Chapter 8
Eight
Port de bras: use of the arms: a skill that gives ballet its ethereal look and allows dancers to seemingly float along, even while performing athletic feats.
Rudy
“This is your whackiest idea yet.”
Alexander delivered this pronouncement with a tone somewhere between humor and indifference, a combination I was coming to associate with Alexander.
Other people might use a more teasing tone, but such familiarity was not for Alexander.
However, despite his more formal demeanor, I considered us something close to friends these days, what with our nightly game-playing routine.
I had to assume he wouldn’t continue playing if he didn’t enjoy the time together.
Alexander wasn’t the sort to indulge others.
Case in point, I’d had to do some fast-talking to get him to the elementary school today, and not even a bribe of an Americano from the coffee place near the ballet school had removed his skepticism.
“Irina and Cheryl thought it was a great idea.” I took a sip of my own drink as we waited outside the gymnasium at Hollyberry Elementary.
Unlike Alexander and his request for black coffee, I had a pumpkin spice latte with extra whip, making my mood that much less grumpy than his.
“And technically, it was Mr. Davis’s idea. I’m simply happy to facilitate.”
Mr. Davis, the third-grade teacher who had coordinated our earlier visit, had invited us back to do a sample ballet class.
Irina would be leading the class, while Cheryl and Alexander would demonstrate the basic moves.
Irina and Cheryl had wandered down the hall to look at student artwork as we waited, leaving me to listen to Alexander’s grumbles.
“Only for you and your big ideas would I be freezing right now.” With limited space to change at the elementary school, both Alexander and Cheryl were wearing their typical dance clothes under loose-fitting track pants.
Alexander had added his wool coat and a jaunty plaid scarf that was undoubtedly designer. “Don’t they heat this place?”
I decided to take the win of “only for you,” and I smiled up at him.
“I’m sure the school district is as short on funds as the ballet school.
” I used a reassuring tone, one that usually worked to get Alexander in a less cranky state.
That the tone worked made me feel like nothing less than a dragon slayer, felling the mighty beast and rendering him docile.
“Irina will make sure your muscles get warm before attempting anything too strenuous with the kids.”
“I’m sure.” Alexander shifted his bag from one shoulder to the other. “And you’re right on this older building likely being expensive for the school district to heat. I’ll stop complaining now.”
“Your cooperation is appreciated.” My mood turned victorious. The dragon was conquered yet again. Only for you. I didn’t have grand delusions of anything other than friendship, but I’d celebrate being able to soothe Alexander.
“Don’t worry.” Alexander gave a half-smile, another win. He raised his regal eyebrows at me. “I’ll take it out on you in the game later.”
“Absolutely.” My grin had to be enough to power the school on its own. My mind raced ahead to which decks to introduce Alexander to tonight. Tonight. Heck. My grin faded. “Heck. It’s Friday.”
“Oh.” Alexander’s posture gave the barest hint of a slump, the only clue he might be disappointed. “No rehearsal with Victoria.”
“I have a proposition for you instead.” I spoke fast, hoping to take advantage of his regret before he replaced it with more indifference. “And it won’t require dance clothes.”
“More promo work?” He pursed his perfect lips.
“Not that. You need a night off prep. We all do.” My personal mission to introduce Alexander to the concept of rest and play continued, and I warmed to my latest idea. “I have my monthly play group for Odyssey tonight. Newcomers are always welcome. You need to get out.”
“I’m hardly ready to play against serious gamers.” Alexander let out a groan, but that wasn’t a no.
“You beat me last night. Twice.” I could sense possible victory, and I wasn’t about to give up now. “This is a casual group. Not at all intimidating.”
“I’m not intimidated.” Alexander puffed up at the very idea, exactly as I’d intended. When a mere request wouldn’t work, a dare usually did the trick.
“Then come.” I was careful not to smile or reveal how pleased I was at the success of my strategy. “When was the last time you socialized outside of your dance circles or a family event?”
“It’s been a while.” He wiggled his jaw from side to side, clearly considering. “Are all the players as young as you?”
“You’re not that ancient.” I was tired of him acting like our age difference was several generations instead of not much more than my siblings and me. “And we have a wide variety of ages. We’ve got everyone from barely out of high school to a retired couple who brings us treats.”
“Treats?” Alexander tilted his head before draining the last of his coffee. “There’s food in addition to the gaming?”
“Of course.” I laughed. Alexander clearly needed more nerdy friends. “Not exactly professional athlete-level nutrition, but Irma promised maple whoopie pies this month.”
“Hmmm. I’m bored with things I can microwave in the kitchenette at my parents’ place, but if I complain, my mother will insist on feeding me.” Alexander threw his empty cup in the trash with a well-aimed toss.
“The horrors.” I probably should encourage him to spend more time with his family, but if his aversion to family dinners got him to game night, I was happy to use any excuse. “Surely there’s room in your nutrition plan for a cheat night? The maple whoopie pies truly are amazing.”
“It’s been years since I had a whoopie pie.” Interest flickered in Alexander’s blue eyes at the thought of the regional treat. “I suppose I could make an appearance.”
“Excellent.” My victory tasted like pumpkin spice and maple, a sweet success, and I allowed myself to beam at him.
“I’ll text you the address, but it’s near the ballet school.
If you park there, we can walk over together.
” As soon as I made the offer, I reconsidered.
Did that sound too much like I was proposing a date?
I hoped not. The last thing I needed was Alexander getting wind of my crush, so I quickly added, “That way I can introduce you around.”
“Will you bring the deck I beat you with last night?” Alexander asked in an offhand tone, but his intent stare revealed he had a bit more than a passing interest in playing. And winning. I did enjoy his competitive streak.
“Of course. You’ll have fresh victims to wax with your relentless attack strategy.”
“It works.” Alexander gave an easy shrug right as the third graders finally came trooping down the hall.
“I’m telling you, you’ve got real potential as a player.” I had to get one last bit of encouragement in.
“I suppose we shall see.” Alexander was back to a bored tone, attention already shifting to the kids and his upcoming demonstration. I, however, remained solely focused on him, almost missing Mr. Davis motioning at us.
“Okay, they’re ready for you.”
Mr. Davis ushered us into the gym. I wasn’t sure my play group was ready for the Alexander Dasher experience, let alone my ever-hopeful heart, but those doubts weren’t enough to stop the anticipation thrumming through me.