Read Online Under the Spanish Stars by Alli Sinclair - Free Book Online

theatre with Spain’s well-to-do looking at us like we’re performing monkeys.’
    â€˜We’re performing monkeys in the café cantantes and we get peanuts. Why can’t we get peanut plantations? Besides, Federico said you could continue dancing your way.’ Salvador ran his fingers through his hair, then stopped and scratched his head. ‘Ah … I understand now.’
    Katarina stared at her clasped hands, her chest hollow.
    â€˜Dear Katarina, the people in those wealthy circles have left the country. Or if they’ve stayed, they’re not paying attention to flamenco dancers who once shared fancy meals with them. Don’t let fears from the past dictate your future.’
    â€˜It’s just …’ She paused for a moment and let logic take over. Staring at the holes in her soles, she admitted, ‘The money would be nice.’
    â€˜It would indeed,’ he said.
    â€˜You wouldn’t have to scrimp and could support your family.’
    â€˜That I could.’ Salvador did a terrible job of hiding his smile.
    â€˜And you took me in when no one else would.’
    â€˜That I did.’
    â€˜I owe you a lot.’ She placed her hand in his. ‘You saved me.’
    â€˜It was the best thing I ever did. Well, apart from marrying my wife and becoming a father.’
    Katarina puffed out her cheeks. ‘I won’t compromise who I am.’
    â€˜You won’t. I won’t.’ His eyes widened. ‘Is that a yes?’
    â€˜I’ll think about it.’
    â€˜So that’s yes.’
    Laughing, Katarina said, ‘It’s yes, but just make sure I don’t regret it.’

CHAPTER
4
    1944—Katarina
    Katarina tucked the large bag under her arm as she pulled open the heavy wooden door of Teatro del Arte. She hovered in the foyer, uncertainty washing over her about this latest decision. Salvador had done such a brilliant job of convincing her that this was the right move, she temporarily forgot the self-doubt about her decision-making abilities that had plagued her these last few months. The most sensible thing to do was grab this opportunity with both hands and hang on for dear life. Katarina prayed that clutching the offer didn’t mean she’d lose balance and fall face first.
    Standing in the middle of the expanse, she took a moment to familiarise herself with her new theatrical home. Faded red carpet with rips and gaping holes clung sadly to the sweeping staircase, while the balustrade gave the impression someone had used it as target practice. A musty odour mixed with wax itched her nose and she rubbed it with the back of her hand. Layers of dust covered the floor and she used the toe of her shoe to scrape away the muck to reveal a large design of pockmarked marble parquetry. Although the war had officially ended in 1939 when Franco came to power, the destruction and destitution of the Spanish people remained apparent. Many landmarks were destroyed or were in disrepair. She hadn’t expected this theatre to be immaculate; then again, she hadn’t envisioned it being so … rundown.
    â€˜Katarina.’
    She recognised his velvety voice as it echoed in the vast foyer. The bag she’d tucked under her arm slipped to the floor with a thud, small clouds of dust swirling around her feet.
    It couldn’t be …
    Scared she could be wrong, but at the same time fearful she was right, Katarina slowly turned. Her eyes took in his tall frame, now broader; his jaw now squarer, his dark eyes still as captivating as they were eight years ago although they held something more … maturity? Experience?
    Barely able to breathe, she managed only one word: ‘Raul.’
    They both stepped forward then hesitated. What do you do when someone your heart hasn’t forgotten comes back into your life?
    â€˜Did you know I would be here?’ she asked, her mouth dry.
    â€˜I would be lying if I said no.’ A faint