Page 51 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

My eyes continue down the list. As expected, Gael is cast as The Nutcracker. And Ruby is cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy. I know she’ll love that because it’s considered one of the hardest roles. The rest of the guys have minor roles.

With an excited squeal, I grab Theo and Finn’s hands and do a small victory dance. The rest of the guys cheer along with us.

“You got the role you wanted?” Brock asks.

“She’s Clara, man!” Nate says. “That’s the lead.”

Brock’s face lights up. “That’s amazing! Congrats, Lexi.”

“Thanks,” I say as Cooper once again pulls me into his arms, he, too, spinning me around and around.

After he puts me down, Brock steps closer and encloses me in his arms. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve it.”

I bury my face in his chest, inhaling his unique smell. “Thanks.”

Dani claps her hands, calling for everyone’s attention. The dancers who are part of the ballet are directed to go into Studio A while the rest of the dancers will continue with their regular classes. I’m still totally dumbfounded as I follow everyone else into the studio. Have I really been cast as Clara? Will I be able to pull her off? I know all her dance sequences by heart because I’ve been obsessed with the ballet since I got into dance. But I’ve been raised to believe in myself and chase my dreams, so I’ll try my hardest to be the best Clara I can be.

As I pass Dani on my way into the studio, I throw my arms around her. “Thanks so much to you and Jasmine for casting me as Clara.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie, but you don’t have to thank me. You earned it on your own.”

“Really? I’m not the best dancer here.”

“Of course you’re an amazing dancer, Lexi.” She plays with my curls. “And you know there’s more to Clara than knowing how to dance. Jasmine and I have watched you blossom over the years. You’re one of the most dedicated and hard-working dancers in the class. And you’re always wearing that beautiful, bright, infectious smile. There’s no one more suited for the role than you.”

Every part of me fills with glee. “Thanks. I’ll try my hardest to make you proud.”

She smiles. “I know you will.”

Since we’ll be performing the ballet around mid-December, we have enough time to rehearse. Dani and Jasmine are trying to put a modern spin on it, but they don’t want to deviate too much from the original. Because the ballet is breathtaking just the way it is, and there’s no need to change it. But since we do this ballet almost every year, a few minor changes might add a new flavor to it, which I know the audience will love.

We spend the next hour and a half rehearsing. Because we’re all so familiar with the ballet, our emphasis will be on perfection. Hopefully, we’ll knock this performance out of the park.

Brock, who’s sitting in the same seat as last time, watches us all with admiration. We’re much better than we were four years ago, so I’m sure it’s a big change for him. He seems to be enjoying himself because he hasn’t touched his paperback once.

“Great work, everyone!” Jasmine calls when we’re done with rehearsal. “You were all so…” She does a chef’s kiss.

“Mwa, mwa, mwa!” Dani blows us kisses. “We couldn’t have been prouder of you.”

We all clap and cheer and congratulate each other.

“Have a great evening, everyone!” Dani says.

As everyone leaves the studio, Gael says, “Party at my place to celebrate?”

“Yes!” the rest of the guys say.

“Can’t,” I inform them. “I want to stay here for a bit and rehearse.”

“Aw, bummer,” Theo says.

“We can wait for you to be done rehearsing and then go party,” Finn suggests.

I wave my hand. “I’m sure you guys have a lot of homework. It’s okay, we’ll celebrate another time.”

“You sure?” Dean asks.

“Yes. And don’t worry about giving me a ride. My mom can pick me up.”