The Music and the Mirror by Lola Keeley

Author:Lola Keeley [Keeley, Lola]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: lesbian fiction
Publisher: Ylva Publishing
Published: 2018-02-18T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

Of course he follows her, and righteous though her anger is, Victoria doesn’t make much effort to evade him. Richard catches up to her eventually outside the bodega where she’s just charmed a Marlboro from a teenager, who’s lingering in case she asks for more than a smoke.

“Those things will kill you,” Rick warns, and he has the decency to look at least slightly shamefaced about it as he pulls out his own pack. “Don’t make me chase you all over the city, Victoria. Neither one of us is fit for that these days.”

“When did you start hating me?” she asks. “A bit of light backstabbing I expect; it comes with the territory. But that was a real betrayal, and I didn’t see it coming.”

“Liza offered.” Rick joins her at the corner with a shrug. “And I’ve spent twelve years taking the blame for the biggest loss in ballet. Even now you still won’t tell the real story, won’t clear my name.”

“You really think people blame you for my injury?” She’s been putting the pieces together, too slowly. “Just because I didn’t go on daytime television and sob about it for sixty minutes?”

“I thought hiring you four years ago would stop it.” His sigh is long and weary. “Why would you work for me if I was to blame? But people are idiots and they stick with that story.”

“Was that reason enough to risk injuring an innocent girl?” Victoria won’t feel sorry for him. He got to dance on for years after her. “Did you really think Teresa wouldn’t crack the minute I pressed her? She’s besotted with me.”

“I was trying to show you how it upsets the balance of the company.” He turns, ready to walk away. “What?”

“You hurt her. Do you have any idea the damage that could have been done? She could press charges, Rick. I’d support her all the way.”

“Oh, aren’t you the devoted director?” He snorts. “Careful, Vicki. I might think you’re the one blurring the personal and professional here. Mind you, Liza might have already turned her head.”

“I have no worries when it comes to Anna, whether it’s Liza or the program I’ve picked. You’re the one who declared war, Rick. Don’t blame me when I win.”

He shrugs, turning and making his way back down the block to the restaurant. Victoria shivers slightly, the evening having cooled enough that her silk blouse isn’t enough protection for someone with her body mass. It can’t be long before Anna comes looking for her, surely? She’s a little surprised her phone isn’t blowing up like she’s a high school senior who missed curfew. Taking her time about it, she walks the short distance back to the restaurant, grinding the butt of the cigarette under her Louboutin when she’s had enough.

The restaurant is a fishbowl because Rick and Liza are about tied in who most likes to see and be seen. It means Victoria has a decent view without getting too close, and it takes only a

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.