ALYSE
“One and two and three and four,” Morgan counted as she decided to help me with my audition material.
“I can’t,” I whined.
I nodded. “Ok, Morgan, shit!” I shouted.
She burst into laughter. “Well, excuse the fuck out of me. What’s wrong with you?”
She stared at me curiously, then pointed. “Wait. I know that look. Are you fucking?”
She stared harder and threw her hand over her mouth. “You are. Oooo, was it good?”
I rolled my eyes. “You said audition, so let’s dance,” I paused. “And yes, it’s really good.” I smiled.
She nodded. Morgan hit the music, and I started from the top.
I moved around Morgan’s small dance studio, which she had in her parents' house, doing my best to focus.
We ran it back like six times before I was done.
Morgan and I talked for a bit before I decided to leave.
I had sent Jalen a text, hoping that by the time I made it to my car, he would respond.
I hiked my bag over my shoulder before I hugged Morgan and left.
When I got outside, there was a big card on my windshield, and the hood was filled with dozens of orange roses. A wide smile eased on my face. I glanced around to see if Jalen was anywhere in sight, but he wasn’t. I opened the card.
To the girl with a voice.
Alyse, you are a special girl, whether you believe it or not. You unlocked something in me that I wouldn’t change. I could see love in our future, but tonight is about you. Your outfit is in the car, meet me at the address below, and remember the shit is like dancing, baby.
Xoxo, Jalen.
My lip disappeared between my teeth. I hurried to open the door and place dall the roses inside when I spotted the black box with an orange bow.
I peeled the bow off and opened the box.
“What the hell?” I mumbled. It was a black tutu along with an orange lace panty and bra set.
I shrugged, finished placing the flowers inside, and took off.
***
It took me two hours to get myself together.
I knew I couldn’t walk out of my parents’ house with what Jalen requested, so I left the tutu and shoes in the car and slipped on a comfy dress over the orange bra and panties.
When I pulled up to the location, I had to do a double-take at the address. “Shitting me,” I mumbled.
I grabbed what I needed from my car as I walked inside the large opera house.
The worker greeted me and led me toward the auditorium.
He didn’t bother to walk me inside, but stayed outside the door.
When he closed it behind me, I heard it lock.
The entire space reminded me of my dream.
When I looked out at the stage, I noticed the soft glow of candles, beautifully lighting the space.
In the center, a striking black chair was surrounded by lovely orange floral arrangements along the edge of the stage, adding a warm, inviting touch.
I quickly removed my dress, put on the tutu, and my shoes.
As I made my way further up the aisle, Jalen was coming from the side in a black tux just as he did in my dream.
His shirt was off, exposing his chest. He walked over and sat in the chair.
The nerves in my stomach were doing a number on me.
He leaned forward, using his finger to tell me to come to him.
I bit into my bottom lip because it was this man using something I love and making it romantic. I didn’t know if this was love, but it sure felt like it.