Sparks Fly Upward by Kelsey Gietl

Author:Kelsey Gietl
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Purple Mask Publishing

20

December 25, 1858

San Francisco, California

From its marble staircases to its chandeliers, Sterling’s Theatrical had transformed into a true holiday sensation. For most of December, every minute not spent in costume was dedicated to crafting decorations. Once Christmas morn arrived, branches and baubles were distributed throughout the foyer and theater space, ensuring everything glistened for that evening’s special holiday performance. Almost every performer received at least one new accessory, if not entirely new costumes. Martha and Clary’s were stitched of black lace with delicate silver embroidery that glittered underneath the gas chandeliers and turned crimson from the firelight. Martha had prepared a never-before-heard song, Rella readied a new acrobatic stunt, and Lissie and Rodrigo claimed their double-twist-flight was sure to “set the crowd acrow.” If one didn’t know any better—which most of their patrons didn’t—they would believe the circus was an upstanding place of business, full to bursting with Christmas spirit.

In reality, the performers all understood the gravity of this performance. Christmas Day was historically one of Sterling’s most highly attended with dual performances at four and eight o’clock and a special patron supper provided in between. Only his wealthiest customers were invited with lavish courses and special wine reserves offered in his private dining room. With the exception of Rella and Clary who served the meal, and Kayus and Julio as personal bodyguards, none of the performers were in attendance. Instead, they were granted a Christmas meal all together, seated on blankets in the courtyard and careful, of course, not to muss their costumes.

“Will those in the Garden be invited?” Martha asked Nora as she untied her mask and laid it carefully upon the dressing table. Clary’s chair remained empty between them, as she had been summoned to the patron dinner immediately following the final bow. Thankfully, their first performance had sold out and proceeded without complication. Now, the second would need to go as smoothly.

Nora removed her mask, shaking her head. “The wilted flowers have to remain in their rooms. You know that.”

“They deserve a holiday, too.”

“Christmas is one of the busiest days in the Garden. All those men spending lonely holidays come a calling. Some of them more than once. You can’t expect Mr. Sterling to give up all that coin.”

Martha could and she did. It was horrible how those women were treated. She would never wish that on any of the performers, especially not this lovely woman she had gotten to know so well. She watched Nora repin her hair and dab an extra bit of rouge on her lips. Her friend popped them a couple times in the foggy mirror and smiled.

“Why the extra care?” Martha asked. “You’re almost acting like you have a real beau.”

Nora replaced the rouge pot in her cigar box. She turned and butted against the dressing table, fingers lighting upon its edge. “I do. Moses, you know that. I don’t see him often outside the bedroom and I want to look my best.”

“But why? I thought you were forced to be together.

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