Love's Last Chance Read Free Page B

Drake as she slipped into the hall.
    On her way to the studio, she called Grace
Brewster to discuss her work dilemma.
    “It’s great to have a choice,” Grace
said.
    “I suppose. But what about the guys?”
    “Tough choices.”
    “I’m thinking if I make a connection, it
might be best to come back.”
    “And give up the TV series?”
    “Maybe.” Dorrie chewed her lip.
    “Why don’t you see how it goes with the guys
first. Then decide.”
    “Good advice. Thanks.”
    She hung up and continued walking. I’m
not going to tell the guys about the New York job. Let’s see how it
goes when they think I’m going back to California. If we make a
connection, I’ll tell them. See if they want to commit
then.
    Satisfaction at having a solid plan made
Dorrie smile and put a zing into her step. She increased her stride
and proceeded with confidence to the rehearsal hall. At the
appointed hour, she took the troupe through their exercises and
began to map out the routines to be shot in the park. Strength
emanated from her. Hope at rekindling love in New York buoyed her
spirits and released new energy, which she needed to lead the
dancers.
    I’m going to make this choreography
shine. The dancers are focused, with only a few drama queens in the
crew. I know the routines cold. Her weak ankle held through the
morning workouts, boosting her good feeling about this job.
    You’ll see, Mr. Gunther Quill, who can
create original, stunning dance routines to make your movie shine.
You won’t be sorry you hired me. Feeling strong and smart,
Dorrie didn’t worry about talking to Archer Canfield. This
morning, I can do no wrong.
    Lunch break was the perfect time to connect
with Arch. Dorrie brought a small sandwich and found a spot nearby
in the park to eat. She bolted some yogurt for dessert and dialed
the number for Moonlight Books.
    “Archer Canfield’s office,” came the cool
greeting from Archer’s secretary.
    “May I speak to Mr. Canfield?”
    “Who’s calling?”
    “Dorrie Rodgers.”
    “Just one moment, please.”
    Dorrie’s heart pounded. What if I got it
wrong? What if he was only being a polite Englishman? What if…what
if…
    “Dorrie! Is it really you?” A deep voice
with a thick, British accent interrupted her thoughts.
    “It’s me.”
    “How wonderful to hear your voice! Where are
you? Can you come to lunch?”
    “I’m in New York. I have rehearsals today,
but I’m free for dinner. Is that too—”
    “Not at all,” he piped up. “Dinner would be
magnificent. Where would you like to go?”
    “How about that adorable little restaurant
near your office?”
    “You mean Maison Rouge?”
    “That’s it!”
    “Shall I pick you up?”
    “Not necessary. Can we meet there at
seven?”
    “Perfect. Looking forward to seeing you, my
dear.”
    “Me, too.” Dorrie signed off. A tingle shot
through her spine, but a glance at her watch told her she’d be late
getting back to rehearsal if she didn’t get moving in five minutes.
She walked down West End Avenue, humming. I can’t wait to see
Arch again.
    The rehearsal hall had warmed up with all
the bodies working out and the summer heat seeping in. She turned
up the air conditioning. Chaz Duncan followed her in. She had met
him after seeing Hustle and Dance on Broadway. She liked
him. Even though he was a big star, he was down-to-Earth, and so
was his wife, Meg.
    Dorrie started the group with stretches
before she explained the scene and demonstrated the choreography.
Her weak ankle continued to hold. She could still dance, just not
hour after hour, day after day. Chaz joined in, as he would be
dancing in the movie just like he had in the Broadway show.
    When rehearsal finished, she raced back to
the Cunningham’s apartment and jumped in the shower. After towel
drying her thick, reddish-brown hair, she fluffed it up with her
fingers. The long locks fell in loose curls over her shoulders. She
stood, poised at the closet door, pondering what to wear. A