Page 116 of The Way We Touch

“It just got a whole lot better.”

She wriggles, and I lower her to her feet. I take out my other crutch, she walks with me slowly to the house.

“What did you do today?”

“We stopped by Miss Gina’s so your brother could fix her greenhouse, and I met Rachel.”

“Oh, I love Rachel! I want to start doing yoga with her on the weekends.”

“She seems nice. Your brother does not agree.”

“I have no feelings either way.” Zane’s tone is flat as he passes us on his way to the house.

Dylan’s eyes cut up to mine, and my eyebrows rise. I’m pretty sure we’re thinking the same thing. Sparks.

“Well, I’ve got to get changed and get to the restaurant.” She rises on her toes to kiss me once more.

“See you there.”

She squeezes her brother’s arm as she passes him. Zane puts his bag behind the coat rack, but frustration twists my stomach as I watch her disappear upstairs.

“I don’t like the way certain people talk about Dylan.”

“None of us do.” He glances in the direction his sister went. “Jack’s wife dealt with the same thing. The only difference was, she deserved it—not that you heard it from me.”

“Dylan doesn’t deserve it, and she’s been through enough.”

“It’s best to ignore it. Otherwise, it gets worse. Then it gets ugly.”

“I don’t know.” My mind is working. “I’m not good at ignoring things.”

And I’m even worse at seeing my girl treated badly. I’m making a call.

28

Dylan

The Christmas show is next week, and we’ve been rehearsing after school every day. Austin and Mia dance like true partners now. They predict each other’s movements, and he hasn’t dropped her since that time before Thanksgiving. Confidence guides them, and I’m so excited for her auditions.

Invitations are slowly filtering in, and she brings them to me every time. It’s almost like it’s happening to me again, which I know is silly.

The entire class stays after for rehearsals now. They’re performing a modified version of “Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker, and Josh and Sally are doing a modified version of “Mirlitons,” or “The Dance of the Flutes.”

We’re finishing up for the day, and Mia and Austin are moving through the combination of little jumps, arabesque, and the lift. They come down with a plié bow, and the entire class breaks into applause. Josh even lets out a sharp whistle.

I can’t keep the smile off my face. As important as teaching them ballet has been to me, I’ve also done my best to foster a non-competitive, supportive environment—something I didn’t always have in my own classes.

“Good work, everyone!” I smile, giving them the signal they can go, and they begin collecting their books and backpacks, changing their shoes.

I’ve got to get to the restaurant. It’s Thursday, and Logan wants to learn to make this week’s Dare dish with me. Craig says he’s nuts, but I’m excited.

He’s been spending a lot of time with Zane, and he’s finally off those crutches, which had a bigger impact on his attitude than I realized. He’s less angry, and he even seems eager, like he’s formulating a plan.

I wish I could keep him here with me always, but I know he had things he wanted to accomplish this year. I’m glad he’s gotten his second wind, even if it means once he’s strong enough, he’ll be headed back to the city.

My heart sinks when I think of having to watch him play another season, of us being separated, and all the longing. I don’t know what I’ll do if he’s hurt again, but that’s the life of a football WAG… something I never dreamed I’d be.

“Miss Dylan?” Mia’s voice halts me as I’m headed for the door.

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