Pas de Trois

Chapter 33: "Can we do this?"

"Miss Masters," the company director stopped Chloe before she could get her lunch that day. "We have a benefit dinner tonight. I need you and Slade to perform a Swan Lake pas de deux. Whichever one you both know best."

"Me and Slade?" Chloe repeated. They'd known each other a year and never danced together, not seriously. It was just her luck that they would end up paired together now that she was preparing to break up with him.

"Unless you have something better to do with your time?"

"No, I'll do it," Chloe realized Slade was standing a few feet away. He'd definitely seen her hesitate.

"Yes, you will," the director looked from her to Slade. "Talk to wardrobe now then get your lunch. Take the afternoon, work through it with Sharon," he ordered as he walked away.

"I'm sorry it's me," Slade said as soon as they were alone.

"It's fine, you're okay to partner with," Chloe shrugged. The words sounded harsher than she'd meant.

"I'm a good partner," Slade protested. "I'll make you look good, don't worry."

"That's not it, Slade, and you know it," Chloe ignored the looks from the other advanced dancers as they passed the lunch buffet.

"Whatever, Chloe, I'm just happy you'll finally have to talk to me instead of avoiding it like you've been doing for weeks."

"You won't like what I have to say," Chloe went down the hall to the wardrobe room. She realized as she walked through the door that Slade wasn't with her anymore. Fuck. Would he know what she meant by that?

"Chloe!" the head of costuming always looked like she was in a panic. "Thank god it's you. He's always doing this to me, pulling these last minute casting choices. At least I know we have something your size. "

"What does that mean?" Chloe hadn't meant to snap at her. She was really making her mess as bad as she could, wasn't she?

"Don't start," the woman rolled her eyes. "I don't have the patience for a tutu tantrum today. You know I didn't mean anything by it. I'm guessing you want something dark in case of leaks."

"Thanks," Chloe felt about 3 inches tall as the woman scanned her inventory list. "So, can everyone tell or..."

"I've been here 20 years, I know a hormonal outburst when I see one," the woman didn't look up. "Here, let's pull these 3. I'll even let you pick."

Chloe followed her to a different room where some of the costumes were stored and waited while she pulled out 3 tutus for Chloe to see. They were all gorgeous but Chloe knew right away she wanted the more modern-looking one. She put it on, leaving the other two on the hanger.

"Well, that's shocking," the costume woman snorted.

"Is it too predictable?" Chloe asked, looking at the other two again.

"No, it's a good choice," the woman said. "Hold still, let me be sure the straps are right."

"Wait, do you think..." Chloe reached for a tissue and wiped away a little of the makeup covering her left tattoo.

"He might kill you for that, but it suits," the costume manager smiled. "Let me move the strap to the side so they're clear."

"My dad will kill me too," Chloe admitted but as she studied her reflection in the mirror she knew it was perfect.

Chloe grabbed some lunch and ate as she walked to the studio where Sharon was already talking to Slade. The easy part was over. The real work was still to come.