Skinny Dipping

The Show

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Chapter 18 Continued

It took some time for Sophie's breathing to calm, and for her to feel more normal. She focused on Carol and became mesmerised by the music. Carol floated effortlessly over the stage. She was sensational.

There was a standing ovation at the end of the show, and Sophie couldn't help the tears welling in her eyes as the crowd applauded Carol.

"She was absolutely brilliant," Sophie gushed to Matthew as they walked out of the theatre. Oddly, as if they were actually together, his fingers entwined with hers.

"She was phenomenal," Mickey admitted as they all exited the theatre, caught in the crowd. They were all suddenly ballet experts, commenting on what she'd done and how she done it. Even though none of them really know what they were talking about, they all agreed Carol was magnificent. And surely, she was much better than the usual principal dancer.

"Do you think she'd be good on camera, like in a commercial? She's slim and very pretty."

"God, I wish she would be in my commercial; she's so graceful," Matthew agreed.

"Why don't we see her after the show?" Mickey insisted. "We've come all this way and I want to see the star!"

***

After the show there were no issues with security. Sophie freely led the entourage backstage which was heaving with activity. Ballerinas scooted down the halls, appearing much more dishevelled then they were minutes ago, prancing on stage.

Sophie rapped on Carol's dressing room door. "Is the superstar inside?" she called. They huddled outside, waiting in anticipation for Carol to answer.

A musical voice resonated through the door. "She's here. Come on in," Carol hollered. Sophie pushed the door open and the group bounded inside.

Turning from the dressing table and extensive mirror, Carol swivelled in her chair to face her guests. She'd already swapped her costume for a stylish, short, chic dress emphasizing her muscular frame. "Welcome, welcome," she breathed and blew kisses to each person, the effect stopping Matthew and Clive in their tracks.

A wide smile crept across Carol's face as she hurriedly extracted pins, disassembling her bun which had sat rigidly in place for her whole performance. Her hair was soon loose and lengths of blonde trailed down her back. Wisps of hair created a halo around her face.

"You were amazing," Sophie shrieked. "Just incredible."

Carol shrugged and stood up. She folded over, bending from the waist into an elaborate bow. "Thank you very much. Autographs later folks," she joked. Carol's eyes settled on Matthew, waiting for some type of reaction.

"You were captivating," Matthew encouraged.

"Thank you. And thank you so much for coming," Carol whispered. She clutched Matthew's hands and kissed both his cheeks. "I know men don't often like the ballet."

"All those women in leotards," Matthew teased. "Guys should be queuing for each performance."

Carol faced Mickey, her eyes widened in question. She swallowed, a microscopic gulp most people wouldn't notice, betraying her bravado, and proof of her total lack of confidence in her performance.