Page 41 of Sway

14

Vika

APRODUCER MOTIONS for the audience to clap. “And we’re on in three, two, one.”

Matt is standing next to the judges’ table, pretending to make small talk with Benny. He breaks away when he ‘notices’ the camera. “Tonight,” Mr. Smiley says into his hand mic, “all the couples will have to perform two dances: a waltz and a group hip-hop. Let’s start the evening off with the couple that continues to wow the judges—Rock Star Tony Zave and his partner, Vika Brooks.”

Tony kisses my hand backstage as our clip starts playing on the video screen. The camera had zoomed in on my face. Who was the makeup artist that day? I needed more blush and I spy a stray eyebrow. But otherwise, flawless.

“For Tony to really understand what it’s like to dance perfect waltz,” I was blabbing, “I thought it would be important for him to feel like he’s floating.” God, I hate these “confessional clips.” They always make me sound stupid. “So I decided to take him with his sons to Disneyland.” There’s a video of Tony and me with his boys, Draven and Dallas, on Peter Pan’s Flight ride at Disneyland. We’re all squealing with our hands up in the air as we glide along in the ride. Then Tony and I are shown walking around, holding his boys’ hands, wearing mouse ears embroidered with our names. We look like a family. And I actually look happy.

“Dancing the waltz,” Matt announces, “Tony Zave and his partner Viktoria Brooks.”

The band starts playing Norah Jones’ song “Come Away With Me.” Tony leads me on stage. He looks gorgeous in his black tail suit. The bruising around his eyes from idiot Xavier’s kick last week isn’t noticeable, thank God—our makeup crew did a great job. I’m wearing a stunning pink satin ball gown, backless and see-through up top, with a feather trim on the skirt. He takes me in his arms and I melt. We float around the room, and I feel like I’m still at Disneyland. I taught him to keep his head left the entire time, but Tony can't stop looking at me. I usually back lead the dance but for once I let go, relax into his arms, and let him take control.

The music dies down and Tony gives me a kiss on my head.

“I’m falling in love with you,” he whispers.

Oh hell no. We separate and I turn toward Matt.

“Tony and Viktoria, that was truly beautiful. Let’s hear what the judges have to say. Benjamin Brooks.”

Benny’s eyes light up. “Well mate, a better man never stood in two dance shoes. Bottling, his blood’s worth. Tony, you have amazing musicality and, of course, you are a lucky mate to be dancing with my better half.”

“Thanks, man.” He looks dead on at Benny. Tony couldn’t care less that I’m married.

“Do you think Tony and Viktoria have a chance to win?” Matt asks.

“Is the pope Catholic?” Benny says.

“And now to our lovely Karen Lopez. How did Tony and Viktoria dance?”

“Viktoria, you are breathtaking. I was a little nervous about your interpretation of the waltz,” she pauses and eyes my costume, “but you pulled it off. Tony, my dear, your timing and footwork were exquisite.”

Nervous? Why the hell would she be nervous? My dancing is always perfect. Lucky for her, she redeemed herself.

“Steve Samson, do you agree with your fellow judges?” Matt asks.

“Absolutely. Tony, your feet peeled off the floor like layers off an onion. And your dancing was so mesmerizing that, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were in love with Viktoria.”

You don’t say.

“Okay,” Matt says to us, “go backstage and wait for some good scores.”

Tony and I walk off stage and he kisses me.

“Antoshka!” I push him off me. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“I don’t give a fuck who sees, Vika. I’ve never felt like this.”

No way. Not here, not now, and certainly not on his terms. The L-word has no part in this game. “I’m not one of your damn groupies. I’m married to judge on this show.”

“But Vika—”

“No ‘but Vika.’” A staffer steps into the doorway and waves us over. “It’s dancing, Antoshka,” I whisper harshly. “What you’re feeling isn’t real.”

He looks crushed. I almost give in, his face is so puppy dog. But then I remember that Vika never gives in. Not if she can help it, anyway. Certainly not with the L-word.