Chapter 20
Stunning. Dazzling. Brilliant.
Even those superlatives weren’t sufficient to describe the lithe, graceful woman who spun and jumped with seemingly effortless grace. Who lifted her legs with masterful control into impossible positions. Who made not only balancing but dancing on the tips of her toes look easy.
Aaron took a long, slow breath as Devyn twirled across the makeshift stage.
The physical display was astounding. But the emotional element was no less impressive.
From her facial expressions to her posture to the exquisite elegance of her hand movements, every gesture, every body position, was brimming with feeling.
Joyful, poignant, passionate—she conveyed a myriad of moods without saying a word.
Her body did all the talking as she moved in perfect sync to the music.
Amazing.
Only once during her performance did Aaron give his fellow audience members a quick scan.
Isabel was clearly mesmerized as she watched Devyn with wide-eyed wonder.
Gramp also appeared to be spellbound, his jaw a tad slack as he stared at the famous ballerina who had gifted them with a private show.
But mostly Aaron gave Devyn his undivided attention.
He might not know much about ballet, but despite his limited exposure to that art, it was clear they were in the presence of a virtuoso.
As the music wound down and Devyn struck her last pose after a series of spins that made him dizzy just watching, he exhaled.
Wow.
Beside him, Gramp began clapping. Isabel joined in. He followed their lead as Devyn offered a deep curtsy. When Gramp got to his feet, he did the same. Her performance had been worthy of a standing ovation.
After a moment, Devyn straightened up and walked toward them as Isabel trotted over.
“That was phenomenal.” Gramp looked awestruck.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” She rested a hand on Isabel’s shoulder.
“You were amazing, Miss Devyn! Don’t you get dizzy doing all those spins?”
“No. In ballet class, you learn a technique called spotting to help with that. Plus, after you dance long enough, your brain rewires itself to ignore the signal from the inner ear that would cause dizziness.”
“Does it hurt to hop all the way across the room on one toe, like you did in the second dance?”
“Not for a short section of a dance. It comes down to training again.”
His daughter gave a wistful sigh. “I wish I could learn to dance like you.”
“You’d have to spend years practicing every day to do that, honey. Like Miss Devyn did.” Gramp patted her arm before turning his attention back to Devyn. “And I agree with what Isabel said. You were awesome. Wasn’t she, Aaron?” Gramp nudged him.
“Yes. Awesome.”
A soft flush rose on Devyn’s cheeks. “Thank you all for the kind words.”
“Thank you for treating us to a private performance.” Gramp scratched his head, his expression rueful. “I feel like we should have brought roses or something. Isn’t that customary in ballet?”
Aaron frowned.
In hindsight, flowers wouldn’t have been a bad idea. People no doubt paid a fortune to see Devyn dance in New York. A small bouquet would have been a thoughtful gesture.
“No worries.” Devyn waved off Gramp’s comment. “I was happy to have the chance to do a bit of dancing. My daily routine at the house keeps my muscles in shape, but it’s not like actual dancing. To be honest, you did me a favor.”
In all likelihood, that was a stretch—but her gracious response was consistent with what he’d learned about this kind, generous woman.
“Dad, could I take ballet lessons?”
At Isabel’s query, he shifted gears. “I’ll be happy to check into that for you, honey. There may be a dance place in Bandon or Coos Bay.”
“Do you think they’re good?”
“I’m afraid you’re asking the wrong person. I don’t know anything about ballet. I expect any of them would be fine for a beginner, though.”
“But I want to find a good place.” She swiveled toward the expert. “Where did you take lessons when you lived here, Miss Devyn?”
“I went to a dance academy in Coos Bay in the beginning, before I moved on to more advanced classes in San Francisco. But I don’t think it’s there anymore. The most important thing is to pick a studio that teaches strong fundamentals for beginner students. I’m sure your dad will find a good one.”
Isabel gave him a skeptical side-eye. “He won’t know what questions to ask.”
“Hey.” He called up a grin. “I know how to do research.”
“Maybe Devyn could save you the trouble and recommend a place.” Gramp folded his arms and arched an eyebrow.
“Yes! That would be perfect.” Isabel brightened.
Aaron shot his grandfather a warning look as he spoke to Isabel. “We couldn’t ask her to do that, honey. She’s busy with the show and taking care of her sister. We’ll figure it out.”
“I’m always happy to help a budding ballerina.
” Devyn smiled at Isabel, then redirected her attention to him.
“Finding the right place does make a difference. Lauren is needing me less and less, and the show doesn’t take up too much of my time.
I’d be happy to see what’s out there and offer a recommendation.
Consider it repayment for the tire change. ”
“That debt has been paid. You treated us to breakfast.”
“A quick breakfast doesn’t feel sufficient. Besides, if I ever need expert advice about wood, you can return the favor.” A distracting dimple dented her cheek.
He cleared his throat as he dragged his gaze away from it. “I doubt that will ever happen.”
“You never can tell. Seriously, I do know ballet. A few phone calls is all it will take to get a feel for what’s out there.”
“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, Aaron.” Gramp patted him on the back. “And never turn down expert advice.”
“Please, Dad.” Isabel’s tone was entreating.
At three against one, this was a losing battle. Fighting the tide would be fruitless.
“All right. Thank you.”
“It will be my pleasure.” Devyn encompassed all of them in her next comment. “Thank you for being such an appreciative audience tonight.”
“You dance beautiful, Miss Devyn.” Isabel still wore an enraptured expression.
He could relate.
Gramp shifted toward him. “Maybe some of her technique will rub off on you through osmosis for that wedding shindig you have to attend. I know how much you’re looking forward to demonstrating your dancing skills.” He snickered.
Heat crept up his neck. “I might not have to dance. I’m just an usher.”
“You told me everyone in the wedding party is supposed to dance after the bride and groom take their spin. Ushers are part of the wedding party. And you’ve only got eleven days left to get your feet in gear.”
“Why don’t you ask Miss Devyn to teach you a few steps, Dad?”
At Isabel’s suggestion, the heat crept higher. “Miss Devyn is a ballerina. That’s not the kind of dancing they do at weddings.”
“What kind do they do?” Isabel cocked her head.
“This particular dance is a swing number.” He directed his next comment to Devyn. “The bride and groom are into forties music. But most people will fake it. I doubt there will be many swing dancers in the group.”
She shrugged. “You may be surprised. A lot of people like big band music. Me included.”
“It’s not ballet, though.”
“No, but my dance knowledge is broader than classical ballet. I do know a few other moves.”
“There you go.” Gramp slapped him on the back.
This situation was getting out of control.
He had to take a firm stand. Now.
If the mere thought of holding the woman across from him in his arms sent his pulse skyrocketing, there was no way he could actually do it without causing a serious cardiac issue.
“I could never learn enough before the wedding to pull off a dance.” He put as much conviction into his voice as possible.
“Don’t sell yourself short.” Gramp spoke to Devyn again. “What do you think? Could you teach a guy with two left feet a few moves to get him through one dance?”
“Gramp.” He gritted his teeth and laser focused on the older man. “She already agreed to give me a ballet studio recommendation. That’s more than sufficient. I’ll just disappear for that dance at the wedding.”
“The bride won’t be happy.”
“She’ll survive. Besides, you have to have a partner to dance. I’m off the hook.” Because he didn’t have a date, as Gramp knew. Despite pressure from the groom to find one.
“Wouldn’t you rather be prepared, just in case? What if they pair you up with a cousin or another wedding guest at the last minute—before you can escape?”
At the notion of being forced to make a fool of himself with a stranger, his blood ran cold.
Gramp nodded. “Thought so. You’ve got that deer-in-the-headlights look. So what do you think, Devyn?”
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, clearly as uncomfortable with the idea of a dancing lesson as he was.
Perhaps for the same reason, if the energy sizzling in the air between them was as strong on her end as it was on his.
“In a teaching situation, it’s important for students to be willing.
I have the distinct impression that dancing isn’t a top priority for Aaron. ”
“It will be the night of the wedding if he gets caught unprepared.” Gramp took Isabel’s hand. “Why don’t you two discuss this? We’ll meet you in the car, Aaron. Come on, honey.”
“Can’t we wait for Dad?”
“Nope. They have to talk about dancing lessons. Thank you again, Devyn, for a spectacular performance. Makes me want to book a ticket to New York to watch you on a real stage.”
“Me too.” Isabel smiled at her. “See you Thursday.”
As Gramp hustled his great-granddaughter toward the exit, Aaron faced Devyn. “Sorry about that. Gramp can be persistent. Forget about the swing lesson. A studio recommendation, however, would be much appreciated. Isabel was right. I wouldn’t know where to start in terms of evaluating them.”