The Girl They Sold to the Moon by Chris Stevenson Read Free Book Online Page B

“Don’t be ridiculous. She’d go over capacity and jam the aisles. Her fan base
will
follow her.”
    Abigail hunched her shoulders in submission. “I’ll take the suggestions under advisement.” She favored Tilly with softer eyes. “And you, Miss…I will say, a job well done in spite of the ruckus. I hope we won’t need to assign you a personal bodyguard or a press secretary.” She stifled a laugh. “For now, let’s forge on into the great unknown and see what happens.” She stood up.
    The women rose. Tilly felt a great burden lifted, although she still felt blameless.
    â€œOne more thing,” said Abigail. “Tilly, have you given any thought to a part-time assistant coaching position? I know it’s a bit early, but you seem to have some very positive endorsements here, and your bio-history record is exemplary.”
    The offer caught Tilly off guard. Sure, she could instruct, advise and choreograph routines. She could teach other girls how to dance. But her true love and calling
was
dance. She wouldn’t let them take that away from her. “That’s a generous offer.” She looked at Sue Lin. “But I wouldn’t feel right with a position like that. If you don’t mind—”
    â€œPerfectly understandable. We didn’t call them prancers when I first began the art at a very young age. As a hoofer, I could cut a pretty mean rug, too. I understand the craft and the lure. For however long, I hope you will remain a loyal fixture with us here at United Western. I would like to personally meet with you before you are picked up.”
    By that, she meant when Tilly’s term ended. “That would be fine. I’ll be available.”
    The three women left the office and hopped on a foot tram, headed back to Block 41. Sue Lin couldn’t contain herself. “Son-of-a bitch, we aced it! I just knew she wouldn’t bitch us out. That’s the first time I’ve seen the ole bitty tongue tied.”
    â€œThen why did she call us in?” asked Tilly
    â€œShe wanted to see the phenomenon in person. It’s not easy to dazzle the president of Entertainment and Leisure. What’s most important is that she took a shine to you. Those are huge points.”
    â€œHah,” said Tilly. “I wonder why somebody hasn’t thought that my routine was just one big fluke. Who’s to say I could do it again without spilling my ass on the floor?”
    Both women laughed. “It’s in your marrow,” said Sue Lin. “You’ve got talent and it’s no accident.”
    â€œShe’s right, you know,” said Fia. “I’ve seen them come and go. You’re a keeper.”
    Satisfied with that, Tilly felt a surge of accomplishment. Not for having attracted so much attention, but for hitting a pinnacle in her craft. They were still a bunch of slobaholics and thugs, hardly a group who knew the difference between a high kick and an Arabesque.
    Tilly and her friends decided to visit the cafeteria and have lunch. After a short tram ride, they stepped down a ramp to the pedestrian level. Foot traffic was thick in this part of the spoke that held the huge dining hall. She liked the interior of the buffet dining hall, only having been inside it once before for a quick dinner. Beautiful murals adorned the walls, paintings depicting dancers, singers, acrobats, magicians, musicians, and other entertainment related scenes. Framed and autographed pictures were set in wall niches, all of them famous actors, actresses, and singers, who at one time had been employee-wards at Tranquility Harbor. Endless island counters displayed smorgasbord style offerings.
    Tilly picked from the fruit and vegetable counter, which had fresh produce grown on site in the hydroponics spheres. Everything else contained protein slurry supplements, including the meat products. The culinary department made sure that even the proteins