Page 64 of Last Dance, Second Chance

“You’ve got time now and you could also share your own experiences as well. Especially chronicling your recovery from your injury — I’m sure there are plenty of dancers who’d be interested in following that.”

“It does sound fun.”

“You could also review productions. You might even end up with some free tickets.”

“Kind of like a catch-all for the ballet world?”

“Yes, everything you’re interested in as well as your life.”

“Thanks, Diana. That could be a really good idea.”

* * *

For probably the first time in her life, Jessica’s mind wasn’t completely on the ballet practice she was a part of for the rest of the day. Part of it was thinking about what a fantastic time she’d had the night before and how her relationship with Nathan had changed, and part was going over what she could write about and how she could present it. She’d want to include plenty of photographs too... There were so many topics she would love to write about.

She finished at three and checked her phone — she had a message from Nathan. Hoping you’re having a good day. Missing you. x She smiled and replied, Missing you too. Just finished. What are you up to?

His reply came through before she’d even finished packing up her bag: Waiting for you.

With a huge smile on her face, Jessica headed straight to Nathan’s house.

* * *

A grumbling Jessica let herself into her parents’ house three hours later with Nathan and Dennis at her side. “I can’t believe you’d rather come here than stay in bed with me,” she muttered to Nathan.

“You know that’s not the case. It was nice of your parents to invite me and it would be rude not to turn up, especially as you live here.”

“Goody two shoes.”

“Hiya,” said Sarah when they walked into the kitchen. She looked from one to the other of them, clearly checking to see if she could sense a difference between how they were behaving toward one another.

“Hello, Sarah, thanks for inviting me,” said Nathan.

“My pleasure,” Jessica’s mother said. “And this must be Dennis.” She knelt down to stroke Dennis’s head. Monty came running in from the garden and was thrilled to discover his friend had arrived. So thrilled, that he managed to knock the kitchen bin over. Dennis was let off his lead and they went careering into the garden.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Jessica asked her mum.

“Could you lay the table? Your brother and Molly are coming so we’ll need to eat on the patio.”

“Sure.”

“I’ll give you a hand,” said Nathan.

They took cutlery and napkins outside where they found Joe putting away the lawnmower while the dogs got in his way.

“I get in trouble with Peter when he comes round if the grass is too long, apparently it messes up his football,” Joe said good-naturedly. “Did you have a good day at the studio, Jessica?”

“Yes, thanks, Dad.”

“I thought you finished at three today?” he teased.

“I did... I went round to Nathan’s for a bit afterwards.”

“Oh right,” Joe said, chuckling to himself as he went inside.

“Oh my God,” said Jessica to Nathan. “I’m so sorry. They’re not exactly subtle, are they?”

“No,” said Nathan, frowning slightly.

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