’s class began to assemble in the practice room for class, their feet and ankles encased in dainty light pink slippers with pink ribbons and boxed toes. Several of the girls seemed familiar, and he remembered them from school. One blonde had a hideous imp intertwined in her hair and a self-important smirk on her sour face. If he’d been unobserved, he would have called the imp to him and sent it back to Hell. As it was, he focused his attention on Tori instead. Even during the routine barr
e exercises, he was amazed by her grace, flexibility, strength, and expressiveness. His expertise in ballet was limited, but he recognized extraordinary talent when he saw it.

  Twenty minutes later, the students lined up to practice various leaps and turns. Tori’s balance was perfect, and she seemingly hung in the air when she jumped. Her movements radiated joy. Mesmerized, Raven leaned forward in his chair, his mouth slightly open. A few parents were sitting in the observation area next to him. A middle-aged woman with brassy hair touched his arm to get his attention. “Excuse me, but is Tori your girlfriend?”

  “Oh, er, no. Not exactly.”

  “It’s such a shame she’s so tall.”

  A flash of annoyance traveled down his spine. “I think she’s absolutely perfect.”

  Titter. “Well, love is blind.”

  Shocked at the woman’s rudeness, Raven gave her a level look. She bore a distinct resemblance to the sour blonde. A stage mother who deserves to be smacked down a bit.

  “You’d have to be completely blind not to see Tori is the most talented dancer in the class.”

  Her eyes widened in shock. “I disagree. My daughter is dancing with the SBT company this summer.”

  “Well, bully for you both. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Tori. I expect it’ll be something quite unexpected and marvelous.”

  With a sneer, the woman turned her attention back to the class. Another mother, sitting in the corner, pressed her lips together as she tried not to laugh at the exchange. Raven gave her a wink.

  I can’t believe I asked him to kiss me! It was the craziest, most impulsive thing Tori had ever done—but she wasn’t sorry. In comparison to the other kisses she’d had, Raven kissed like a dream. Tender. Sweet. Soft. Lovely. Melting. Romantic. Definitely not gay. As she stepped into her leotard in the dressing room, her whole body felt buoyant.

  Kirstin was dressing nearby. She curled her lip in Tori’s direction. “That was fast work. The Moose and London Snog.”

  Her imp pulled its lower eyelids down and stuck out its tongue. Still flying high from Raven’s kiss, however, Tori merely smiled in response to Kirstin’s nasty remark.

  “Congratulations on SBT. I’m very happy for you.”

  “Yeah, right.” Kirstin flounced off.

  Jenny and Deborah entered the dressing room, giggling. As soon as they saw Tori, they both fell silent. I suppose it’s up to me to break the ice.

  “I’m glad you’re dancing with SBT,” she said. “When you perform, I’ll get a front row seat.”

  Seemingly relieved, her friends came over to give her a hug.

  “I’m so sorry about your audition,” Deborah said.

  “I thought I would die when Saltare wouldn’t let you dance!” Jenny said.

  “Me too,” Tori admitted. “But if I can’t dance with SBT, I’m thrilled you two will.”

  While they finished dressing, Tori pressed Jenny and Deborah for details about the audition. Although she was still disappointed, she tried to mask her feelings. If Raven wasn’t here, I don’t think I could do it.

  As Tori followed her friends into pointe class, she slid a brief glance toward the window to confirm Raven was there. His grin and wave warmed her heart. She took a place at the barre which would afford him a good view. If I couldn’t impress Saltare, I want Raven to see how well I dance. Today, I’ll dance for him.

  Class was almost always enjoyable, but today’s was particularly satisfying. Her body seemed to be singing a joyous song through movement. And to think I almost skipped it! Since Saturday, she’d been in the depths of despair, yet this afternoon she could almost pretend the humiliating debacle of her SBT audition hadn’t mattered so very much. Saltare had been cruel and scornful, and she still felt the sting of his dismissal. But he couldn’t take away her love of ballet, no matter what he said. I still admire Saltare’s ability and achievements, but I shouldn’t have put him on a pedestal. I’ll go on, somehow.

  After the final reverence, Tori glanced toward the observation area. Raven rose and came to meet her outside the classroom. Deborah and Jenny stared at him, wide-eyed, as they passed by.

  “Tori, you were amazing,” he said.

  A flush of pleasure. “Thank you. Can you wait for me while I change?”

  “I’d be happy to.”

  In the dressing room, her fingers flew as she untied her toe shoes.

  “So what’s that all about?” Jenny said. “Is Raven your boyfriend?”

  “Er…not exactly.”

  “They were sucking face before class.” Kirstin spoke loud enough for everyone in the dressing room to hear. Tori suddenly found herself the focus of attention.

  “It was a sweet kiss!” she retorted. “We weren’t making out or anything.”

  “If he’s not your boyfriend, what is he?” Deborah asked.

  “He’s her consolation prize for missing out at SBT,” Kirstin said.

  Gasps followed her words, and Tori flinched. “I wouldn’t want to be you for anything in the world, Kirstin. You’re as mean as a snake and not as sexy.”

  The dressing room erupted in laughter. Kirstin stuck her nose in the air and flounced out.

  While waiting on the sidewalk just outside the studio, Raven went over his resolutions. I’m determined to be detached, reserved, and measured toward Tori. She needs a guardian angel, not a besotted admirer. Nevertheless, when she emerged from the doors, his resolve evaporated.

  “Here, let me get that.” He reached for her dance bag, which she relinquished with a puzzled expression.

  “Not too many men offer to carry things for me,” she said. “You’re kind of old-fashioned, aren’t you?”

  “If you mean I was raised with manners, then yes. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Actually, it’s…refreshing. My car is just over here.”

  After she opened her trunk, Raven stowed the bag inside.

  “Thank you. Um…I owe you an explanation for that kiss,” she said.

  They stood only a few yards away from Ventura Boulevard. The road noise was so deafening, he had to raise his voice to be heard. “Can we go somewhere quieter to talk?”

  “How about inside my car?”

  Raven hastened around to the driver’s side to open her door. As he slid into the passenger side and pulled his door shut, he breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s much better.”

  “You really are a gentleman,” she said.

  “My mum would be happy to hear that. She’s in London, with my stepfather.”

  “Do you like him?”

  Shrug. “He’s all right, I suppose. He’s a bit of a bore, really.”

  “My parents were both killed in a car accident about ten years ago. I live with my foster mother.”

  His surprise was feigned, but his sentiments were sincere. “I’m sorry to hear about your parents. How terrible for you.”

  “Yes.” Tori bit her lip. “Um…listen, I asked you to kiss me because Kirstin and her mother were walking past.”

  “Is she the girl with the—” he caught himself before he said the word imp “—sour face?”

  “That’s the one. She hates me and I don’t like her much either. Anyway, it was immature, but I wanted her to think we had something going on. I used you and I apologize.”

  “No apology necessary.” He chuckled. “I sort of had words with her insufferable mother during class.”

  Tori’s eyes widened. “What?”

  “She was crowing about her daughter. I told her you were the most talented dancer in the class and I couldn’t wait to see what wonderful things the future held for you.”

  A tear slid down Tori’s cheek. “Thank you for that. The thing is, I’m not certain there’s a place for me as a classical dancer and I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

  Raven reached over to wipe the moisture away with his thumb. “I’m not gentleman enough to carry a handkerchief, I’m afraid.”

  She giggled through her tears. “There’s a box of ti
ssues in the glove compartment.”

  He retrieved the box. As she took a tissue, she gave him a grateful smile.

  “Thresher was leaning on me this afternoon to audition for the school showcase,” he said. “Why don’t we audition together?”

  Her eyebrows shot upward. “You’ve seen for yourself I’m not an actress.”

  “There’s loads of time to prepare. Do you sing?”

  “A little, yes.”

  “I know you can dance. C’mon, let’s do it.”

  “The last time I auditioned, it didn’t work out well for me.”

  “I can coach you with your acting technique. How about we pick a scene from R&J—The Musical?”

  “That’s the one based on Romeo and Juliet? I don’t know, Raven. I have awful stage fright.”

  “Thresher told me a lot of industry people will be there, looking for talent. This could be the exact thing you need to find your future.”

  “Why would you help me? We barely know one another.”

  He averted his gaze, hoping she wouldn’t see his guilt. “You wouldn’t owe me anything, I promise. I’d like to be your friend.” As well as keep you alive and protect you from harm.

  She sighed. “Okay, I’ll audition with you, but please don’t let me make a fool of myself!”

  “You won’t.”

  “And you won’t have to worry about kissing me again. I’m really sorry about that.”

  I’m not. His cell phone went off with a text message from his dad, asking him to come home. “Er…I have to go. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Thanks again for…everything.”

  His eyes flickered to her lips, but he forced himself to open the car door. “Later.”

  Ian was in the kitchen assembling a casserole when Raven arrived. “Hello. Grate the cheese, would you?”

  “Okay.” Raven stepped over to the sink to wash his hands. “Surely you didn’t call me home to grate cheese? It sounded as if there was an emergency.”

  “Birmingham is visiting Los Angeles in two weeks.”