"Is that her?" Emma whispered loudly as a group of dancers in purple tutus lined up backstage.
"Second from the left," Ethan confirmed, his chest swelling with pride as he spotted Mia's concentrated expression. She was going through her routine in her head, lips moving silently as she counted beats.
The music started and Mia transformed. Every movement was precise, every smile genuine.
She hit every beat, nailed every turn, and when she landed her final pose with arms raised triumphantly, the audience erupted in applause.
Emma's promised whistle was indeed ear-piercing, and Victoria was clapping so enthusiastically that her program fell to the floor.
"She's incredible," Victoria leaned over to tell Ethan. "That takes so much discipline and practice."
"She worked really hard," Ethan said, his voice thick with pride and emotion. "Sometimes I'd hear her practicing after I thought she was asleep."
When the recital ended and parents swarmed the stage area, Mia ran straight to Ethan, still glowing from the performance high.
"Daddy, did you see? I didn't mess up even once."
"You were perfect, mija. I'm so proud of you."
"Mr. Rodriguez's daughter."
Emma appeared beside them with Victoria close behind. "You were amazing. I've never seen anyone dance like that in real life."
Mia's eyes went wide. "You're Emma. Daddy told me about you. You play piano, right? Like really good piano."
"I try," Emma said modestly, then leaned in conspiratorially. "Want to know a secret? I was more nervous watching you dance than I get when I perform. You were so brave up there."
The two girls hit it off instantly, chattering about performances, practice schedules, and stage fright while Victoria and Ethan watched with matching expressions of parental contentment.
"Thank you for coming," Ethan said quietly. "This means more than you know."
"Thank you for inviting us," Victoria replied. "I can't remember the last time I've seen Emma this excited about making a new friend. And Mia is incredibly talented. That routine was genuinely impressive."
After photos with Miss Patricia and the other dancers, the four of them walked out to the parking lot together. The late afternoon sun was beginning to set, painting the Phoenix sky in brilliant oranges and pinks.
Emma and Mia had already exchanged phone numbers and were making plans for Emma to teach Mia some piano basics before next Friday's charity recital.
"Speaking of which," Victoria said, turning to Ethan, "I should probably give you details about the event. It's at the Orpheum Theater downtown. Black tie optional. The performance starts at 7:00, but there's a reception beforehand for donors and sponsors."
Ethan felt his stomach drop. Black tie optional sounded expensive, formal, completely outside his world.
"I'm not sure Mia and I would fit in at something like that."
"Of course you would," Victoria said firmly. "Emma specifically requested that you both be seated at our table. She's even planned what she wants to talk to Mia about between performances."
Emma nodded vigorously. "We're going to be best friends, and best friends support each other at important events. Right, Mia?"