Under the Spanish Stars by Alli Sinclair Page B

this surprise visit at all.
    She’d heard about businessmen starting up opera flamencas as a way to avoid Franco’s hefty taxes by making her beloved flamenco a theatrical event. The large theatres killed the essence of flamenco and the watered-down performances pandered to Franco’s ideals.
    Katarina said, ‘We have so many of these in Granada already, why would you start a new one?’
    â€˜Please, you must excuse Katarina, sometimes she lacks social etiquette.’ Salvador furrowed his brows at her.
    Federico gave a small laugh. ‘I like direct people. I’d heard you were sharp, Katarina. My goal is to create the most magnificent dance company in all of Spain. This is the chance of a lifetime not only for me, but for an elite collection of dancers, musicians, and singers. Together we will revolutionise opera flamenca .’
    If he wasn’t a dance company director he could easily work as a door-to-door salesman. Narrowing her eyes, she asked, ‘So why us? We’re not popular like Carmen Amaya or Antonio Gades. Why don’t you enlist more seasoned performers?’
    â€˜Because they don’t have what you and Salvador possess. It’s … magic.’
    â€˜It’s not duende .’
    â€˜Some would argue that witnessing you perform is duende .’ Señor Basa Trujillo adjusted his tie. ‘Don’t you want to make money? Surely you earn a pittance in a place like this.’
    â€˜It’s not about the money. I refuse to dance in front of a bunch of people who don’t value the flamenco I love—stories of love and loss—not those meaningless librettos about powerful people looking down on the lower class.’ A subject very close to her heart.
    â€˜What if I promised you could dance your flamenco your way? This is what will make my company different. Obviously there are limits, but I’ve seen your dancing. You get close to that line, but you don’t cross it enough to warrant interest from certain factions.’ He arched an eyebrow as if to say ‘like Franco’. His words came out way too smoothly.
    â€˜It is a kind offer, Señor Basa Trujillo, but I am afraid I am unable to accept. Salvador, however, may choose to perform with your company, but I cannot.’ The last thing she wanted was to split from Salvador, but the trio had already suffered a blow and Salvador hadn’t been himself lately. She’d put it down to the new baby, but now that this Basa Trujillo character had appeared, she wondered if Salvador had instigated this meeting because he wanted to move on—with or without her. It hurt, but she understood. At the moment they were lucky if they earned enough money for a meal a day.
    â€˜Is there a way I can change your mind? I have watched many dancers in this town, but none capture the essence of flamenco like you. Please, won’t you reconsider?’
    She shook her head and sipped water out of the stained glass.
    â€˜I will pay handsomely,’ Federico said.
    â€˜Sorry, but my answer remains no.’
    â€˜I am afraid your answer disappoints me.’ He adjusted the sleeves on his jacket, then handed a business card to Salvador. Federico leant in and whispered to her friend and both men glanced in her direction. Straightening his spine, Federico moved towards the door. ‘It was a pleasure meeting you, Katarina. I wish a good evening to you both.’
    The door clicked behind him and she placed the glass heavily on the table beside her. ‘What’s the big secret?’
    â€˜He doesn’t want anyone but you, Katarina. What he’s willing to pay us for one night is the equivalent of what we’d earn in a month slogging it out in these bars. I don’t know about you, but I, for one, could do withthe money.’ He eyed her dance shoes, with tiny holes worn in their soles. ‘I think you could, too.’
    â€˜I could but I do not want to dance in a large