Page 13 of Hooked on a Demon (Leeside Witches #3)
Eliana
“A lright, team, we need to start putting together plans for our end-of-season showcase,” June says from the front of the staff room.
Staff meetings are usually held once a month, but June called this one early.
Knowing that the staff wouldn’t be happy about having to stay after hours so soon after the last staff meeting, June was kind enough to send out an order form for the Bittersweet Acorn and ensured everyone had dinner.
Which is why, as Eliana looks around, everyone is enjoying themselves.
Nothing makes dancers happier than a free meal.
June may have accidentally set a precedent for future meetings.
“So, our showcase is taking place in six weeks, and to say we are behind on planning would be a bit of an understatement. We will want a dance number for each class to present, as well as decorations, sponsors, and treats for the attendees. I am open to all of your ideas.”
Eliana takes a bite of a fry and raises her hand. Though long out of school, the rule of raising your hand and waiting to be called on is so deeply ingrained that she doesn’t think she’ll ever feel comfortable openly speaking out. June looks at her and nods, giving her the floor.
She swallows. “I have lots of ideas, but before I let them run amok, I’m curious, do we have a general theme we want to build toward?” Eliana asks.
“Good question. What do you all think? Do we want an overarching theme?” June asks, putting it back to the team. She’s always been good about ensuring her team feels included and valued as contributors. It’s one of the reasons Eliana came to work at Strike a Pose when she moved back.
Different team members start calling out answers.
“Holiday.”
“Dance of the night. Little moody and suspenseful.”
“Under the sea. Mermaids, jellyfish, sharks…”
Bellamy groans beside her and whispers, “Under the sea is so overdone.” Eliana nods in agreement as the suggestions continue.
“Dancing through the decades.”
“Hollywood.”
“Masquerade.”
The room ooohs at the final suggestion. “A masquerade theme could be fun and leaves lots of room to play with it,” Bellamy says. “Think of how dramatic it could be with the older ballet classes, while the younger children could be more playful. I think that’s a great idea.”
Other staff murmur their agreement, and June calls for a staff vote. “Alright, hands up if you think we should do a masquerade theme?”
All but one hand rises.
June turns her body to face the only staff member who is not in agreement. “What’s your concern, Lola?”
Eliana sees Lola shift in her seat, uncomfortable with everyone’s attention on her.
“I… I…” she visibly swallows. Zoe, sitting next to her, places her hand on Lola’s shoulder in silent support.
Lola looks at her, nods, takes a breath, and tries again.
“I worry that it will be a bit too mature for my younger children. When I think of a masquerade, I think of how they are associated with mystery and sometimes desire, and that doesn’t feel right for my little friends. ”
“Thank you for sharing. Bellamy, could you explain how you see it working for the younger dancers?”
Bels sits up straighter, ready to dive in.
“Absolutely. I think for our younger friends, it could be more of an exploration of character. The mask represents something new they can be. It can be playful and fun, with a more lighthearted tone. Think of trick or treating on Halloween. That’s essentially a socially acceptable masquerade—it’s bubbly and fun for young children.
Think of a more playful Swan Lake but with masks. ”
Lola nods along and thinks about it for a moment before saying, “Okay. I may need some help figuring out something that will work with my littles, but I’m willing to give it a try.”
June claps her hands excitedly. “Wonderful!” Eliana raises her hand again. “Yes, Ellie?”
“What kind of budget are we looking at for decorations and costumes?”
“That’s a great question. There are obviously some funds set aside from the annual budget, but if we can arrange a sponsor or two to help boost that, it would be great. Sponsors could also help make the event larger in general and potentially help draw in some new students.”
“Do you have potential sponsors in mind that you’d like us to reach out to?” Bellamy asks.
“I do not. I am open to any collaboration, as long as it’s a suitable match. Family-friendly, of course, and they need to be a favorable business in the community.”
Elliana gazes around the room, noting the small side conversations and people trying to figure out who they could approach, but there’s only one person she has in mind. A certain sandy-haired demon whose number is practically burning a hole into her kitchen counter.
June calls for their attention again. “Reach out to who you think would be a good fit. Ideally, we’d like to have two or three sponsors for the event, but we’ll gladly take more.
I trust your judgment. If you make an agreement, please ensure that you notify me of the details and how they wish to be included.
If there are no other questions or concerns, we can call this meeting to a close, and you all can go home! ”
June comes to her as she is packing up her belongings before heading out.
“Eliana, I would like you to be the overseer for all of this. I’ve seen your growth as a leader over the many years I’ve known you.
I’ve seen you grow from student to instructor, and even though you’ve only been back with us a short time, I think your experience working with larger shows would be a great asset.
I also think you have a great ability to connect with people and are well-loved by our families, and I would love for you to have a more active role in the process. ”
Words appear to be escaping Eliana. She never thought something like this would be an option, let alone that she’d even been considered for the role.
But this is one of the other reasons she came back to Strike a Pose—trust. June has known Eliana most of her life, and that history is hard to replace.
“I don’t know what to say.” Other than this is exactly the opportunity I was hoping for when I had my last appointment with Colson.
“Thank you is always a good start,” June teases.
“Yes, absolutely, thank you. So what would my role entail?”
“I’ll still handle the big details, but I think you would be a good point of contact. Think of yourself as a liaison. I would also have you on site to help manage or oversee the construction of the set pieces and overall design.”
She still doesn’t know what to say, but June trusting her like this feels like a big deal. “I would love to.”
“Excellent. We can chat more tomorrow.”
She nods and thanks her again because what else can she do when she’s been handed a great opportunity?
Eliana looks around the room and sees side conversations continuing, overhearing wonderful suggestions for sponsors, such as the Bittersweet Acorn, The Dandelion Inn, and Taster’s Delight.
But the more she thinks about it, the more she believes Hellbent Motors would be a perfect fit.
It’s family-oriented with a focus on keeping families safe, well-known in the community, and tangentially connected to the supernatural council, which is never a bad thing.
So what better partnership than with a dance studio that caters to a mix of humans and magical creatures and that teaches the power of dance to connect?
Yes, it’s a perfect pairing.
Now, if only she could build up the courage to call him.