Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Dance Ballerina Dance
    Dance Ballerina Dance
    Dance Ballerina Dance
    Ebook222 pages3 hours

    Dance Ballerina Dance

    By M.A. Abraham

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    Diamond Taylor didn’t think twice about what she was going to do when she heard her grandmother was on her deathbed. She immediately took a leave of absence from her position as Prima Ballerina and boarded a plane for Sydney and home. She wasn’t prepared for what she found when she got there, a dying grandmother, a grieving grandfather, and both prepared to do whatever it took to make sure she was matched with their neighbor who they had all but adopted.

    Trent was doing everything he could do to help his neighbors, they were like family to him and his wards considered them equivalent to grandparents. It was such a tragedy that the only member of their own family didn’t care enough to bother coming to be by their side, though that was about to change. The last thing he expected was someone like Diamond Taylor and his reaction to the dark-haired beauty. She was a complication he didn’t need in his life, but couldn’t help reaching for with both hands.

    Diamond and Trent took one look at each other and it was hate at first sight, or was it? No matter what, they were being railroaded into an unwanted marriage by her matchmaking grandparents and the truce they declared to make the last days of her grandmothers life happy were about to bind them in ways neither expected. The question was, could they make it continue to work later, when there was no reason left to pretend?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherM.A. Abraham
    Release dateSep 17, 2013
    ISBN9781301678853
    Dance Ballerina Dance
    Author

    M.A. Abraham

    I don’t really know what to say about myself.I have been writing books since before I became a teenager. Most are still hidden in the closet. I used to make up my own stories as a child, everyone used to act them out while we were playing outside. As a teenager someone issued me a challenge. I told her that her stories stunk, she told me to do better.My job growing up was to play guardian to my little brother, keep him safe. That meant I ended up getting into more fights than enough – makes sense now that I write about warriors.My family will try to tell you that I’m not innocent, I have a personality that keeps them on their toes. Over my lifetime and theirs I have earn several nicknames – The Godmother, The Evil Christmas Elf (comes from making my nieces wrap their own Christmas presents), Mistress of Ambush. My favorite response to them when they try to get me into trouble is just to look at them with a wide doe eyed expression and say “Moi?????”I have a seal point Siamese cat named Snoop, named after my favorite cartoon character and hobby. I have a “healthy” but small collection of Snoopy memorabilia. He is a character alright; never met a cat who can talk back like he does. He expects daily dosages of adoration on his schedule when he wants it – not when it’s convenient for me and he HATES snow.I come from a very large family (mostly brothers) and I could outrun the whole works of them (I’m the shortest!). It was called survival.This book has been in the making for a long time now. Over a half a year to write it, about the same amount of time to edit it, and probably about the same amount of time to get the art work and website! I have learned you can’t control the timelines of other people – Murphy likes to step in.So for now I am setting up good luck charms everywhere... didn’t know I had that many stuffed Snoopy’s. *Fingers, legs, toes, eyes and anything else I can crossed*

    Read more from M.A. Abraham

    Related to Dance Ballerina Dance

    Related ebooks

    Romance For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      Waiting For Emily

      Dec 29, 2021

      Waiting For Emily
      7 min read

    • Article

      What A Wonderful WORLD

      Sep 6, 2022

      What A Wonderful WORLD
      6 min read

    • Article

      Karina By The Lake

      Sep 16, 2019

      Karina By The Lake
      10 min read

    • Article

      My Lasting Impression?

      Feb 26, 2019

      My Lasting Impression?
      5 min read

    • Article

      The Lilac House

      Sep 1, 2020

      The Lilac House
      6 min read

    • Article

      Miranda Tapsell

      Nov 2, 2023

      Miranda Tapsell
      8 min read

    • Article

      Miranda Tapsell

      Nov 2, 2023

      Miranda Tapsell
      7 min read

    • Article

      Cranky Nanna COMES GOOD

      Dec 7, 2022

      Cranky Nanna COMES GOOD
      6 min read

    • Article

      Just The Way YOU ARE

      Feb 7, 2023

      Just The Way YOU ARE
      9 min read

    • Article

      Sisters turn UGLY

      Nov 24, 2021

      Sisters turn UGLY
      3 min read

    • Article

      Lessons In Love

      Jun 22, 2021

      Lessons In Love
      6 min read

    • Article

      Playing THE GAME

      Aug 2, 2023

      Playing THE GAME
      6 min read

    • Article

      A Flurry Over Florrie

      Nov 16, 2021

      A Flurry Over Florrie
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Best Of FRIENDS

      Jul 28, 2020

      The Best Of FRIENDS
      6 min read

    • Article

      Tomorrows

      Mar 15, 2022

      The night, as most nights, was like a dream. At ten, once I’d fed the dog the last scraps off the stove. Once I’d cursed the cat for scratching up my mama’s antique furniture, then welcomed him back into my arms. Once I’d slicked my hair into a ponyt

      26 min read

    • Article

      Moving OUT

      Jul 27, 2022

      Moving OUT
      6 min read

    • Article

      Love Is In THE AIR

      Aug 16, 2023

      Love Is In THE AIR
      6 min read

    • Article

      Dino-MITE!

      May 17, 2023

      Dino-MITE!
      3 min read

    • Article

      A Daughter’s Deception

      Feb 23, 2021

      A Daughter’s Deception
      6 min read

    • Article

      Friends FOREVER

      Jul 25, 2023

      Friends FOREVER
      9 min read

    • Article

      If The Hat Fits

      Aug 18, 2020

      If The Hat Fits
      7 min read

    • Article

      Candy Hearts Did the Trick

      Dec 5, 2023

      A cold, February East Tennessee wind blew down from the snowcapped North Mountain, causing me to shiver. My younger brother, Buddy Earl, followed close behind, complaining as always. “We better do a little running,” Buddy moaned. “If we don’t get a m

      3 min read

    • Article

      Night Flying

      Aug 2, 2018

      Night Flying
      10 min read

    • Article

      Scenes From A Marriage

      Mar 23, 2022

      Scenes From A Marriage
      6 min read

    • Article

      Mr Fabulous

      Apr 5, 2022

      Mr Fabulous
      6 min read

    • Article

      By the RIVER’S EDGE

      Mar 29, 2023

      By the RIVER’S EDGE
      9 min read

    • Article

      Seeing RED

      Mar 31, 2021

      Seeing RED
      6 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Dance Ballerina Dance

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Dance Ballerina Dance - M.A. Abraham

      DANCE BALLERINA DANCE

      M.A. Abraham

      Dance Ballerina Dance

      Copyright © 2013 by M.A. ABRAHAM

      www.maabraham.com

      I would like to take this time to thank my editing team, Eniko, Fran, Morganna, Candice and Sarah for their continued support and efforts in correcting my poor grammar and literary efforts. Without them my books would be unfit for reading. A good backup team is priceless and I hope to one day be able to find a way to repay each of you for your support… and Becca… what can we say, you continue to be my foremost reason for being out in the public eye, your talents are endless.

      Dance Ballerina Dance

      CHAPTER I

      Miss Taylor, your pirouette is wobbly. Miss Taylor, your point is not high enough. Miss Taylor, you are not paying attention.

      Excuse me, the stewardess gently touched Diamond on the shoulder and lightly shook her. We are about to land. Could you please fasten your seat belt?

      Of course. Diamond felt slightly disoriented as she pushed a handful of luxurious chestnut hair back from her face where it had fallen. She had slept a good portion of the whole flight from Los Angeles to Australia and needed to get her bearings.

      The woman across the aisle of the plane looked curiously at Diamond, then asked. You look very familiar and, with a name like Diamond, I cannot help but wonder. Are you THE Diamond Taylor?

      Diamond hated these moments. She didn’t need the hassle of dealing with fans at a time like this, not when things were going so badly. She had just taken a leave of absence from the ballet company that she had been working for and they had given her a hard time because of it. She was their prima ballerina and they felt they couldn’t afford to let her go at this time. Diamond felt she belonged with her Grandfather more, as her Grandmother was terminally ill and lay dying in the hospital. She had no idea what to expect when she got home and was half afraid she was already too late.

      Diamond remembered her first trip to Australia. She had just turned thirteen when she was orphaned and left homeless. Their house had caught fire one night, caused by a servant falling asleep in bed while smoking. Both her parents and her brother had died in that fire, and Diamond had been sent to her maternal grandparents to live with them.

      Diamond had not even noticed taking the long plane trip to Australia from her home in San Francisco at the time. In fact, she had not seemed to be aware of much for almost four months before she came out of shock. She then used her interest in ballet to keep herself glued together and had become quite compulsive about her career. After graduation, she travelled extensively, moving far from her grandparents as the years went by. It had been five years since she had returned home, five years since she had last seen them. She could barely believe just how much she had missed them, and how fresh her love for them still felt.

      Diamond smiled at the lady, showing picture perfect teeth and admitted. I am. I am also flattered that you have heard of me.

      Of course I have dear. The woman in question gushed. I am Elena Everett.

      Pleased to meet you. Diamond returned.

      Are you going to Australia for performances? Elena asked with a wistful note in her voice.

      No. I am going home for personal reasons. Diamond replied.

      Did some young gentleman manage to catch your eye? These Australian men can be so good looking. Elena smiled as she gave her a knowing wink.

      Diamond recognized the type of person that would give her no peace unless she had dragged every piece of information from her, and as her trip and reason for being on it was no secret, she answered. I am going to see my dying Grandmother.

      Oh! I am so sorry to hear that. The woman gasped then lapsed into silence. That was something Elena had not heard and it was not nearly as interesting to share as the details of an illicit affair.

      Diamond sat back and gave a silent sigh of relief that this was one time when it seemed the truth was going to help.

      It took Diamond a half an hour after her plane landed to go through customs and walk into the reception area, where she was met by her Grandfather’s chauffer.

      Hello, Rene. What is Grandmother’s status? Diamond immediately voiced her uppermost concern in her mind.

      Not good, Miss Diamond. Your Grandfather feels she is only hanging on until you arrive so she can say goodbye. She is a grand old lady, if you don’t mind me saying so. I am going to miss her when she is gone. She must have been quite the woman. Rene was not shy about talking to Diamond, as she had always been easy to share her thoughts with.

      Mother used to tell me how I resembled her when I was growing up. She was supposed to have been a beauty. Diamond answered with a smile.

      Well, if you look like her, then she must have been. Rene agreed.

      Diamond smiled and a moment later she was ushered into the back of the limousine.

      It was going to be a long drive. Diamond’s grandparents lived two hours away from Sydney and Diamond was looking forward to the solitude. She was tired of the pressures of daily performances, practices, reporters and social climbing busybodies looking for favors from her to further their climb into society. She needed time for herself so she could connect with the real world.

      Diamond took off her shoes and stretched herself across the seat to try to get some more sleep while they were traveling before she got home. She had a feeling there wouldn’t be much of it when she got home. They were going to need to focus on her Grandmother and her Grandfather would need her support more than ever.

      An extra hard bump woke Diamond some time later and she peeked over the side of the door and out of the darkened window glass of the car.

      Where are we?

      About ten miles from home. They have been doing a lot of construction on the roads and the weather has not been very cooperative. So, for the next eight miles, brace yourself for a bumpy ride. Rene warned.

      Fantastic. Who do I have to thank for this? Diamond’s voice sounded caustic.

      Your neighbor, Miss Diamond. And your Grandfather is in complete agreement with him. He says it is past time this road was upgraded. He has two little girls and they almost live at your grandparents. Rene spoke fondly of the neighbor and his family.

      Who? The children? Or the whole family? Diamond asked sarcastically.

      The girls. Your grandparents dote on them. They have been told they can use your old exercise room anytime they want to.

      How old are these girls? Diamond wondered. She loved children, but wasn’t fond of people infringing on her grandparent’s generous natures.

      I am not sure. About eight and eleven I would guess. They seem nice, never overstay their welcome and are always polite. Rene described the two little girls.

      All this and only eight and eleven? Somebody must have perfected the android. I used to be a holy terror at that age. Mother always used to despair at my developing any manners. Diamond remembered with a grin. She had learned to deal with the death of her immediate family and move on, but it hadn’t been easy.

      You seem to have turned out very well. Rene noted.

      All uphill work, I assure you. Diamond chuckled.

      The car turned into the driveway and, a few moments later, Diamond was out of the door and around the back of the house at a dead run. She had presumed her Grandfather would be there. He wasn’t. He was in her old practice room giving a very tiny girl some encouragement as she showed him how to pirouette.

      You are doing so much better, Alicia. If Diamond were here, she could tell you whether you are doing it right or not. I can only tell that you are very much improved.

      Is she really a ballerina? The young girl lisped in awe.

      Yes she is. Diamond answered pleasantly as she entered the room, smiling her pleasure at finding her Grandfather at last. And she is here.

      Diamond, you are a sight for sore eyes. Her Grandfather got up and met her as she crossed the floor to give him a hug and kiss in greeting.

      How is Grandmother? Diamond asked in concern.

      It will not be long now and, in many ways, it will be a blessing. She is in such pain, Diamond. It hurts to watch her suffer like that. Now, to other matters, I have some special people for you to meet. Alicia, come meet my granddaughter. Diamond. This is Alicia, prima ballerina of her dance class.

      Really? That is quite an accomplishment. Diamond took the girl’s offered hand in hers and the girl dipped a slight curtsy.

      I am not quite a star yet, she confessed. I haven’t gotten my pirouette under control yet.

      Show me what you do. Perhaps I can help. Diamond offered.

      Really? The girl was impressed by the offer and immediately rose to do a pirouette. Diamond stopped her from making what she considered a serious mistake as she wondered how the girl’s teacher could get away with teaching any student without using the proper positions.

      Not like that, you are in the wrong position. Like this. Diamond placed the girl’s feet in the proper position then said. Now, head up and control where you place your hands and Pirouette.

      The girl spun and Diamond smiled. Alicia needed a little practice then she would be just fine. Diamond nodded and, a split second after, another girl came rushing through the door.

      We’re late. Come on, Alicia, you’ll get us both in trouble. A second later, both girls were rushing out of a back door while the front doorbell rang. Diamond went to answer it, motioning for her Grandfather to relax while she took care of things. He looked as if he could use some loving.

      Diamond opened the door and was pushed aside by a man who, she judged, could have easily made two of her. She frowned then called after him as he continued to walk down the hall.

      In most countries, it is considered rude to barge into other peoples homes without an invitation.

      The man whirled about to face her and stared. Diamond was no less affected as she met his gaze. She didn’t know who he was but he was quite impressive, in a roguish way. His hair was dark like hers, his eyes were lighter than hers by about four shades of blue and he was very tanned. Diamond’s gaze didn’t travel over his body the way his skimmed over her tailored outfit, but then they didn’t need to, it was obvious that the body beneath the work clothes he wore belonged to someone who took good care of his body.

      Where are my girls? He growled.

      I have no idea whom you are speaking about. Diamond covered for the girls. He might be handsome, but that didn’t mean he was exempt from using some form of manners. She felt sorry for those poor little girls. The man was an out and out tyrant.

      Really? The man insolently growled as he strode back to Diamond to tower over her. What if I don’t believe you?

      That is your problem. Your girls are not here and, judging by your manners, I think you are probably looking for someone to blame for scaring them off. You really are the most rude, ill-bred man I have ever come across. You may leave now. Diamond could barely believe she was stooping to his level.

      And you, lady, are one of the worst snobs I have ever encountered. Where is Mr. Travis? He snarled right back at Diamond. She stood there dressed in her designer suit and looked down her elegant nose at him and he resisted the urge to ruffle her perfectly groomed feathers.

      Resting and you shall not disturb him. Diamond replied firmly.

      Who appointed you his watchdog? He asked.

      I did, and I am not a dog. Diamond took that as an insult.

      No, I must admit you are not. He said as he re-inspected her before adding. Who are you?

      Mr. Travis is my Grandfather. Diamond replied shortly.

      Heaven help the man. How could such a decent couple be the grandparents of such a bitch? It must come from… the man’s words were cut short by the sting of Diamond’s hand connecting with his face. She had listened to enough from this creature and would not tolerate anyone who thought they could walk into her home and call her a bitch.

      Leave. Get. Out. Don’t come back.

      The telephone rang, breaking the tension building up between the two. Diamond walked over to it and answered calmly. Good afternoon, Travis residence. Diamond Taylor here.

      I heard you were due to arrive this afternoon. Di, what are the chances of dinner tonight? The voice at the other end was audible from halfway across the room.

      Randy. It is so nice to hear from you. I have plans, I am going to go with Grandfather to see Grandmother.

      How about after that? Randy fished.

      Diamond’s eyes flicked at the glowering man still standing at the door then gave him an answer: Well, off course, I will be free after. I had planned to spend a quiet evening alone with Grandfather but it seems he has a prior commitment. I would love to go with you.

      Fantastic, wear the flashiest gown you have. I am going to blow a few of my friends’ minds. Randy suggested with a hint of amusement in his voice.

      Don’t worry, Randy, I will make you proud. Diamond hung up the telephone and sauntered over to the door to hold it open for the man. The door is over here. I thought you might have been able to find it by now, but perhaps that was expecting a bit much from you.

      The man gave her the fiercest scowl she had ever seen and stormed out. A few moments later, her Grandfather walked into the area.

      I thought I heard Trent Alexander’s voice out here a few seconds ago.

      Trent Alexander? Diamond asked innocently. She had never heard the name before, but she had a suspicion she knew who her Grandfather was talking about.

      That’s right. Diamond’s Grandfather took her hand and pulled it through the crook of his arm and answered. You wouldn’t know him, although he is quite famous around these parts. You need to come home more often to keep up with what is happening here. He would be looking for the girls. They tend to lose track of time sometimes and he pretends to be the fierce parent coming to take them home.

      Oh, him. Diamond replied. He was here. He mentioned something about a nightly chess game you two have in common then left. Randy called and invited me out tonight, and as you had made prior arrangements, I accepted. I hope you don’t mind.

      Of course not, have a good time. You will want to change before going to see your Grandmother. She will be so happy to see you again.

      I can’t wait to see her again. I have been so worried. Diamond gave her Grandfather a hug and a kiss then made her own way to her room. Ten minutes later, she skipped lightly down the stairs to rejoin her Grandfather, and he watched her with approval. She had changed into a cream jumpsuit and looked cool and casually elegant. Her hair still remained in the clasp she had secured it with and, every once and a while, a lock of hair attempted to escape to fall across her face.

      Your Grandmother will approve, although she had hoped you would have settled down with a husband and had a child or two by now.

      We had that discussion over a year ago. Grandfather. I am happy as I am and nothing has changed. When I no longer feel satisfied with the life I live, I will look for someone to settle down with, not before. Diamond answered.

      Do you ever get to meet any interesting men, Diamond? Or does your world revolve around the stage? Diamond’s Grandfather pursued as they got into the back of the limo.

      There is no shortage of men in my chosen profession, Grandfather. I am not really interested in those who are, nor do I seem to stay interested in anyone for any length of time. I guess I am just not ready and I wouldn’t worry about it Grandfather, I will get there.

      Your Grandmother is the one who is worried Diamond. I would rather see you happy and single than married and miserable.

      I don’t understand. Grandmother seemed quite satisfied with my lifestyle last year, didn’t she?

      Only in front of you. But you will find out about that for yourself shortly. We are here.

      The car pulled up in front of a private nursing home and they got out of the car to make their way to her Grandmother’s room.

      Diamond. You have come. I prayed you would.

      Diamond gave her Grandmother a light hug and kiss and answered. "I never thought it much of a question. You

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1