Page 128 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“I think I’m going to say no. I’m not qualified for something like that.”

“Like hell you aren’t. You just spent the last six years working with kids.”

“I didn’t spend the last six years working with kids. I moved around to different projects and I traveled.”

“You’re still qualified.” He shrugs, staring me down in challenge.

My eyes narrow as I stare back, trying to figure out what’s really going on until it hits me. “You want me gone,” I accuse.

“What? No, I don’t.” I have to admit, the genuine shock on his face is actually believable, except for one minor thing. Why else would he be pushing this?

“I was actually thinking about going back to Shauna’s,” I say instead, watching for his reaction.

“You’d prefer to wait tables?” Yes, I finally told Luke what my job was before I left. I couldn’t leave him hanging. And while he was a little sus on the type of venue, he was relieved by my actual position. But that relief is about to be taken away.

“No, I think I want to dance.”

“What?” Luke jumps to his feet like he’s outraged, but I laugh it off.

“Sit back down. Why don’t you come with me so you can see what it’s really like? It’s not a strip club.”

“Would you be dancing for men’s enjoyment?”

“Yes, and women’s.”

“Would you be dressed in jeans and a sweater?”

“You know I wouldn’t be.”

“Lainey.”

“No. I’ve thought about this. While I was away, I took my life back. I made decisions about my body. I let myself focus on my mind for once, and it made me stronger. But now I want to try dancing again. For me.”

Luke groans, but I can tell it’s out of frustration because he can see my point.

“What if…”

“I owned that moment, Luke. I chose to walk out on that stage in that costume. I knew what people could see. I saw it. And I danced better than I’ve ever danced before. Better than every single person in that room. I showed them they couldn’t get to me, and there was no denying it. Did I know someone had snuck in acamera? No. But I’d do it again if I was back there.” It’s everything after that moment that I’d change.

“You know it messed you up, Lainey. That’s why…” he trails off, suddenly nervous.

“That’s why, what?”

“That’s why you’ve been away for so long.”

“I went away to find myself. And I did. I just haven’t found my purpose.”

“Well, maybe it’s nanny-ing.”

“You think my life’s purpose is to be a nanny?” I’m sure it’s someone’s life purpose, but since the idea has never crossed my mind, I don’t think it’s mine.

“No,” Luke rushes out with a laugh. “Not that exactly. But it might lead to something.”

I ponder that for a moment as he grabs himself a juice, and when he sits back down, I frown. I love working with kids. There’s no doubt about that. So… “Ugh. I hate when you’re logical. It really messes with our rhythm.”

Luke’s eyes light up. “So you’re going to take the job?”

“I guess I am. And I guess that means you can start bringing women home again. Part time.”

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