“Really?” That surprised me. “But it’s such a great piece. I’m sure tons of people want to do it.”

“They do. But nobody’s been right for it. Their dancing doesn’t fit with mine the way I want it to. It’s too similar. There needs to be some clashing, some dissonance. That’s what’ll make it exciting.”

I searched my brain, trying to think of possible solutions, things she could try during auditions.

Josie traced the rim of her water glass. “Would—would you want to do it?”

I blinked at her. Me and Josie dancing together, for the first time in a decade. It would be weird. But maybe also… fun? Modern dance still wasn’t my favorite, but it would be interesting to try something new. “As long as you don’t make me wear a sailor suit, then sure.”

“Deal—wait, you’ll really do it?”

“I’ll really do it,” I said, smiling.

Josie smiled back. “Okay,” she said. “Cool.”

After I climbed the stairs to my room and wiped the lipstick off my face, I searched my bag for my phone. There was no way I was falling asleep anytime soon, and I had to text Colleen and Margot about what had happened with Jude. I didn’t care how late it was.

When I finally found it underneath my jazz shoe, I saw I already had a text from Colleen.

I got in.

I read the words again. Oh my God. ABT. She got in.

I gasped, excitement swirling like confetti in my stomach, goose bumps standing out on my arms. She’d sent the text a few hours ago. I’d been so busy with rehearsal, and then with Jude, I hadn’t checked my phone in forever.

I texted back my congratulations with a million exclamation points and firework emojis. I felt those fireworks crackling through me, bursting out in explosions of color. Colleen was going to be amazing, and I was so proud of myself for helping her get there. For being part of this incredible beginning.

Thank youuuuuuuuu!! she said back. I’m excited but also nervous but also excited. Aaack!! I need to start hoarding pointe shoes.

Summer intensives meant dancing on pointe for hours every day in hot, humid weather, which made the shoes wear out more quickly. And pointe shoes weren’t cheap, so it was the one drawback of summer intensive season.

And then I remembered, I still had a few unused pairs. Ones I’d gotten in preparation for the ABT intensive last year and then packed away.

I have three pairs. We’re still the same size right? I texted back. Let’s go shopping for the rest this weekend? After I pick you up from class?

Yes please!