new york, new york

chapter 43

I opened fridge’s door.
-What? No milk?
I sighed.
-That’s so him. AJ, you haven’t bought any milk!!! I yelled to another room and took my cup of black coffee to the table where Helen was sitting already.
-Nice place, I said just to say something.
We were in an Upper West Side apartment with great views, two bedrooms, living room and kitchen. Small, but compact, made it look larger.
-Isn’t it? Helen asked. -Can you believe AJ bought this about 12 weeks ago, without even seeing it? He just decided to get a place from New York.
I counted in my head. Twelve weeks. Three months. It was about that since I had seen AJ last, in Colorado Springs. Little less. So he taught that I’d be going to New York anyway? No, that couldn’t be.
-So. How long have you been together? I asked, just to ask something.
-About six months. Though we had a little break in the middle...
-Really? Why is that?
-Because of you?
AJ had told her about me.
-I mean everyone talks about you but no one never tells me anything. I know that you lived there for a month or so. And that then you went back to your home until you showed up here in New York. I saw you dancing yesterday. It was because of you, wasn’t it?
-I’m sorry, but you have to ask from AJ.
At the same time he came to kitchen.
-Ladies, soon it’s time to go.
-What time is it anyway?
-Quarter past noon.
-It can’t be! I jumped up. -I should already be somewhere! This is not happening.
I rushed to another bedroom where I had slept to get my clothes. I was taking my pajama off when AJ came to the room.
-I think you need these.
He threw me T-shirt, jeans and a cap.
-Sorry, I don’t have shoes for you.
I must have looked stunned because he added:
-You can’t run around in your last night’s dress.
-Thanks.
I ripped clothes on and run out from the door.
-Call me! I heard AJ shouting after me.
When I got down the street, I didn’t know where to go. But then I saw familiar signs and rushed to the underground.

-Where have you been? Oliver was making tea for himself in the kitchen when I finally got there. -You could have called.
-I’m sorry, I don’t have time for that, I answered and went to my - or Oliver’s - room. I took my robe and headed to the bathroom. I took my clothes off and let the water run trough my hair.
-I was worried about you. You’re lucky that Charlene is out of town, she would have called cops, Oliver yelled behind the door.
I took the towel and went out hitting him with the door on my way.
-I was partying all right?
-With who? I thought that gala should end at midnight.
-Well, it did.
-Then why are you home now? It’s over 1 p.m.
-I stayed over at a friend.
-He or she?
-Both. A couple.
That seem to make Oliver little bit more satisfied than he was before.
-Where’s my tap shoes? I need them! I’m late already... They’re going to kill me...
-Ben called, Oliver told.
-And you didn’t say anything earlier?
-He thanked for the speech, said it was success, and then that they don’t need you until 1.30 at the midtown studio.
-What? I can make it! What time is it?
-One thirteen.
-I’ll make it!
-No you wont.
-Yes I will. And Oliver.
I turned to see him from the door.
-I’ll tell you someday. Now I just can’t. But trust me, I can take care of myself!
-What about your shoes?
He was holding my pair. I went to catch them.
-Thanks. And don’t worry! See you tonight!

I rushed to the studio ten minutes late.
-Sorry, I said to Ben and changed my shoes. -I was...
-I don’t care. Just try to focus.
I looked around. I was in a class. And obviously it wasn’t any beginner’s class.
-So Anna, you finally thought to enjoy our company? teacher asked.
-I guess so.
-All right, let’s go it over. Anna, you just have to catch this.

Have you ever been in a dance class when you’ve slept too little, drank some coffee in the morning and then sweat your ass off in the heat of the summer city? And maybe, just maybe, I had taken few too many glasses of white wine. Well, if you have, then you know how I felt after the class.
I lied on the floor and my hair was leaving marks to the floor, because of sweat and shower I had taken earlier, my hair don’t dry that fast.
Avi came to me. He didn’t attend the class but showed up ten minutes before the ending.
-How are you?
-Me? I’m dying. Would you give me some water? I sat up.
He gave me a bottle of cold water and I was very grateful.
-How was the party? -Usual. Tonight it will be better.
-Tonight? What about tonight?
-We have the club, remember?
-And I suppose you need me there?
-Well, yeah. You have to go trough all this.
-I don’t know if I’ll survive of this week. Do you mean I have to take classes every day and then party till the dawn every night?
-Pretty much.
-Oh no...
I went back down.
-Of course you can just go to see some of the classes. I don’t think you can manage master classes.
-Really? I had heavy sarcasm in my voice. -I’m glad you realize even that. So, what’s now?
-Nothing much. You could stay here until the next class, see how it goes. And then I guess it’s better you’d go home to change. Maybe you can catch even a bit of sleep. You look like you need some.
-Thanks for remaining me. Well, I’ll go out to get something to eat. What time at the club then?
-Around 9 would be good. It starts at eight, but no one comes there that early.
-All right. See you there then!

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