THE GOD'S WIFE by Lynn Voedisch Read Free Book Online Page A

a place for you.”
    Rebecca laughed and did some quick thinking. Was it better to hang up and say she’d call later or press ahead and bid Mom to the phone? With Mom, you’d never know how she’d react. Instead, her brother Ashford, the older, more responsible sibling, made the decision for her.
    “I’ll go get Ma. She’s always the last one to sit down anyway.”
    Rebecca waited a nervous few seconds until her mother’s nasal voice sang through the wires between farmland and the big city.
    “’Bec, darling, we were so worried when you didn’t call last Sunday.” The voice was smooth, but an accusatory tone still lurked beneath the words.
    “It’s the only Sunday I’ve missed in a long time. Anyway, Mom, I have something wonderful to tell you.”
    “You got a real job?”
    “Oh, Mom, stop it. I’ve been named the lead dancer in the troupe’s production of ‘Aïda.’ And we’re taking it on tour — all over, even to Paris.”
    “Paris,” Her mother let out an audible gulp. “Well, that’s a long ways away.”
    “Yes, but what an opportunity. I was rehearsing last Sunday with one of the most famous choreographers from New York. I was so excited I could have popped. I was just too worn out to call after that workout.”
    “Well, I suppose this is good news. I’ll have you talk to your father about it.”
    “Mom, wait …” Rebecca realized it was useless to continue as the line hissed in her ear. Soon, Matt Kirk’s voice growled over the wires.
    “Sounds like Miss Marvella’s Dance Academy was worth all that time and money.” Would they ever stop complaining about how much the dance lessons cost them?
    “Paid off beautifully, Dad. I’m going to be the star.”
    “Sounds great, sweetheart. You’re always a star to me. Now when are we going to see your pretty little face around here?”
    “Actually, I was going to ask if you and the family would come to see me in Chicago. The show starts in June, and the international tour is going to last a long time.”
    “Chicago,” he said and made a strangled noise deep in his throat. “You know how I feel about that place.”
    “I’ll put you up in a great hotel, and you won’t have to drive anywhere. I’ll make sure it’s impossible for you to get lost. Or you could see the New York show …”
    “New York? Now I know you are dreaming. A guy from Cedar Rapids is never going to get the hang of New York City. “
    “Well, Chicago then. Think about it. It’s not so bad here, you just need someone to smooth the way for you.”
    “Missy wants to talk to you.” Non-committal as always.
    Missy, the youngest, chattered with enthusiasm.
    “’Bec, it’s wonderful. My sister, the celebrity of the stage.”
    “Well, at least you seem to be excited.”
    “Hey, we all are thrilled. I’ll come to Chicago even if the rest of them won’t. I’m an adult now. Eighteen. I’ll take the Greyhound.”
    “But won’t you be in school? Are you still planning to go to Iowa City for college?”
    “Yup. It’s all planned. And remember, I’m graduating high school. I’ll be free in June to see my sister in a big production … oh, ‘Bec, I’m just so excited. You always got those pirouettes that I couldn’t do at Miss Marvella’s.”
    A strange buzzing started in the back of Rebecca’s ear. She felt her mind shift around, heading toward the back of her skull. Stay with the present. The buzzing became a rasping sound, like the roar of a far-away crowd.
    “I’ve gotta go, Missy,” Rebecca was sweating now, desperate to get off the phone. “Give my love to everyone. Say hi to Gramma.” Get off the phone before you lose touch.
    “Okay, call next Sunday, and we’ll talk longer.”
    Rebecca fell onto the couch after she disconnected the phone. Why can’t they accept my need to dance? How have I disgraced the family? Only my kid sister gets it. The blackness came and threw a cloak over her senses. Rebecca stared vacantly at the wall, a mute