11. February 2024
11
February 2024
T he chandelier cast a warm, inviting glow over the foyer. The air smelled of expensive perfume, and the clinking of crystal glasses blended with the hum of conversation. Willow watched from the theatre door as Melbourne’s elite made small talk and exchanged compliments. She saw Vaughn Gallo in every luxurious detail. The pop-up bar was everything he had promised and had been completed on time.
‘There you are,’ Harrison called to her as he approached.
She found a smile. ‘Hey.’
‘You left so quickly after rehearsals today that I didn’t get a chance to catch you.’
‘Everything okay?’
‘Yes.’ He stood a little taller. ‘I wanted to talk to you about filling in for Matilda opening weekend.’
Her eyes moved between his as she tried to figure out if it was some sort of cruel prank. ‘Are you being serious?’
He tilted his head. ‘Of course. Would I joke about you getting a solo part ?’
A laugh escaped her. ‘Really?’
‘Yes, really. You’re going to be the Fairy of Joy opening weekend.’
Willow threw her arms around his neck as excitement roared in her ears. ‘Oh my God. Thank you.’ Then, remembering where they were, she quickly let go. ‘Sorry. I just…’ She covered her mouth when she felt a squeal rising inside her. ‘Are you sure?’
It was his turn to laugh. ‘Of course I’m sure. And you’re allowed to be excited. You’re at peak fitness, and I wanted to reward all the effort you’ve been putting in.’
His choice of words had her deflating a little. ‘Reward my effort?’
‘You’ve been working so hard.’
Everyone had been working hard. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with his reasoning, but she wanted to hear that she got the part because she was the right person to fill that role. It felt slightly like an encouragement award.
‘I was considering giving it to Piper, but she’ll have plenty of other opportunities as her career progresses.’
As opposed to Willow’s career—forever in the ensemble.
Registering her expression, Harrison took hold of both her arms. ‘I would never have given it to you if I didn’t believe you could do it.’
Her smile returned. ‘You won’t regret it. I promise.’
‘I’ll hold you to that.’ He released her and looked around. ‘Have you seen Lili? I have some news for her as well.’
Willow’s chest grew light when she heard that. She was aware of two roles that needed filling. ‘Over there,’ she said, pointing to where Lili had just entered through the main door on the other side.
‘Ah. I’ll be back.’ Harrison wandered over to tell her the good news.
Willow watched from across the room as Lili learned that she would be the Enchanted Garden Fairy until Zoe was fully recovered. Her face lit up in unison with her friend’s.
After a few minutes of animated conversation, Lili excused herself and made her way over to Willow, taking both her hands and jumping up and down like an excited toddler.
‘It’s happening. Soloists.’ Lili said, her smile unwavering.
‘ Soloists ,’ Willow echoed, squeezing Lili’s hands.
It took them a few minutes to compose themselves enough to join the other guests. They headed straight to the brand-new bar in the centre of the foyer and ordered sparkling water in champagne flutes.
‘If you could add some fruit slices,’ Lili instructed the bartender. ‘We’re celebrating.’
With their drinks in hand, they did a slow lap of the room, stopping to say hello to any patrons they knew.
‘No sign of Inky Capo yet,’ Lili said. ‘Lucky. You’ll likely swoon and fall into his arms again. I had second-hand embarrassment the other night.’
Willow shook her head, cheeks heating. ‘You did not.’
‘I did. The way he just appeared through the crowd and caught you. It was like you were onstage performing The Merry Widow .’
Soft laughter came from Willow. ‘Need I remind you that I did eight turns in heels under the influence of alcohol.’ She looked around. ‘Do you know if he’s actually coming?’
‘Of course he is. This is his project.’ She looked over at the door, then let out a noisy sigh. ‘Speak of the actual devil.’
Willow looked in that direction and immediately forgot how to breathe. She had never known a man to look so good in a suit. It didn’t matter how many times she saw him in one—she had the same reaction every time. That night, he wore a beige suit with a blue tie. It perfectly contrasted his ink while accentuating his eyes.
As though feeling her gaze on him, he looked in her direction. Embarrassed at being caught staring, she lifted one hand in a small wave, and he responded with a nod.
‘It’s a real family affair tonight,’ Lili said. ‘The guy next to him is his brother, and the couple behind are his parents.’
Willow looked at her. ‘How do you know?’
‘Because I haven’t been living under a rock like you. Their pictures were all over the news last year.’
Willow had seen the brother on site but hadn’t known they were related. Now she could see the resemblance.
Vaughn said something to his brother, then began walking towards Willow. Her heart sped up as he approached.
‘I’m going to get another drink,’ Lili said with a sigh. ‘Be sure to let him down gently,’ she added. ‘You know how big their egos can be.’ She stepped away right as Vaughn reached them.
‘She’s not very subtle,’ Vaughn said as he stopped in front of Willow.
‘Don’t take it personally.’ She crinkled her nose. ‘Even though it’s personal.’
His lips twitched before he gestured to the drink in her hand. ‘On the hard stuff?’
Willow lifted her glass and watched the fruit pieces swirl. ‘The funny thing is, someone in this room is probably judging my fructose intake.’ She smiled to show she was joking. ‘The bar looks great, by the way. I’m guessing this was your vision.’
He looked around. ‘I had a few ideas to contribute.’ His eyes returned to her. ‘I hear congratulations are in order.’
She gave him a questioning look.
‘I was just speaking with Nigel outside. He told me you’ll be the Fairy of Joy opening weekend.’
Willow couldn’t stop the smile that came from hearing it said aloud. ‘That news travelled fast. To be honest, I’m still in shock.’ She glanced over at the creative director, who was speaking with an older gentleman in a checked sports coat. ‘Surprised he gave it to me.’
Vaughn followed her gaze. ‘Good to know he occasionally gets it right.’
His words and tone brought her attention back to him. ‘Only occasionally?’
When he met her gaze again, his expression turned serious. ‘You should be careful around him.’
‘Meaning?’
‘Just be careful.’
A nervous laugh escaped her. ‘Of what exactly?’
He didn’t answer straight away. ‘In my line of work, you learn to trust your instincts about people.’
She searched his eyes. ‘And what are your instincts telling you?’
‘That you should be careful.’
Exhaling, she said, ‘Harrison and I have known each other for years.’
‘I’m aware of that.’
‘But you know better?’
‘Time will tell.’
She raised her chin a little. ‘I’m starting to think that you care.’
Before he could respond to that, his parents walked over and joined them. Vaughn’s tall, very Italian-looking father eyed her with blatant suspicion, while his mother, who was beautiful in an Old Hollywood sort of way, beamed at Willow. Vaughn had his father’s bronze skin and his mother’s startling eyes. A true mix of the two.
‘We had to come over and meet the young lady our eldest boy made a beeline for the second he walked in.’ His mother extended a hand to Willow. ‘I’m Paula, Vaughn’s mother.’
Willow took her hand. ‘Willow Hayes.’
‘What a pretty name.’ She turned to her husband. ‘Isn’t Willow a pretty name?’
Vaughn’s father responded with a grunt before looking accusingly at his son.
‘My father, Salvatore,’ Vaughn said. ‘He normally prefers to skip these kinds of events.’
‘Puts him in a mood,’ Paula explained. Then, looking Willow up and down, she asked, ‘Are you one of the dancers?’
‘Yes. Corps de ballet.’
‘And soloist opening weekend,’ Vaughn added.
Willow thought she caught some pride in his voice.
‘Is that right?’ Paula said, looking between the pair. ‘Good on you. Vaughn loves the ballet.’
Willow flicked her gaze to him. ‘He’s a real supporter of the arts, I’m realising.’
Vaughn didn’t respond.
After a moment of silence, Paula asked, ‘Do you like caponata?’
Willow ran the name a few times in her mind, trying to place it. ‘Is he a composer?’
Paula laughed lightly, and Vaughn cleared his throat.
‘Caponata’s a Sicilian dish,’ he said quietly.
Paula nodded. ‘Aubergines, pine nuts, raisins?—’
‘You need plenty of vinegar,’ Salvatore said, finally joining the conversation.
Willow’s entire body felt hot with embarrassment. ‘Oh. Can’t say I’ve ever had it, but it sounds delicious.’
Paula nodded as though deciding something. ‘It’s settled, then.’
‘What’s settled?’ Willow asked.
Vaughn cleared his throat. ‘Ma?—’
‘You will come to our home for dinner on Friday,’ Paula announced. ‘I want to hear all about your solo.’
Both Vaughn and Salvatore looked thoroughly uncomfortable, but neither of them objected to the invitation. Based on their expressions, Willow knew the correct response was to politely decline. Instead, she found herself saying, ‘I’d love to.’
‘Excellent.’ Paula clapped her hands together. ‘Vaughn will organise transport.’
‘I can just take an Uber,’ Willow said.
Salvatore snorted and shook his head.
‘Finn will pick you up,’ Vaughn said.
‘I’m sure he has better things to do…’ Her words trailed off when she registered Vaughn’s disapproving frown.
It hit her at that moment what she had just agreed to. On Friday, she was going to eat eggplant with the mafia. So why wasn’t she afraid?
Salvatore and Paula excused themselves and wandered off to socialise, leaving Willow and Vaughn standing there alone.
‘You can pull out of the dinner,’ Vaughn said matter-of-factly, sliding his hands into his pockets. ‘I’ll take no offence—nor will my family.’
‘You don’t want me to come?’
‘I didn’t say that.’
She swallowed. ‘Then I’ll come.’ There was an awkward pause before she added, ‘Your mum is lovely, and I’m a big caponata fan.’
‘The composer or the dish?’
She pressed her lips together to stop from smiling. ‘Both.’
He nodded, then glanced over at Lili. ‘She’s been glaring at me the whole time I’ve been standing here, you know. I’m going to leave so she can return.’
When Willow looked over at her friend, she could see that Lili was visibly concerned.
‘Enjoy your evening, Miss Hayes,’ Vaughn said before turning away.
‘Wait.’ She instinctively reached for his arm. Then, feeling his muscles tense beneath the fabric of his suit, she immediately withdrew her hand. ‘Shouldn’t I get your phone number? Just in case?’ She went to retrieve her phone from her clutch.
‘Why don’t you give me yours instead?’ He slid his phone from his pocket.
Confused, she asked, ‘You don’t want to give me your number?’
‘Very few people have it, and those who do know how to protect it.’
‘Protect… your number?’
He nodded.
‘Okay.’ Willow gave him hers and watched him enter it into his phone. He held it up so she could check it. The contact name read MH. ‘MH?’ Then it dawned on her. ‘Miss Hayes.’
‘The protection goes both ways.’ His tone was so serious when he said it. ‘I’ll see you Friday.’
Willow watched him walk away, every movement precise and self-assured. Only when he was some distance away did Lili rejoin her.
‘You’re having dinner with the mafia ?’ Lili whisper-shouted once Willow had caught her up.
‘It’s not as big a deal as it sounds.’
Lili angrily swirled the fruit at the bottom of her drink ‘Then cancel it. I’ll help you write the text.’
‘I don’t even have his number.’ She paused. ‘And we’re having caponata.’
Lili blinked. ‘Do you mean carbonara?’
‘No, but that’s less embarrassing than what I said. I thought it was the name of a composer.’
A frustrated breath slipped from Lili. ‘I don’t understand. You’re so much smarter than this. If anything happens to you?—’
‘I’m safe with him.’
‘How can you say that so confidently?’
Willow shrugged. ‘Call it a hunch.’
Lili searched her eyes. ‘And if this hunch of yours is wrong?’
‘Then you’ll be right —and you love to be right.’
With a loud exhale, Lili said, ‘I really do.’
‘For the record, the dinner wasn’t even his idea. His mother invited me. I’m not even entirely sure why I said yes. Maybe to see what he would say when I did.’
‘What he should have said is “I’m a criminal whose idea of a good time is being poked repeatedly with a needle, so don’t come .”’
He had wanted her to pull out of the dinner. ‘I think he’s too much of a gentleman to tell me not to come.’
Lili laughed abruptly. ‘A gentleman?’ She looked in the direction of the bar. ‘I’m going to need another fizzy water.’
Willow’s lips turned up. ‘Go hard or go home, right?’
‘Right.’
As she followed Lili to the bar, she glanced over her shoulder to the last place she had seen Vaughn, but he was nowhere to be found.