Rosemary Danced: Ivy Book One Read online

  “Then Mom hung up on Oma.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah, wow. The whole family is setting grandma-boundaries. Not that it will do any good with Oma. She believes she has the right to say and do anything she wants.”

  Rosemary jumped up. “I’ve talked about crazy things long enough. How about a dance lesson?”

  “Wait! I won that bet!”

  “I know. But this will be fun. Come on. Please?”

  “Oh, geez,” Mike grumbled. “I have two left feet.”

  “I doubt that. You just haven’t had a good teacher…yet.” Rosemary pulled him to the center of the floor. Okay. First, we’ll practice a basic box step. I’ll show you.”

  After Mike learned the basic step, with only minimal damage to Rosemary’s feet, she started the music. After an hour, Mike was leading in a dance with Rosemary. He was grinning in triumph.

  “Okay, this was more fun than I thought it would be.”

  “Told you. I’ll have you doing the salsa before long.”

  “Let’s not get crazy. I’m a football player, not a dancer.”

  Rosemary laughed. “We’ll see.” She winked at him. “I ordered that leotard…”

  “What?” Mike stopped dancing.

  Rosemary doubled over with laughter. “Chill out! I was joking.”

  “You are not a nice person. I’m going to have nightmares about being stuck in a leotard.”

  “Leotards are surprisingly comfortable.” Rosemary giggled and Mike rolled his eyes.

  Chapter 36

  When Rosemary arrived at Mike’s for her tutoring session on Wednesday, Mike met her at the door with a huge grin on his face. “Hi, beautiful.”

  “Hey, Mike.” Rosemary smiled. “You look like the cat that ate the canary. What’s up?”

  “I got a call this afternoon from Coach O.”

  “Coach O?”

  “Yeah, the head football coach at LSU.”

  “Okay, what does that mean, exactly?”

  “He wants me to come to LSU for a visit. To talk about me going to LSU.”

  “That’s exciting. Are you going to go?”

  “Heck, yeah, I’m going to go. Coach O had a quarterback recruit decommit, so he wants to fill that slot.”

  “Decommit?”

  “It just means the player changed their mind about coming to LSU. The guy has decided he wants to stay closer to home because his mom is sick.”

  “Oh, I see.”

  “So, Mom can’t go. Would you consider going with me? The Performing Arts people are interested in discussing a scholarship with you and showing you around the department. I’d really like you to go with me, but I understand if you can’t. It’s kind of expensive for a weekend.”

  “My bank account is in good shape. I had planned to make some college visits next spring, so I’ve been keeping money aside for that. I can afford it.”

  “I’ll meet with Coach O on Friday; he invited you to the meeting. There’ll be three or four players there for the weekend, so there’s a dinner of some sort Friday night; hosted by alumni, I think. We can look around on our own Saturday, and the game starts at six o’clock. Our flight would leave at noon on Sunday. We would be back in Iowa by five o’clock.”

  “I’d like to go. I’ve been doing some research on their theatre department. They have received some awards for choreography and that’s a big interest of mine. When is this trip?”

  “Thanksgiving weekend. We fly out Thursday morning and return Sunday evening.”

  “That’s bound to ruffle some feathers.” Rosemary shrugged. “Still, I’d like to go, and I’m sure John would be excited.”

  “Will your mom be upset if you’re gone on Thanksgiving?”

  “No, not at all. Oma will be upset. Since I started driving, on holidays I end up running back and forth. Honestly, no matter what I do, if she doesn’t get her way, she’ll be unhappy.”

  “Speaking of holidays: my new favorite holiday is just around the corner.”

  “Veteran’s Day?”

  “Nope, your birthday. Your birthday is next Saturday.”

  Rosemary sighed. “I always get pulled two ways on my birthday, too.”

  “Not this year. I reserved tickets for the Nutcracker at the Civic Center in the afternoon. Then dinner.”

  Rosemary clapped her hands. “Ballet? You’re taking me to a ballet? Mike, that’s so perfect! Thank you!”

  “I already talked to your mom about it; I didn’t want to plan something that would conflict with something she wanted to do.”

  “You’re the best ever!” Rosemary kissed him on the cheek.

  “Yeah, I know,” Mike said modestly. “Best-ever-boyfriend, that’s me.”

  After she got home from Mike’s, Rosemary found her mom on the couch, reading. “I wanted to let you know I’m home.”

  “I’m glad you did, honey. Did you have a good time?”

  “As much fun as I can have with Algebra II as the main event. You’re okay with Mike’s plans for my birthday?”

  “Honey, it’s your birthday. You should do what makes you happy.”

  “Mike makes me happy.”

  “I know, honey. I’m glad.”

  She told Margie about the LSU trip.

  “John will be excited,” Margie said.

  “I know. Has he already gone to bed?”

  Margie nodded. “I don’t envy you telling Oma about it.”

  “I’ll call her tomorrow. I think I’ve let her get away with her out-of-control behavior long enough. If she doesn’t like it, that’s tough.”

  Oma didn’t take it well. “Rosemary, I have fifteen people coming for your birthday party on Saturday evening. You will have to cancel your other plans.”

  “No. You have a bad habit of planning things without checking with me. Mike is taking me out for my birthday.”

  “I insist that you cancel your plans.”

  “No, Oma, I won’t.”

  “I am your grandmother! This boy is someone you won’t even remember in a few months.”

  “That’s not true, Oma! Mike is important to me. If you don’t accept that, you’ll have to get used to not seeing me, because I’m going to spend as much time with him as I can. I’m done talking about my birthday. I also need to tell you I’ll be out of town Thanksgiving weekend.”

  “On Thanksgiving? Where are you going?”

  “To Baton Rouge, for a college visit to Louisiana State University.”

  “Why would you travel all the way to Louisiana to see that school?”

  “I’ve been accepted there. I am exploring a scholarship there, too.”

  “Rosemary! That is nonsense! This has already been decided. You’re going to Central and you are going to live with us. I’ve had your room re-painted and ordered new furniture. They have a fine elementary education program; it’s the only acceptable choice of a job for a girl like you.”

  “What do you mean, ‘a girl like you’?”

  “Rosemary, you know what I mean.”

  “I don’t know. I want you to tell me.”

  “Rosemary, Opa and I love you. But you’re very much like your mother and I’m afraid your talents are limited to working with children. It’s not a criticism, schatje. I just know you’ll be happier when you accept your limits.”

  “Well, thanks for spelling out my limitations for me, Oma. There’s only one problem. I didn’t apply at Central.”

  “I applied for you and you were accepted; I was going to surprise you with the news on Saturday night.”

  “Oma. That wasn’t appropriate. I didn’t sign the application.”

  “I signed it for you.”

  “That’s illegal, Oma.”

  “Never mind. I’m your grandmother.”

  “Oma. I’m not going to Central, and I won’t see you on my birthday. I won’t see you for Thanksgiving.”

  “Rosemary! We bought you a new car. I expect you to obey if you want the car.”

  “I don’t
want a new car. Even if I wasn’t turning eighteen, I’m not obligated to obey you because you’re not my parent. You really don’t know anything about me and you understand even less. You imagine things and then announce them as truth. I’m really tired of it, Oma.” She sighed. “I’m taking a break. I don’t know when I’ll see you, but I’m taking a break from you. Good night, Oma.”

  “Rosemary!” Oma screeched.

  Oma called Margie and ranted about Rosemary being rude and disrespectful. Margie laughed. “Rosemary is never rude or disrespectful. She’s an intelligent young woman who makes her own decisions.”

  “You have given her too much freedom! She has the mistaken idea she can do anything she wants with her life.”

  “She’s not mistaken. She’s beautiful, talented, creative and very bright. You’ve ignored that because you’re trying to keep her prisoner, but she wants to do things that will take her far away. You can’t control Rosemary any more than you could control David.”

  Oma gasped. “It’s your fault he’s dead! I’m going to keep her safe with me!” The phone disconnected.

  Chapter 37

  Rosemary rode with Patty and the Moores to the State Championship game. Miranda sat with her uncle in the middle seat of the van watching a princess movie with headphones on. Patty’s parents were in the front seat. Patty and Rosemary were in the third seat, all the way to the back. “I’m glad you’re going to Baton Rouge with Mickey next weekend, Rosemary.”

  “Me, too. I’m excited.”

  “Your mom and John were okay?”

  “Yeah, they were fine. They trust me and they like Mike a lot.”

  “Mickey said your grandmother wasn’t so understanding.”

  “My grandmother is…difficult. She’s controlling and she doesn’t like it when I assert myself.”

  “That sounds like Mickey’s grandmother.”

  “There are similarities. I’ve wondered, has Mike’s grandma always been…unkind to you?”

  “She tolerated me while we dated in high school. She hated that we both went to William Penn. She was livid about us getting married. She tried some dirty tricks to change Mike’s mind, but he shrugged her off.”

  “When we found out we were pregnant, we decided to get married quickly and have a small wedding. Mike’s pastor refused to marry us because Jean threw a fit. We found another church and minister, but we found out Jean planned to stand up and voice objections during the ceremony. Mike was so mad. So, we cancelled everything and went to the courthouse on a Wednesday afternoon. Jean was furious when she found out. She even tried to slap me. That was the end for Mike; he told her he was done with her.”

  “Between the two of us we made it work with classes, part-time jobs and help from my parents. My father-in-law and Mike’s brother came about once a month and brought groceries. When Harold found out we were expecting twins, he was so excited. Patty sighed. “Our son Matthew contracted an infection in the hospital and died when he was a week old.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Me, too. Although, trying to feed two boys Mickey’s size might have been a challenge!” Patty laughed softly. “Harold never gave up. He begged Mike to let his mother come to our college graduation. She cried when she saw Mickey; she even apologized to me, in a way.”

  Patty lowered her voice. “Then we had Miranda. When Jean heard the baby had Down’s, she wouldn’t even look at her. She wouldn’t come to the house; she only came to Mickey’s games. She tried to get Mickey to the farm for the weekends, but he was too involved in sports to be out there much. He quickly figured out Jean wasn’t interested in Miranda and since Mickey was crazy about Miranda he lost interest in spending time with Jean.”

  Patty checked to make sure Miranda wasn’t listening. “When Miranda was eight months old, she vomited during Christmas dinner at the Studors’. Mike and I took her to the bedroom to clean her up, and we weren’t listening to the talking in the dining room. A few minutes later, Mickey ran in while we were changing Miranda. He was crying; he begged us not to send Miranda away. Jean had told him that Miranda needed to be in an institution so Mickey wouldn’t be neglected.”

  Rosemary gasped. “That was a terrible thing to say.”

  Patty nodded. “I’d never seen Mike so furious. He picked up Mickey, I picked up Miranda and we left. On the way home, Mickey told us he didn’t want to see Jean again. Mickey is just like Mike. He rarely gets angry, but if he does, he doesn’t forget. He only relented at Mike’s funeral. He kept Miranda close to him that entire week and all but forced Jean to deal with her. Jean does the bare minimum, and she doesn’t try to have a relationship with Miranda. Thankfully, Miranda doesn’t notice.”

  “Mrs. Studor is the one losing out because Miranda is the greatest.”

  “Thank you, Rosemary. Mike always said that we are either a student or a teacher, depending on the situation. Miranda has taught me more than I ever imagined. Like you said, Mike’s mom is the one who’s lost out.”

  “Are they coming to the game tonight?”

  “I’m sure they are. Mike’s mom doesn’t like to be around my family, which is fine with us. My father-in-law is wonderful and while my brother-in-law rarely comes home, he’s a great guy, too. I just avoid Jean as much as I can.”

  “Mom, Mom! We’re here!” Miranda yelled out.

  “Okay, baby. Let’s go cheer on Mickey!” Patty winked at Rosemary.

  Mike had a great game and by the time it ended, the state championship trophy was in his hands. He was named M.V.P. of the game. After the game, Mike was more excited than Rosemary had ever seen him; she enjoyed watching him being interviewed by the media. When he caught sight of her, he took her hand and kissed her. Neither one of them noticed that their picture was being taken.

  The next morning, Rosemary received eighteen pink roses from Mike and the pink sweetheart roses that her uncle Jack sent every year. The tiny box attached to Mike’s roses contained pink pearl earrings.

  Rosemary was ready right after lunch. She opened the door to the studio when she heard Mike bounding up the stairs. She stood back and admired him. “Mike, I’ve never seen you wear anything but jeans. You look great!”

  “Hello, gorgeous.” Mike was dressed in gray dress pants, a black shirt and tie, and a gray jacket. “I thought I’d better step up the game. You are likely to be the best-dressed person in the place—I don’t want you to be embarrassed.”

  “Never.” She gave him a kiss.

  “Let’s see you.”

  Rosemary did a pirouette. “Simple black—not such a big deal.” Black silk trousers, a black silk shirt and a black peplum jacket with pink satin lapels and a pink and black polka-dotted mock handkerchief in the breast pocket. Her pink and black polka dotted stilettos sported a black bow at the toes.

  “Perfect. But the shoes are a show-stopper.”

  “I’ll tell you a secret. Dancers abuse their feet six ways to Sunday, and we frequently have a love-hate relationship with shoes. But I love shoes.”

  Mike took out an imaginary pencil and pad. “Shoes always a good idea. Check.” He winked. “A list of potential gift items.”

  Rosemary stepped close to Mike. “Thank you for my earrings. And the roses. I love pink.”

  “I heard that.” Mike touched one of the earrings. “I love your hair down, but you look very sophisticated with it up.”

  “I asked Mom to put it in a French Twist and I chose my outfit to go with the earrings. Pretty much everything you see is planned to show off the earrings.”

  “Baby, nobody is going to notice the earrings. They’re only going to see how completely gorgeous you are.”

  Rosemary blushed. “Mike, I’m nothing special—except to you.”

  Mike kissed her. “You have no idea how spectacular you are. I’m going to tell you thousands of times, until you believe it. Now, come on. Let’s go watch ballet.” Mike held the pink wool coat for her while she slipped her arms into it. She picked up the small pink leather bag and pu
t it over her shoulder. “Your bag totally matches the coat. Same designer?”

  Rosemary nodded. “Yeah, Tory Burch.”

  Mike grinned. “That’s my boo, the best-dressed girl at the ballet.”

  At intermission, they were talking in the lobby when a middle-aged man approached them. “Excuse me. I apologize for interrupting, but my mother believes she knows the young lady and she is quite emphatic about speaking to her. Is your name Rosemary?”

  “Yes, it is; Rosemary Bakker.”

  “Did you take dance lessons as a young child? My mother owned a dance studio not far from here.”

  “I took lessons at Madame B’s School of Dance until I was ten.”

  The man smiled. “Mother was right. Would you mind saying hello to her?”

  “I would love that.” A minute later, Rosemary hugged a tiny elderly woman who sat on a couch with several people hovering over her. “Madame B, I’m so glad to see you.”

  “Rosemary, I knew you would be tall, but goodness!”

  “I became too tall to be a ballerina, Madame B.”

  “But you still love the dance, don’t you?”

  “I do. I dance as often as I can.”

  Mike spoke up. “Rosemary teaches free dance classes for kids in our town.”

  The old woman’s eyes lit up. “Oh, that’s wonderful. You are sharing your love of dance.”

  “I’m trying. Dance kept me…dance was the best thing in my life for a long time.”

  Mike spoke again. “She also designs and makes beautiful dance costumes.”

  Rosemary blushed. “Madame B, this is my boyfriend, Mike Studor.”

  “He’s very proud of you.”

  “I’m extremely proud of her,” Mike agreed.

  A woman standing behind the couch suddenly spoke. “Excuse me, Mama. I’m just wondering something.” She looked at Rosemary. “Did you do some design work for The Elite Studio in Urbandale last spring?”