Free The Calling by Barbara Steiner Page B

her shoulders. The colors she wore set off the red-gold color. Her cheeks were flushed, her whole face glowed. Miki could see her emotions mirrored all over her face. She wished she could appear less eager, but right now she didn’t even know how to breathe.
    â€œI guess I do,” she admitted to Paige. “And I’m eager for you to meet him.”
    â€œI’m a little scared I’m losing you.” Paige never hesitated to say what was in her heart.
    â€œOh, Paige, never. Never. We’re blood sisters, remember?”
    â€œWeren’t we silly? We were so young.”
    â€œYoung, maybe, but not silly. You’ll never lose my friendship, Paige. But you may have to share me.”
    Paige sighed. “I’m resigned to that. I hope his friends are nice. I’m afraid I’ve gotten bored with Sean. I told him I wouldn’t go out with him any more.”
    Paige never dated a guy for long, but she wouldn’t be bored with Romney and Kyle. Miki didn’t know if she’d like them. Suddenly her excitement gave way to nerves. Paige might not like Davin either, or any of these dancers Miki had grown accustomed to being around.
    Miki could never choose between them and Paige. She hoped with all her heart she wouldn’t have to.

Eleven
    T HEY PLANNED TO meet the Theater of the Dead troupe at the stage door in the alley of the old building.
    Miki, unable to stand still, paced back and forth. Dank smells and gathering shadows added to her growing anxiety.
    â€œMaybe we should have had them meet us at the studio.” Paige looked up and down the alley as if some bogeyman would jump out at them at any time.
    A few feet away, the old woman pushing her grocery cart stopped and stared at Miki and Paige, but she said nothing this time, spoke no warning. Only hurried away when Miki waved at her.
    â€œWho is that?” Paige asked staring at the woman.
    â€œA street person,” Miki explained. “I’ve talked to her several times.”
    â€œYou’ll talk to anyone, Miki. That’s not safe.”
    Miki grinned. She knew Paige wasn’t feeling safe right now. Her eyes were huge and she was practically shaking.
    Finally, Miki heard the click of the lock on the stage door. Slowly the door opened and Davin stepped out.
    Miki let out the breath she was holding. She realized she had been afraid that Elah might step out and say Davin couldn’t go. Or that he would tell them to go away. “Thank goodness. I was getting worried.” Miki smiled at Davin to let him know she wasn’t angry, just eager.
    â€œI would never forget.” Davin smiled back. “And is this your friend?”
    â€œYes. This is Paige Anderson. Paige, Davin—Davin—I don’t know your last name.” She realized she’d never bothered to ask any of the dancers about last names.
    â€œDoesn’t matter.” Davin took Paige’s hand, lifted it to his lips, and kissed it.
    Paige giggled. “I’m glad to meet you, Davin. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
    â€œGood things?” Davin looked at Miki, and she felt her heart skip and hammer on her ribs.
    â€œSo many incredible things that I expected some superman.” Paige relaxed enough to tease Miki more than Davin.
    â€œAnd you are disappointed?” Davin took Miki’s arm with one hand, Paige’s with the other.
    â€œNot at all. That’s a beautiful cape.”
    Davin was dressed in black tights, a long black silk overshirt, and the black cape with red satin lining. Miki wasn’t surprised, but she couldn’t help but wonder if he ever wore jeans and a sweatshirt.
    â€œIsn’t the rest of the troupe coming?” Miki asked, a bit disappointed. She looked back down the alley.
    â€œYes, they’re slow. We’ll wait for them in the car.”
    Davin led them to a long, black Lincoln Continental that was parked around the corner at the curb of a side