Love By Touch

Chapter One

I Will Be "Wonderful"

First Person of Kasia Durban

***

“Kasia Durban, I have only one question for you,” he stared at me deeply.  My heart beat a million times per minute in my chest. The fear of losing all I’d worked for hung in the balance of this one question.  His face was serious I couldn’t decipher if his emotionless stare meant he was holding back the news I’d always longed to hear or just another disappointment.  I began to fidget under the spotlight, the stage growing just a bit too hot.  If he didn’t cut the suspense I might pass out.  I scrunched my fingers together into fists while I waited with baited breath for the results.

“Where have you been?” His face broke into a broad smile.  I sighed in relief and placed my hand over my heart to slow its pace.

“I’m serious, that dancing was spec-TAC-ular!” he gushed emphasizing his words.  “You have got to singlehandedly be the best dancer I have seen yet.  Where have you been during these brutal weeks of auditions?”

“So do I get the job?” I questioned thinking this was too good to be true.

“Get the job?! Honey, you were made for this job!”

I pumped my fists in the air in triumph, “Yes thank you, Mr. Lankley.  You won’t be disappointed.  I’m going to put everything I have into this, heart and soul.”

“I sure hope so and if I see more of what I saw up here today…you are one hell of a star,  Kasia.  I can see you headlining our stage.  How would you like to start this Saturday?  Come by the studio tomorrow at three pm to practice and meet your new partner.”  He handed me a card with the address and then walked away satisfied.

“P-partner?” I swallowed nervously.

“See you then kid,” the door clicked behind him leaving me alone on stage.

I looked down at the card, and then it all sunk in I screamed in joy and started doing a victory dance on stage doing cartwheels and handstands all over the place. I, Kasia Durban, was the newest dancer for Dinner and a Show.  Dinner and a Show was the coolest place to be right now, a swanky place offering a great meal and some dining entertainment.  The man I had just met and auditioned for, Mr. Lankley, was the manager of the restaurant and coincidently the talent scout.  Dinner and a Show wasn’t cheap, rather majorly expensive.  But who wouldn’t pay their prices for the food which is to die for and also the accompanying breathtaking talent. Only top notch dancers got through the grueling auditions.  Basically right now I was living the dreams of every dancer in Chicago.  I couldn’t get too excited just yet, I mean I’m new I could be cut for the smallest of things.  Then I remembered something I had forgotten in my burst of giddiness.  Partner.  How will I ever?  I can’t possibly dance with another person.  It’ll just ruin everything.

“Why hello.  Are you the new dancer?” said a boy amongst the crowd of tables and chairs.

I jumped at the sound of his voice.  Then I realized he had asked me a question, but I still stood there frozen staring back wide-eyed.

“What’s the matter?  I won’t bite,” he grinned, “much.”  He pulled himself up onto the stage and began to knead his feet getting them ready to dance.

I couldn’t even get a laugh out, I stood tall just staring at him completely serious.

“Jeez, it’s a joke,” he smiled.  “I’m Gavin.” He held out his hand to shake.

I didn’t shake it. I couldn’t.  Come on Kasia respond anything!  “Kasia,” I replied flatly. Alright, at least I’m getting somewhere.

“So…you dance right?” he asked