“Please, stay safe, and, even though you don’t think it will do any good, call the police. Get it on record that man threatened you.” When I opened my mouth, she shook her head and her finger at me. “Don’t bother denying it, Clara. I’ve worked with enough clients to know when someone has been frightened.”
I nodded, thinking perhaps I truly wasn’t alone this time. “All right, but if at any time, you feel the need to—”
“I’m not going anywhere as I abhor people who think they have the right to hurt others, but, there are steps that can be taken to at least start a process that might… just might save someone’s life. At least think about it.”
“I will and thank you for all you’ve done for my grandmother. It really is great news that she was accepted into the program.”
“It is,” Judy agreed. “I have a feeling this drug is very promising. Let’s pray she gets it and not the placebo.”
Nodding, I returned the hug she impulsively gave me before grabbing her purse off the counter and going out the back door. I waited until I saw her safely get into her car and drive away and then clicked the lock. Something I’d not done in quite a while when at home. Looking down at the little button, I sighed. I had a feeling it was but the first of the changes necessary since Nikolai had reentered my life.22ClaraAs we drove toward the theater, I made sure the conversation centered around ballet and on nothing to do with the dark shadows in my life. Baba chattered about her favorite performances in the past, bringing them alive with snippets of gossip about those who danced alongside her.
“I swear, it was only because his maman was constantly lighting candles that she earned herself a miracle, otherwise, her precious boy would have dropped me instead of simply stumbling and splitting the crotch of his tights. Let me tell you, that was quite the sight. Imagine a man actually stuffing a pair of rolled up stockings into his tights.”
I laughed and flicked on my turn signal as I neared our destination. “Perhaps he was trying to impress you, Baba.”
“Oh, like I wouldn’t start asking questions if he got naked and I discovered the truth?” she said, rolling her eyes. “And speaking of men, how is that good-looking man of yours?”
I looked over and shook my head. “I’m not about to discuss my sex life with you.”
“Now, did I say a single word about sex?” she asked in faux innocence. “All I was wondering was if he’ll be joining us on our tour.”
“Considering he doesn’t even know we are taking a tour, I have no idea,” I said, pulling into the lot behind the theater and shutting off the ignition. Turning to face her, I said, “Baba, I don’t want you to say anything to Alek about… about Nikolai if we do run into him.” Rushing ahead when she opened her mouth, I clarified, “I’ll tell him what he needs to know, but please, honor my wishes in this. I want us to enjoy our day. I know leopards remain spotty, but, for now, I’d like to consider that perhaps Nikolai has become a chameleon and has learned to change his colors at the very least. Okay?”
She didn’t speak or move for a few long heartbeats and then reached up and touched my face. “Fine, but you really need to learn to trust, Clara. This isn’t a burden you have to carry alone.”
“I’m working on it,” I assured her, unsnapping both our seatbelts and then getting out of the car and moving around to help her out as well. When she stood at my side, my arm around her tiny waist, I gestured up at the building before us.
“Welcome to the Volkov Ballet. Are you ready to go inside?”
“Are you sure we can?” she asked, sounding a little unsure. “It looks locked up.”
“People are always here, Baba. There’s always someone around. We’ll be fine getting in.”
As we walked slowly through the hallways, with me showing Baba some of the posters hanging on the walls of performances that Volkov Ballet had done before I joined the theater, I soon heard the voices of Bella and a new member who recently joined the theater as they approached us. Seeing Bella or anyone no longer filled me with the anxiety it once had. Most of the other dancers and I now had a quiet respect for one another. All the angst was gone for the most part. I was proving myself with my hard work and obvious show of dedication to a craft we all loved.
After a brief introduction to my grandmother, I asked them if Yuri was around because I was really not in the mood for his pompous attitude right now — with my babushka witnessing it. I hated the fact he was so difficult to read. You never knew where you stood with him either. I also wanted to avoid him because of what had happened with me and Alek. Sure, I hadn’t promised Yuri I would keep away from his brother, but I feared it would affect my place in the theater if he ever found out how opposite of “keeping far away” from each other we were. I didn’t think Alek would ever burst out and tell Yuri, but I had to be careful all the same.