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The old me never would’ve let that happen. I would’ve taken that opportunity, because I know I deserve it.
Tomorrow is our first of three nights in Miami. Now, all I have to bank on is the fact that the weather is nice and we only have four more stops to go.
On the way to the car, I hear a shout from behind me before I reach the door.
“Fia, wait up!”
Over my shoulder, Haven and her beautiful dark waves float as she jogs to catch up to me.
“Ride with me today, yeah?” She pushes the door open, walking ahead and holding it for me to pass by. Her friendliness feels like an instant mood booster. Really, out of everyone here, with the exception of my snack buddy, Dan, Haven is the only person I’d consider a friend.
“Uh, yeah, sure,” I answer nervously.
The sweltering Florida heat is a contrast to the bitterly cold air-conditioned arena. The temperature does nothing to stop my clammy hands as I bypass the car I usually ride in for Haven’s.
“What was that today?” Her question is so nonchalant; she’s not even looking in my direction. When we’re both settled, she taps away on her phone, then sets it on the console in front of us, giving me her undivided attention.
Taking a deep breath, my words rush out. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to step on your toes. I—”
“No, I don’t mean that. Why didn’t you want to stay at center?”
I’m embarrassed to tell her I only gave up my spot so I don’t have to deal with the shit from Shannon and the rest of the dancers. I’m here to give my best, and remaining unproblematic especially when it could’ve benefitted the performance isn’t really what your boss wants to hear.
I deflate. “I just… It seemed like it would be more fair.”
Her gaze locks on mine meaningfully. “Look, I’ve worked with some of these dancers before. They’re fucking great at their jobs. It’s the only reason I hired them again, but you are just as good. They don’t see this as an equal playing field, but I do. I wanted all of you, because to me, each of you brings something special to this tour. Don’t let people take from you what’s meant to be yours.”
I can only nod, trying to hold back emotions that I don’t want surfacing. I never used to let people take anything from me. But it only takes one time for someone to rob you of what you thought was yours to warp your entire perception.
“You used to dance for Prime, right?”
Haven shifts the conversation, her legs crossing with a little bounce that showcasing her excitement.
“Yeah, years ago.” I smile at the memory.
Prime, a hip-hop dance company in Los Angeles, was one I always dreamed of being a part of. I’d stay up late at night watching all their videos, learning all of the dances in my bedroom. It took everything I had to convince my parents to let me audition for their summer program. When they lowered their age limit my first summer out of high school, I knew it was the only chance I was going to get. After the program, I ended up staying for a little over a year to dance locally with them.
It’s where I really fell in love with dance.
“Do you have any experience choreographing?”
The hairs on my arms shoot up when she asks.
“Not professionally, but I teach youth hip-hop at my studio back home.”
“Want you to help me with something,” she says, and I sit taller, feeling on edge with anticipation.
“I’m going to send you this, but you can’t share it with anyone yet, okay?”
Grabbing her phone, her dark eyebrows and sharp features are stern as they pierce into me.
I nod ferociously. “Okay, yeah. Of course. I won’t show anyone.”
A few taps later, my phone pings in my hand. An audio attachment titled Redemption is the only message in the thread between Haven and me.
“I’m sick of the cheeky pop shit. I want music that makes me feel—music that’ll make me move. Sandy is amazing at what she does. She built the exact show I wanted, but I don’t think she can choreograph this song the way I want.”
“Haven, I—” I can’t wrap my head around what she’s asking of me.
