A Fool's Gold Christmas (Fool's Gold #9.5)

“I’m very excited about the show.” Dominique put her hand on Evie’s arm. “I heard about your young man. I’m so sorry. After Christmas I’m visiting with friends in Fiji for a few weeks. If you feel the need to get away, I’m happy to loan you my apartment in New York. Charlie has the key.”


The unexpected generosity had Evie’s eyes feeling a little moist. “Thank you. That’s very sweet.”

“Some men are idiots.”

“I keep telling myself that. So far it’s not working, but soon, I hope.”

The opening bars of the first song filled the convention center. Morgan settled into his throne as Gideon’s smooth chocolate-and-velvet voice spoke over the music.

“Once upon a time there was a magical kingdom ruled by a kind and generous king. He was blessed with many daughters. Each beautiful and wise. The king loved his daughters so much, he decided he would keep them with him forever.”

The first group danced onto the stage, their wings quivering and catching the light.

Evie turned her attention to them. Whatever happened or didn’t happen with Dante was out of her control. Good ending or bad, she would get through it. Not because she was especially tough or determined, but because she wasn’t alone. She had her friends and her family. People who loved her. She belonged, and right now that was more than enough.

* * *

ON THE DAY BEFORE the performance, Evie knew the show was going to be brilliant. Beyond brilliant. Her dancers were amazing, taking to the stage with grace and style. Their costumes fit perfectly, the music was fabulous and Gideon’s changes to the narration added a heartwarming element that would have everyone in tears.

She walked into the convention center a half hour before rehearsal, knowing that between them, she and her girls had reason to be proud of themselves. There were—

Her cell phone rang.

Evie grabbed it and glanced at the unfamiliar but local number. “Hello?”

“Evie? Is that you?”

“Yes. Who is this?” She didn’t recognize the woman’s voice, but she sounded very upset.

“It’s Shelley, Grace’s mom. I’m so sorry, but there’s been an accident.” Shelley took a breath. “Grace and her friends went up the mountain this morning to find snow. Unfortunately, they also went snowboarding. I’d warned her not to, what with the show tomorrow and everything, but she snuck off. She slipped and fell and broke her leg.”

Evie sank onto the nearest chair. “Is she all right?”

“Yes. It’s a clean break. They barely had to do anything to set it, but she won’t be dancing anytime soon. She’s hysterical, of course. I was terrified, but now that I know she’s okay, I’m hoping this teaches her to be more responsible. Teenagers. Which doesn’t help you at all. Like I said, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry about the dance,” Evie said automatically, relieved Grace was going to be fine. “We’ll figure something out.”

“We’ll all be there tomorrow night, to watch. Grace will be in tears, just so you’re braced.”

“Of course she’s disappointed.”

“And then some. Okay, I need to run. I have to get Grace home. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye.”

Evie disconnected the call, then stared at the phone, not sure what she was supposed to do. Grace had a full minute solo in the most critical part of the story. It was her dance that finally convinced her father to let the girls go into the world. Her dance began the transformation.

Evie dug through her bag and stared at the notes she’d made. There was no way to change the music, so there had to be a one-minute transition. Something simple, she thought, wondering who could learn a new dance in a day. She was still working on options when her students began to arrive.

She waited until they were all there to tell them what had happened.

Abby Sutton rolled her eyes when she heard. “It’s because she likes this boy who loves to snowboard.”

Melissa nudged her sister. “Shh. Don’t say that.”

“Why not? It’s true. Girls do stupid things for boys.”

Talk about telling the truth, Evie thought. She’d been an idiot over a guy herself.

“While I’m sure we all feel badly for Grace,” Evie said instead, “we have to come up with a way to fill the beats in the music. Grace had a solo at a pivotal moment in the story.”

Lillie shrugged. “Why don’t you do it?”

Evie blinked at her. “Me? I can’t.”

“Why not? You know all the steps. You know everyone’s steps.” Lillie giggled. “You could do the whole show yourself.”

“That would look pretty silly,” Evie told her.

Melissa and Abby glanced at each other, then back at her.

“You should do it,” Abby told her.

“Yeah,” Melissa said. “You’re better than all of us. Even Grace.”

Several girls nodded at that. Then they were all telling Evie to dance the solo.

“You can be one of the daughters, just like us,” Lillie said. “Please say you will.”

“I’d have to check with Ms. Guérin,” Evie said, not wanting to take the spotlight from her students.

“She’ll think it’s fun,” Abby said confidently. “Besides, if you dance in the show, you get to wear makeup and have your hair done. And that’s the best part.”