Dancing in Circles (Circles Trilogy)

by Adams, Victoria

  Crap. Julie said good night and walked towards the stairs.

  When she reached the first floor, Ralph stepped beside her, puffing. He moved into her personal space. "I'm not really tired. How about you and me? My room."

  "How about you dropping dead?" Fighting the urge to throw up, she raced two steps at a time up the next flight of stairs.

  In the sanctuary of her room and bed, Julie speed dialed Robert's cell phone. After three rings, it went to voice mail. Why don't you ever turn your phone on? "Hi. I miss you. I wish you were here. Call me." She checked her messages. None from Robert. She settled under the covers and imagined Robert's arms holding her and his lips kissing her. She kept shaking off the image of Robert turning into Ralph. A cold shiver ran down her spine.

  ***

  By eight a.m., Julie had showered, dressed and paced the front hall. Her parents pushed open the door and entered. "Good morning." Her mother and father kissed her. "What time are you supposed to be at the studio?" Her dad held out his car keys.

  Julie reached for them. "Nine. So I still have loads of time."

  Her mother gave her a bear hug. "I know not to wish you good luck, but I've forgotten the word."

  "Merde."

  "Merde, dear. Sounds silly, doesn't it?"

  "Thanks, Mom. I'm so scared. I've got a billion butterflies. I just want to throw up."

  "That's my daughter, elegant to the end."

  "Is it bad luck for a father to tell his daughter that he loves her and is very, very proud of her?"

  Julie laughed. "No, it's probably very good luck."

  Her father kissed the top of her head. "Merde." Her parents left to find Aunt Kathy.

  Julie checked her dance bag for the eighth time. Inside were her tights, body suits, soft slippers, toe shoes, hair spray, deodorant, elastics, hairpins, money and countless paraphernalia needed to survive a dance audition. She stood tall, heaved a big sigh and shook herself. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Ralph walking down the stairs. Julie scurried to the door and out to the car.

  Inside the main entrance of the Civic Center Theater were long tables with large signs displaying alphabet letters. Julie stood in the line at the table label A to H. When the queue worked its way forward, Julie smiled at the woman seated behind the table with a pen and list of names. "Julie Anderson or should I say Anderson comma Julie?"

  The woman reviewed her list. "Anderson. A-N-D-E-R-S-O-N?"

  "Yes."

  "You aren't on this list."

  Julie's stomach dropped. "But…I have a paper." She opened her purse and rummaged through. "It's here. Somewhere. No, maybe my bag." She dropped her purse and opened her dance bag.

  "Excuse me, Miss Anderson."

  Julie looked up from the depths of her dance bag.

  An dark-haired woman stood beside the table. "There's been a change in your audition. You'll be called when we're ready for you. I suggest you go to the dressing room and change. Next."

  "But?"

  The person behind Julie stepped passed and stated his name.

  Julie wandered over to the girl's dressing room. She sat on a bench and glanced around. Everyone here looks like a dancer except me. What am I doing here?

  "Ya gotta go for your dreams. Ya gotta try." Robert's voice entered her conscience.

  He's right. I will not look at the other dancers. I'll focus on myself. I can dance. I can do this. After her personal pep talk, Julie changed and left for the rehearsal studio, steeling herself not to look at the other applicants. At 4:15, she was the single person in the studio. At 4:20, an elderly gentleman opened the door and motioned to her. She grabbed her dance bag and followed him.

  He held his body with great poise. "So you want to be a dancer?"

  "Yes, sir." Julie hoisted her bag onto her shoulder. "It's been a secret of mine ever since I was a little girl. I never thought I was good enough, but a friend said I should try to go after my dream. He said we all have dreams. They keep us alive. And we should try and make some of them come true."

  "Wise friend."

  Julie chuckled. "Wise is not how most people would describe him."

  He held open the door, leading to the main theatre. On the stage was a piano and nothing else. Seated three rows back from the front were seven stern-looking people. The gentleman indicated the stage and then continued down the aisle and sat with the other examiners. Julie mounted the stairs to the stage, deposited her bag and walked to centre stage.

  She relied on years of dance training as she assumed fifth position. It felt comfortable and secure and was the closest thing she had to a security blanket. She held herself tall and tried to breathe normally, but her chest was tight and her heart raced.

  The woman on the end looked at her. "Julie Anderson?"

  "Yes." It sounded more like a squeak than a word.

  "Have you warmed up?"

  Julie resisted the impulse to say, since nine a.m., instead she nodded.

  "You'll start in flats and change to pointes later," said the woman on the right who reminded Julie of Madame. The accompanist seated himself at the piano. In turn, each examiner stated a series of dance commands, which Julie attempted to execute. She strived to perform to the best of her ability, but she couldn't tell from the examiners' expressions whether what she was doing was good or bad. All they did was sit and stare.

  "Would you put your pointes on please?" The gentleman who escorted her in pointed at her dance bag. "Then you can perform the piece you've rehearsed."

  Julie collapsed next to it, glad for a chance to rest and catch her breath. While she carefully wrapped her toes to protect them from the shoes, she stole glances at the examiners. They were conversing, but no one looked in her direction. When she'd finished tucking in her ribbons, she stood and rolled her right foot to full pointe then shifted to her left. With her feet warmed and snuggled well within the shoes, she rose onto her pointes. Her feet felt secure on the stage. She tried a spin and a pose. She held both, not faltering in her balance.

  "Miss Anderson, are you ready?"

  This is it. Big breath. Just dance. Julie nodded then assumed her opening position. The pianist snapped his fingers to signal the tempo. Julie winked and waited for the music. When her performance was finished, a "Thank you" was all that Julie heard. With a pain in her heart, she grabbed her bag and hurried from the theatre.

  What had she done wrong? She'd given everything she had. What more could possibly be expected? She showered, dressed, grabbed her purse and bag and left the theater. She fought tears all the way to Aunt Kathy's. Her father was crossing the front hall towards the kitchen as she entered. He paused. "So, how'd it go?"

  Julie dropped her gear and ran up for a hug. Resting her head on his shoulder, she sniffed. "I don't know, Daddy. I tried. I really, really tried. And nothing. When I finished one person said thank you and nothing else. Nobody said I did great and I'm hired, and nobody said you stink, get lost – just thank you."

  She stepped back and wiped an errant tear. "I'm not going to be a spoilsport. I promise tomorrow, I'll be a ball of delight." She picked up her bags. "Can you tell everyone I'm too tired to join them at the restaurant? I'm going to spend the night in my room."

  "Sure. I'll get something sent up for you. Chocolate and loaded with calories?"

  "Definitely." She turned and gave her father a brief hug. "I love you, Daddy."

  He kissed the top of his daughter's head. "I love you too, Snickerdo. You may not have gotten the job, but you tried. That took a lot of dedication, work and courage, and I am still very proud of you."

  "Now I'm going upstairs to cry." She scurried to her room.

  A soft knock on the door was followed by her mother peeking her head around it. Julie pulled it open and hugged her. She couldn't stop the tears. After several moments, Julie pulled herself together. "....K, I'm okay. Daddy said he'd get something chocolate sent up, so I'll drown my sorrows in that." She sniffed and looked for a tissue. "I'll be fine by mor
ning. Just ten pounds heavier."

  "I'm so proud of you." Her mother sat on the edge of the bed. "My baby's growing up."

  Julie blinked. "Oh, don't say that. I'll start crying again." She hugged her mother. "I love you, Mom."

  "I love you, too. I'll just waddle on out of here and off to dinner." Her mother patted her belly. "We'll miss you, but I'll let everyone know that you're just too tired." She pushed herself off the bed. "Oh." Julie's mother reached for her daughter's arm. "I was a bit dizzy there for a sec."

  "Should I walk down with you?"

  "I'm all right. Don't worry."

  Her mother returned downstairs and again Julie was alone and feeling dejected. I need Robert. She glanced at the empty room. In fairy tales, the prince always appears at the right moment. She paused then sighed. Guess I'll go take a shower.

  Exiting her shower wrapped only in a towel, Julie found a tray resting on her bed. She lifted the napkin. Placed neatly on the tray was a salad, a glass of milk and a large slice of double mocha chocolate fudge cheesecake, with whipped cream.

  A fire burned in her fireplace, lending a soft romantic mood to the room. Slipping on her robe, Julie climbed onto the bed and devoured her picnic. As she chased the final cheesecake crumb around the plate, a knock on her door disturbed the silence. Before she answered, Ralph entered. He closed the door and smiled. "Everyone left for the dinner, but I decided to stick around and keep you company. I see you're appropriately dressed for the occasion."

  She tightened the belt of her robe. "Ralph, I'm really tired. I've had an exhausting day. Please leave."

  He walked over to the bed and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Are you sure there isn't anything I can massage to make you feel better?"

  Fighting the urge to throw up, Julie kept her voice steady. "Leave."

  "Why? You've always wanted me. I've known that since we were children."

  Julie brushed his hand off her shoulder. "I'm serious about someone else."

  "The gang punk? I know all about him. A real catch. Pretty soon, I'll be making more in a day than he'll make in a week."

  "He's more of a man than you could ever be. Get out."

  Stunned terror froze Julie for a moment as she realized Ralph was leaning close to kiss her. She searched her plate until she found the dessert fork then, without remorse, Julie stabbed him in the arm. He howled and jumped back.

  Julie held the fork between herself and her cousin. Her heart raced and her eyes opened wide. "I've had a bad day and you're making it worse. Now get out before I stab you again." The threat of the fork and the look in her eyes made Ralph retreat to safer territory.

  Julie slammed and locked her door. She slipped on her nightgown and slid under the bed covers. What a day. First the audition and now Ralph. What next?

  Chapter Nineteen

  Mr. Anderson sat in the hotel dining room drinking his coffee and smiled at his wife. "I love our children, but this childless weekend has been quite a treat."

  "Other than Julie being a little out of sorts, it's been perfect." Sandra leaned over and kissed her husband's cheek. "Ooh, I hear bells."

  He chuckled as he pulled his cell phone from his pocket. "Bill Anderson." He listened. "Yes, Paul, I remember you. Pardon? I see. Yes." He closed his eyes and shook his head. "You did the right thing. I'll deal with this. Good-bye." He pressed end on his smartphone and placed it on the table. "Robert's been arrested."

  "What! What for?"

  "Breaking and entering."

  Mrs. Anderson frowned. "I don't believe it. Where?"

  "1206 Crestview Avenue."

  "That's our address."

  A grin broke across her husband's face. "It seems he went out and my guess is the automatic security system activated itself. When he entered, he triggered it." He swallowed a mouthful of coffee. "When the police arrived, they found an intoxicated gang member raiding our fridge. He called Paul for bail, but Paul called the house and it forwarded to my cell. I'll pop back to Westland, get him out—"

  "Before his probation officer hears about this."

  Swallowing the last of his coffee and wiping his mouth, Mr. Anderson then stood. "I'll see if I can bring him along to cheer up Julie."

  "Appeal to his noble side." Sandra took her husband's offered hand and stood. She responded to Bill's puzzled expression. "Tell him Julie is sad and hurting. He'll be here in a second. He does love her, you know."

  They walked out of the dining room toward the elevators. Mr. Anderson chuckled. "This is going to be fun."

  "Be nice, Bill." His wife patted his arm. "This is so silly."

  "We've got to get that kid a key."

  ***

  Mr. Anderson chuckled all the way to the Westland police station. Within fifteen minutes, the situation was explained and Robert was released.

  As he walked to the main desk, he looked tired and annoyed. He stopped and dropped his chin onto his chest. "Oh shit, a hangover and.... Paul, I said...shit!"

  "Good morning." Mr. Anderson slapped Robert on the back.

  "Hello, sir." Robert's voice was not as cheerful as Julie's father's.

  "I straightened this out. Let's go."

  Not soon enough for Robert, they were driving to Crestview Avenue. "Sorry about the mess."

  "Nothing to apologize for. It wasn't your fault."

  "I asked Paul to bail me out, not get you. I figured once you got back we'd fix it."

  "At least it gives me comfort knowing the security system works. It's also nice to know that our police are quick to respond."

  "They're very polite. Much more so than Shore cops. They were polite as they frisked me, cuffed me, booked me and threw me in the stupid cell."

  "When you're not so annoyed over this situation, you'll see the humour of it."

  Robert glanced out the side window. "This is so embarrassin'. To get busted for something I didn't do and then have my girlfriend's father bail me out. Man, the guys are gonna rib me on this one." He rubbed his forehead. None of this was helping his hangover. "How did Julie's audition go? Did she get the job?"

  "She said they didn't say anything. She really has no idea. She's pretty upset."

  Mr. Anderson pulled into the driveway. A Shoresmen sat on his motorcycle next to the house. Robert got out of the car and called over, "Thanks, Kingston." Without saying a word, the member revved his engine and roared off. As the sound of the engine faded, Robert explained, "When the cops hauled me away I wasn't sure if the house was locked or not. I asked Paul to ask the guys to watch the place."

  "I like the new security system." As he unlocked the door, Mr. Anderson glanced back at Robert. "Julie would like it if you showed up. I'm asking as a father whose little girl is hurting."

  Robert shook his head. "Hit me where it hurts." He grimaced. "I don't got the right clothes. I live in jeans and can't afford to rent a tux."

  "We'll rent one. It's on us, after all you've been through." Robert started to protest, but Mr. Anderson held up his hand. "For Julie."

  Julie's father stepped into the kitchen. Jangles ran to greet them. "Pack a couple of days clothes. I'll call Aunt Kathy and let her know another is arriving. We can get a tux at the mall on the way."

  Five minutes later, Robert was packed and waiting. Mr. Anderson whistled and Jangles raced back into the house. "I've called the neighbours." He picked up his keys. "They'll look after Jangles."

  ***

  Finished at the mall and settled onto the highway out of Westland, Robert cleared his throat. "We have a problem and her name's Julie. I don't know if this relationship is goin' anywhere. There seems to be too many problems and most of them are 'cause of me. Julie's great! She's beautiful and sexy and...." Shut up, stupid! You don't tell a father his daughter's sexy.

  "I guess what I'm tryin' to say is." Robert rubbed his forehead. "We both love Julie, but we can't rip her in two. So what're we going to do? I'm pretty sure I'm not your number one choice, but she's the best thing that has ever happened to me."


  Mr. Anderson scratched his upper lip. "I've been watching you since Julie brought you home. You're certainly not the same kid who was in my court."

  "Mouthy little kid, wasn't I?" His childhood had been a terrible experience, but he was proud he'd survived it.

  "Yes, but you were fighting for your survival. The theory of the law is that it's applied equally to everybody, but the law of the streets in your part of town is different than in Westland." Mr. Anderson looked over at Robert. "I was impressed with you when I jailed you. I gave you the minimum sentence. You were guilty but there should've been a better way to serve you."

  Robert met Julie's father's gaze. "I hated you for lockin' me up. I knew I was guilty, but I didn't know what else to do to survive."

  Mr. Anderson focused on the highway. "As to Julie, I can't say get out of her life. It's her life. But I think you and I have a history to get over."

  "So ask me whatever ya want. I'll answer as honestly as possible."

  "Your honesty has always impressed me."

  "I don't have much in my life but people know I'm tellin' the truth. It ain't a bluff. I mean what I say."

  "Why do you still belong to the gang? They're the cause of most of your problems."

  Robert rubbed the healing scars on his stomach. "They're also the reason I'm still alive. If I walked away now, chaos would result. Marco has a romantic vision of the good old biker days, and the gang would go back to the stupid, senseless violence that only got everyone killed. I need to find another strong intellectual leader to rule. I've done some good for the gang and the town, and I'd hate to lose that."

  "If I said gang or Julie, which would it be?"

  Robert glanced at Julie's father then back out the side window. Is this it? Is this the test? "Are you asking me to decide?"

  "No." He shook his head. "It's a hypothetical question. I want your gut reaction."

  Robert shifted in his seat. "I'd say gang. Julie can always find someone else. No one's gonna die if I walk away from her. If I quit the gang, innocent people'll get hurt from the internal struggle."

  He watched the passing scenery. It wasn't very often that he got this far away from home. "You haven't answered my question yet, sir. Do I have your permission to continue this relationship?"