Born to Dance by June Tate Read Free Book Online

much I wanted to produce my own show, but I must confess it felt great to be up there in front of an audience again.’
    Sitting down, Bernie Cohen waited whilst Rob poured him a drink. ‘How would you feel about doing it permanently?’
    ‘Whatever do you mean?’
    ‘You and young Bonny sizzle when you dance together. It would be a great partnership. Have you considered that?’
    Rob was thoughtful as he looked at the man. ‘To be honest I hadn’t. Yes, I did consider featuring more specialist numbers in future shows, but that was as far as it went.’
    ‘Look, Rob, I know a West End producer who is looking for something new for a musical he’s putting together and I’m sure he would be interested in you and that delightful girl.’ At Rob’s hesitation he said, ‘Think about it. I’ll bring him down one evening next week and see what his reaction is.’ He rose to his feet. ‘I’ll be in touch.’ He shook hands and said, ‘You are a great musical director but you are a great dancer too. Perhaps you could combine the two.’
    Rob poured himself another drink. Bernie Cohen had given him something to think about. Until he put together this show, he’d never intended to perform again, but Bonny had inspired him, and the idea of an Astaire–Rogers number wouldn’t go away. He’d realized that here was someone who could dance well enough to take the woman’s part, and he desperately wanted to dance with her. He hadn’t felt like that since he given up performing. He also had to admit it had felt really good. They did make a good duo. It was certain that Bonny would be offered a job with a London show in the near future, now that Cohen had seen her. Her dancing was certainly good enough, but how would she cope? It would be like throwing a tender lamb to the wolves of the theatre world. But – if he were to partner her, at least he could take care of her, see that she was handled properly by an agent … and he confessed to himself that the standing ovation they had received tonight had whetted his appetite to be on stage once more.
    Then again, how would her parents feel if she was to leave home? From what he could deduce, her parents, although encouraging her, still hadn’t quite realized her potential and probably thought she would stay close to home, content to be in the chorus in the local theatre. That could be a problem if Bonny wanted to move on.
    Now he felt tired. Removing his bow tie, he decided to get changed, go home, have something to eat and see if anything came of Bernie’s ideas. After all, there was another week to go.
     
    Bernie Cohen wasted no time when he returned to London. He arranged a meeting with Peter Collins, the West End producer.
    ‘I think I have found just what you’re looking for to feature inthe show you want to produce,’ he told the man. ‘Let’s meet tomorrow for lunch. How about the Savoy Grill at one?’ He listened for a moment and then put the receiver back in its cradle. So far so good. If everything worked out as he hoped, his reputation as a scout would be even more enhanced, and that was good for business.
     
    All the girls in the chorus were delighted with their success, with one exception. Lily Stevens was eaten up with jealousy. She had watched Bonny rehearse with Rob daily and had learned the routine thoroughly, practising it whenever she had the chance, desperately wanting to play the Ginger Rogers role to show Rob Andrews that she was good enough, but she would never get the chance … unless for some reason Bonny was unable to do so. There was no understudy for her part, as Rob hadn’t envisaged dancing with anyone else. What could she do? There was another week, and then her opportunity would be lost forever.
    It was now Wednesday and Lily was desperate. Then fate gave her a helping hand. As the chorus trooped off the stage at the close of the first half, Bonny was behind her. Lily paused to let the girl go by, just as they had to go down three