Page 33 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz

Before they went on stage, Sheila shared a tin of something alcoholic for what she called Dutch courage.

Clarissa told us alcohol was prohibited.

But perhaps this is Clarissa’s rule, not the competition rule.

I do not know. I do know a little sip of vodka might calm my nerves, which right now feel very much on edge after seeing Sheila’s mistake.

I look at my phone again to see if there is a message from Neil, but he has not sent anything since last night when I told him I had arrived in Paris.

I go to put his numbers in the phone to give him a quick call, but I hesitate.

Neil told me he would call me and I was not to call him.

I go to put the phone back in my bag, praying Neil has now told Rita and Terry all about our being married when the device makes a single ring and my heart leaps.

But then I see the Latvian words on the screen, and I know immediately it is a message from Kazimieras. I frown and open it.

Ingrida, guess where I am? I am in Manchester.

I know you have moved to live with a man called Neil Goodman.

I have the address. What are you doing with a widower man and his children?

Does he know about me? Does he know you stole from your uncle?

What would he think if he knew you had criminal connections?

Would he even want you in the house if he found out?

Ingrida, you make sure you meet me next week or I will be paying this Neil Goodman a visit to tell him all about your theft and your uncle.

In fact, I may pay him a visit before you return if I do not have your assurance you will meet me.

My stomach does a knot twist and I quickly send a reply in Latvian.

Kazimieras, if you go anywhere near my house I will not help you in any way.

Not ever. We will meet on Tuesday as we have arranged.

You need to know that I will not give you a single penny if you should dare to even approach Neil Goodman or his children.

I also know the police are looking for you.

So, watch your step or I will report you.

You do not know me and you do not know what I am capable of.

Do not test me on this. So, for the last time, keep away from my house. I MEAN IT.

I throw my phone in my bag and take a large gulp of water.

I should not have said my house… but it is too late now.

I look at myself in the mirror. Ingrida , I tell myself, get a grip – as Fay would say – and put this out of your mind for the dancing.

I also say a prayer in my head, and I know that God, he hears me.

The other ladies give a loud cheer and I glance up and there is Ruby, just arrived and smiling at me.

‘Looks like you’ve made your mind up about something, Ingrida?’

I nod and reach to pat Ruby’s hand. ‘I am so glad you are here, Ruby.’

‘Sorry I’m late, folks, but better late than never,’ she calls to the others as she hurriedly gets changed.

‘Thank goodness you’re back,’ Bonnie calls. ‘Asha was having kittens.’

I watch her as she grabs her costume from the hanger. I am a little surprised she look so happy after what happened with Monica.

‘Ruby, you scared us to death,’ Asha calls. ‘Now we are all good and can dance our hearts out, ladies.’

Ruby gives Asha a thumbs up in the air and puts on her jazz shoes.

She then attends to her make-up, but she does not need much with her ebony skin.

She is very striking with her shortly cropped hair and wide eyes.

I watch her brush her face, neck and exposed flesh with sparkling powder.

It glitters in the light. Ruby’s top is cut very low.

It shows her big chest, but it is flattering.

She looks full of curves and very sensual as she adds glitter to her bosom.

Her hair has only one splash of red material on a hair clip.

At the time Monica said her hair needed just the merest hint of red.

Today Monica pays Ruby no attention and moves away to warm-up by herself in the vestibule.

‘Would you like some, Ingrida?’ Ruby asks me. She shows me her loaded powder brush and I nod and let her make my exposed skin sparkle, too.

‘Where did you go?’ I ask.

She leans in to tell me it was big surprise, but her Max is actually here, in Paris and she has smuggled him into the theatre to watch our performance.

I can see her eyes shine when she talks about this man and I feel a little – what is it called?

– ah yes, twinge. I feel a little twinge because I am not sure my eyes shine like this when I see Neil.

He is a very kind and gentle man, and I am growing to love him, but I would like also my eyes to shine like this when I see him.

‘Ingrida.’ Ruby leans into me. ‘What did Asha say to you about Monica’s blow up?’

I do not know how to reply. I cannot tell her full truth of what Asha said, as it does not seem the right thing to do.

‘Well?’

‘Asha told us you and Monica…’ I check to see Monica is far enough away not to overhear. ‘Well, you and Monica would not be able to… to make up your differences but she say she hope we could all pull together for the competition.’

‘Did she say why we’d fallen out?’

‘I am not sure… it was very difficult to hear. Sheila’s ladies were making very much noise and also my English is still not complete so I am not sure if I comprehen—’

‘It’s OK. I don’t care if you know, Ingrida.

’ Ruby speaks in a quiet voice so only I can hear.

‘Something happened one night a few years ago. I met a man, just once, but I didn’t know it was Monica’s husband.

I’ve only just found out and while I’m very sorry, Monica will never see it from my point of view, I just need to move on. Don’t worry. I’m good.’

I do not know what to say to this, so I say nothing and nod as if I know what she means. Sometimes I do not understand English people.