At my table, Misha was next to me. There was an empty seat for Mrs. Hightower.
Naveen and Maxwell sat at the table on our right. Yefim and my other men took up the table on the left.
I leaned closer to Misha. “There are a lot of guards here.”
“I told you that I’m not taking your safety for granted.”
“Of course. I just don’t want to freak my new agent out.”
“She’ll have to get used to it. When she meets with you, there will always be guards around.”
“Even when this conflict with the Turgenev family is done?”
“Yes.” He tenderly took my hand. “You’re famous, Ava. You should have guards regardless. Add the fact that not everyone is happy about a black prima ballerina in Russia and it doesn’t hurt to have some people around. And finally…your being with me makes you a target for my enemies.”
I studied him. “And what else?”
“What do you mean?”
“You look like you’re holding some other information back.”
He frowned. “I don’t like that you can read me so well.”
“Besides dancing, I’m finding that I like watching you.”
“That’s flattering.”
“What are you holding back about the guards?”
He moved in closer. “You have them because I don’t want any other man in your space unless he must be.”
“There’s no need to be so possessive, Misha. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’m not worried about you. I’m thinking about the other men. You’re bewitching. One look and I could see a man risking death to steal a kiss.”
“I would slap him.”
“No need to raise your hand, when you have twenty men holding guns.” He gestured to the guards around us. “Are you ready for Mrs. Hightower?”
I curved my lips into a smile. “The giddy nervousness is going away.”
“I’ll order us some wine to help you remain relaxed.” Misha signaled for the waiter.
One appeared right as Mrs. Hightower arrived. The waiter asked her if she wanted anything. She waved him away and put all her attention on me. “Ms. Jones, I am excited to sit down with you.”
“Me too.”
“I remember you tagging along a few times from my meetings with Olesya.” Mrs. Hightower held a somber expression. “I deeply miss her. It’s heartbreaking. She died too young.”
An ache hit me. “She did.”
“Still, I’m glad you gave me a chance.” Mrs. Hightower went straight to business, opening her briefcase and pulling out papers. “However, the world must continue while Olesya frolics and dances around in heaven.”
I blinked.
Mrs. Hightower turned to Misha. “And I am glad to meet you Mr. Stronz.”
“Thank you.” Misha smiled. “I’m only here to support Ava. This meeting is about you two.”
“I understand.”
I placed my hands on the table. “So, where do we start first, Mrs. Hightower?”
“First, call me Barbara.”
“Okay.”
“Second, this is a standard contract. Make sure you have your lawyer look over everything.” Barbara took in all the scarred men in the restaurant. “I would not like any trouble. I want us to have a healthy business relationship.”
“We will. I remembered that you did your best to protect Olesya.” I took the contracts and placed them on my side. Misha remained quiet while we talked.
The waiter set our glasses of wine on the table.
“It is a shame that the theater is closed for now, but don’t worry. So many bookings for you are available.” Barbara’s face brightened. “In fact, top Russian designer Volodina is holding a fashion show in two weeks. One of the top models pulled out of the show due to illness. I think this is a great way to start your career outside of the theater. It shows your diversity and ability to take on any challenge.”
I swallowed. “A fashion show?”
“Volodina does awfully expensive and elaborate wedding gowns. You would be stunning in them.”
I picked up my wine and sipped.
Eagerness lay within her eyes. “If you say yes, you’ll meet with Volodina tomorrow for a fitting next week. Then I’ll have Irina work with you up until the show. She’s a famous catwalk coach.”
“Oh.” That relieved me. “I was going to say. I don’t have the faintest idea how to properly walk in a fashion show. I wear heels but not that much. If the fashion show were about twirling down the catwalk then I would be happy to do it.”
“Don’t worry. Irina is the best. I’ve already called her about this just in case you said yes.”
I sighed and glanced at Misha.
Happiness covered his face. “I think it’s an excellent idea.”
“Even with the present situation?”
A deadly promise lay on his tongue. “We’ll make this work. As I told you before, nothing will get in the way of your career.”
The waiter returned, filled our gold mugs with ice water, and placed small pink menus on the table.
“Okay.” I nodded. “I’ll try it.”
“This will be a great opportunity.” Barbara grabbed her menu and browsed it. “The media will eat this up and more bookings will come.”