Born to Dance

by June Tate

  Sixteen

  Bonny packed her bag and caught the train to Southampton. She was looking forward to spending time with her parents during her two-week break. She was really tired and welcomed the fact that she didn’t have to perform, although she did exercises every morning to keep supple.

  She and Millie went shopping together in the town and Bonny treated her mother to lunch, giving her a chance to tell her how excited she was about the new show. ‘According to Giles, I’m going to have several big production numbers.’

  Millie looked surprised. ‘What about your Astaire dances with Rob Andrews?’

  ‘Giles says there are to be just a couple of those, as he wants Rob to concentrate on choreographing the show. As dance director he’ll be very busy.’

  ‘Won’t he mind?’

  Laughing, Bonny said, ‘I wouldn’t think so. He loves his work, and until we danced in the last production, he hadn’t danced on stage in quite a while.’

  Millie looked thoughtful. ‘I thought he looked as if he loved performing and I’m surprised he doesn’t want to continue. Anyway, how’s Mickey, have you heard from him?’

  Bonny felt her cheeks flush. ‘Yes, he writes all the time and sends me flowers, but, of course, he has to be really fit for his next fight. Defending his title means a great deal to him.’

  Mickey O’Halleran was now back from the training camp and working out in Foxy Gordon’s gym. He’d trained hard and was in great condition. His sparring partner was giving him a good work out in the ring when Foxy called a halt. ‘That’s enough for today! Take a shower and then get a good massage. I don’t want you overdoing it at this stage. You’ve three weeks to go and Jake Forbes, your next opponent, is looking good. You need to be in tip-top condition to face him, he certainly is no pushover.’

  Mickey was well aware of this fact. He knew he’d have his work cut out to beat this man, who was as hungry for his title as Mickey was to keep it. It had been billed as the fight of the year and would be a good money-earner for them all.

  Foxy himself knew that it would be even more of a money earner if Mickey remained champion, and he needed the cash to invest further in Giles Gilmore’s show.

  For his part, Giles, soon realized, as he pored over the plans for the scenery and costumes for the spectacular numbers Rob had choreographed, that he would have to go to his backers for even more money. He had no qualms about this. He was convinced that he had the West End show of the year, and when it opened, his fellow investors would make a small fortune. But he was equally convinced that if he tried to cut back in any way, he could ruin the whole production, and he was not about to do that. If he couldn’t persuade the investors, he was prepared to sell his own properties. He sat down in his office and dictated letters to his secretary to be sent to those involved.

  Foxy Gordon tore open the envelope that had dropped on his mat that morning, having read the address of the sender stamped on the back, and grinned broadly as he read the contents.

  So Gilmore was asking for more money. Splendid! He lit a cigar and thought about the dilemma that faced him if he was to achieve his goal. All the cash he could raise was already invested in the project; he would need to see his bank manager to raise more. Fortunately for him, the man was a great fight enthusiast and Foxy didn’t think there would be a problem. After all, he had Mickey O’Halleran as collateral!

  He walked back into the gym just as Wally Cole wandered in with one of his henchman. The men hadn’t met since Foxy had faced the villain over Charlie Black’s death and the fight promoter was not pleased to see him. ‘Out of your territory, aren’t you?’

  Cole just smiled. ‘I was in the area and thought I’d look in and see how the champ was doing now it’s so close to the big fight.’

  ‘He’s doing just fine.’

  ‘Glad to hear it, because I’ll be putting my money on him and I wouldn’t be happy to see it go down the pan.’

  ‘You don’t have to worry; my boy will win, so your money is safe.’

  ‘Always looking for a good investment, Foxy. You know me. In fact I’m thinking of branching out. I hear that Giles Gilmore is looking for more money to finance his new show.’ He smiled softly, ‘I thought I might get involved.’

  This was not what Foxy wanted to hear, but in no way was he going to let this man know he was financially involved himself. He started to laugh. ‘You don’t look out of place seated near a boxing ring, but really, Wally, dressed up to the nines in the audience at a theatre – you’d be out of place. A bit too classy for the likes of you. Not your thing at all, I would have thought.’

  Cole’s eyes flashed angrily. ‘If I owned a brothel, it wouldn’t mean I’d have sex with any of the brasses, but I would collect the takings!’ And he stalked out of the gym.

  The promoter frowned. He needed to get to see his bank manager quickly. No way was Wally Cole going to take a share in Gilmore’s production. That was not part of his plan at all.

  When he eventually left the bank, Gordon was in a cold sweat. Although the bank manager was a fight fan, he was first a businessman and Foxy had had to put up his gym – his livelihood – as collateral for the loan he required. As he was told, there was never a guarantee of a winner in the fight game, but bricks and mortar were always solid. But at least he would have the cash to buy more shares in Giles Gilmore’s production. He would be the largest stockholder, apart from Giles himself, and that was just where he wanted to be.

  Rehearsals began. Rob had been inspired, it would seem. Broadway Melody was to be a sumptuous affair, with incredible scenery depicting all the famous parts of New York, familiar to the general public: Broadway, Times Square, with all its neon lights, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building, were among them. Street scenes in Harlem, Tin Pan Alley with a jazz band, and the famous St Patrick’s Day Parade would be other production numbers, with the full cast on stage.

  The man in charge of building the scenery had made the city come to life, and Bonny, looking at the drawings and partially built flaps and backdrop, was astonished at the skill of the team. It was like stepping into another world. But the rehearsals were exhausting.

  ‘One – two – three – four – five – six – seven – eight!’ called Rob, keeping the dancers in time as they filled the stage, twirling and whirling to the music.

  ‘No! No! For God’s sake, can’t you keep in time?’ Rob stopped the music and leapt up on the stage. Standing with his back to the dancers he signalled for the music to begin. ‘Follow me,’ he called and started to dance.

  With all eyes on the dance director, the dancers sweated and worked until they ached as they followed his new routine.

  At the end he called, ‘Take a break and then we’ll go through it all again.’

  Shirley and Bonny sank to the floor. ‘Bloody hell!’ exclaimed Shirley. ‘By the time this show is finished there won’t be anything left of any of us. I’ve lost so much weight already!’

  Bonny stretched her aching back, reaching down to hold her toes and then slowly sitting up. ‘Well, I’ve aged ten years, I swear. When I get back to the digs this evening I’ll sit in a hot bath and then fall into bed.’

  ‘We must eat first,’ Shirley insisted, ‘even if we are too tired. If we don’t, we won’t have the strength for tomorrow.’

  As Bonny and Shirley rested, Giles was in his office, poring over the bills heaped on his desk. Even with the added money from his backers, it was going to be tight, meeting all the costs. It wasn’t that he hadn’t been in this position before. Every show seemed to cost more money than was first budgeted for but this was an enormous investment. His biggest by far. If it wasn’t a success, he was ruined and his career would be over in the theatre. He ran his hands through his hair in desperation. Apart from the costs of the scenery and costumes, there were the wages of the cast and those working behind the scenes to be covered, and he was robbing Peter to pay Paul, keeping what money he had in circulation. He was a past master at this but it ca
used him many a sleepless night.

  He had one saving grace and that was Bonny Burton. In her he knew he had a star. Rob Andrews’s choreography had been inspired throughout, but in the numbers featuring Bonny, Rob had been particularly clever, showing her versatility. Some had featured her tap dancing; others were show numbers, with modern dance; and some with him in their Astaire production, yet another style. Oh yes, she would be his key to success, if he could only make the money go round until opening night. Then, please God, he would make a fortune.

  When Bonny staggered out of her dressing room at the end of the day, she saw Mickey walking down the corridor towards her. With a cry of delight, she ran towards him and threw herself into his arms.

  Lifting her off the ground, he held her tight and kissed her. ‘Hello, princess. I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you.’

  ‘Oh, Mickey darling, I’m so pleased to see you.’ Tears of happiness welled in her eyes.

  ‘Hey, what’s this all about?’ he asked with a worried frown. ‘Are you all right?’

  She smiled up at him. ‘Of course I am. I’m just so tired.’

  He walked her out of the theatre his arm around her shoulders. ‘I know what you need,’ he said as he called a taxi. ‘I’m taking you to a hotel. You need a Turkish bath and a massage. It’ll take all your aches and pains away. Then we’ll have something to eat and I’ll take you home.’

  Later in the dining room of the hotel, the two of them exchanged their news. As he held her hand, Bonny felt almost renewed. Her body was relaxed after the massage and now, having eaten, all she wanted to do was sleep, but she didn’t want to have to leave this lovely man. When she told him how she felt, he just smiled.

  ‘That can be arranged, darlin’.’ He booked them into a room after having a quiet word with the manager, who promised Mickey his complete discretion as he handed over the room key.

  Once inside the bedroom, Bonny got undressed without embarrassment – somehow it seemed the most natural thing to do – and climbed into bed. As Mickey walked towards her, she marvelled at his toned frame, his broad powerful shoulders, his muscular arms, which held her so gently as he climbed into bed beside her.

  He gathered her to him, kissed her softly and said, ‘Now go to sleep.’

  Seeing the look of surprise on her face, Mickey smiled softly. ‘There will be plenty of time for love, darlin’, but now you need to rest.’ He felt her body relax and saw her eyes close and then he watched the rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed. He knew he would love this girl for the rest of his life.

  Three hours later, Bonny stirred. She could feel the warmth of Mickey’s body, which seemed to be like another skin as he matched the curve of her body from behind. His arms around her. She stretched and he woke.

  He nuzzled the back of her neck. ‘Feel better?’

  ‘I feel wonderful.’ She turned within his hold and kissed him.

  Their love-making was slow and gentle as Mickey stroked and caressed her without haste, feeling her passion mounting as his fingers explored her supple body. Kissing her neck, her breasts, telling her how much he loved her and wanted her.

  Bonny’s head was swimming with all the strange and new sensations she was feeling. Her body seemed to have a mind of its own as it responded to the touch of the man beside her. As he climbed on top of her she automatically spread her legs as if she knew what she was doing and had done it all before.

  ‘Relax, darling,’ Mickey told her. ‘I want you to enjoy this as much as I will.’

  And she did.

  After, as they lay in each other’s arms, bodies entwined, Bonny let out a deep sigh of contentment. ‘I never knew it would be like that.’

  Mickey looked concerned. ‘What on earth did you expect?’

  She laughed as she saw the worried look on his face. ‘I don’t know, but it was lovely. When can we do it again?’

  He burst out laughing. ‘Are you trying to kill me? I have to keep fit for the big fight.’

  ‘You seemed pretty fit to me,’ she said with a chuckle.

  ‘You, young lady, have the makings of a hussy!’

  ‘Oh, I do hope so, it sounds so naughty.’ And she snuggled down into his embrace.

  Seventeen

  Wally Cole was furious! He’d tried to buy into Giles Gilmore’s new production without success and had learned, through nefarious means, that Foxy Gordon had quite an investment in the show. The boxing promoter’s barb about Wally being out of his class in the theatre still rankled. Who the hell was he to talk down to him in such a manner – and to threaten him in front of his men, as he’d done a while ago?

  From all accounts, the new show was going to be spectacular and a sure-fire hit, making its backers a great deal of money, and Wally dearly wanted to be in on it. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t possible. This angered him even more and he wondered how he could spoil Foxy’s chances of cashing in. Not only was this eating away at the mind of the criminal, but also the fact that Mickey O’Halleran, Gordon’s blue eyed champion, was courting Bonny Burton, the new star of the show, giving Foxy another insight to the theatrical connection.

  For his part, Foxy Gordon was delighted with his investment, and especially as now, well into rehearsals, those angels with a vested interest had been invited along to the theatre to watch the first dress rehearsal, no doubt in the hopes of impressing them in case more money was needed. Foxy had decided it was time to show Gilmore his hand and go along, clutching his written invitation in the name of his nom de plume, James Harcourt. A poncey sounding name, which Foxy had thought would appeal to Giles. He couldn’t wait to see the look on the impresario’s face when he discovered the true identity of his biggest backer.

  The morning rehearsals were over and Rob gathered the full cast on to the stage of the Adelphi Theatre. ‘This afternoon we are going to run through the entire show from beginning to end, in costume, as if this was a performance,’ he told them. ‘In the audience will be the angels who have put their money into the show. Without them we would not be here, so make sure they leave the theatre feeling that their money has been well spent. If they don’t feel that way, we could be in serious trouble, so take a lunch break and come back and give me the show that will break all box office records!’

  The cast dispersed with a lot of nervous chatter and excitement. They all knew that they had the means to make history in the musical theatre and the adrenalin was potent.

  Bonny entered her dressing room and patted the golden star on the door. She still couldn’t believe that it meant her, despite the fact that her name was below it. She sat in her chair in front of the mirror, which was surrounded by bright lights, and stared at her reflection. Her father’s words echoed inside her head. He had talked about the responsibility of carrying the show on her shoulders and had wondered if she was ready for such responsibility. She asked herself the same question. She didn’t really know. All she did know was that she was exactly where she wanted to be, doing exactly what she wanted to do.

  The production was innovative and exciting. Rob Andrews had choreographed spectacular numbers; the scenery was breathtaking and the other dancers were of the highest calibre. And she, Bonny Burton, from Southampton, was the star. The only question that gave her anything like a feeling of disquiet was, how much would this change her life?

  She had discussed this with Mickey, who was used to the limelight. He had tried to dispel her fears and advise her.

  ‘You have to get used to the idea that your life will become of public interest. The papers will always be looking for a story, so you will have to make sure you are never seen without looking spic and span. No popping to the shops in an old shabby outfit or they’ll fill the papers with photos. Whatever you do, don’t volunteer any information about your private life. Try and keep that to yourself.’

  ‘They keep asking me about us and our relationship as it is,’ she told him.

  He just laughed. ‘I know, darlin’, they do the same to me. I just
tell them it’s none of their business. We will have to be very careful in the future where we spend our time together. Mind you, when the show opens that will be limited.’

  She looked disappointed. ‘Oh, Mickey, I don’t think I can bear that.’

  ‘We neither of us have a choice, princess. We are both in the entertainment business; do you want to give that up?’

  ‘Of course not!’

  ‘And neither do I, so we have to play by the rules. It comes with the territory.’

  Bonny pondered over this conversation and knew that he spoke the truth. Her thoughts were disturbed by a knock on the door. ‘Come in,’ she called.

  Shirley popped her head round the door. ‘Want some company?’ She held out two cups of coffee.

  ‘Oh God, Shirley, am I pleased to see you, and a cup of coffee is just what I need. I’m getting more nervous by the minute, sitting here alone.’

  Shirley was just the right kind of diversion, and they spent time going over the dance routines, the gossip of the theatre and relaxing together before the rehearsal.

  The angels and a few invited guests were ushered into the theatre at the allotted time and took their seats. Foxy threw a cursory glance at the others, but took a seat away from them. He wanted to sit alone, without any distraction, during the show.

  The orchestra were tuning their instruments, and although the theatre was all but empty, there was an air of excitement and expectation among the few seated in the stalls. The lights dimmed and the overture began.

  At the back of the stalls, Giles Gilmore slipped into a seat, his heart beating as the curtains opened. His hands were sweating with the concern that coursed through his body. It was always the same at this stage. Had he made a mistake? Would the show live up to his expectations? Would he still have a career in the theatre? He lit a cigarette and prayed, but as the curtain rose and the scenery showed Times Square with all its lights, the sounds of the cars, and the hustle and bustle depicted by Rob’s great choreography, he began to relax.