Page 40 of Master of My Heart

“He asked you and Liz to take me home?” When she’d seen Martin in the hallway yesterday, she had a feeling he was watching over her, but she didn’t think he’d ask someone to help her.

Jayson nodded. “He said he’d seen you dance before and wanted you to have your best chance today.”

“Did he say where he’d seen me?”

“No. Have you met him before?”

She nodded. “I came to a summer session years ago.”

“A summer session? When?”

She shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. That was when life was still good. “When I was sixteen. Just before—” She swallowed and closed her eyes, the horror of that day flashing in her memories. “Before things... changed.”

He stared at her, a mixture of sadness and something else she couldn’t quite define in his expression. “I’m sorry that happened,” he said after a moment before lifting her arm and pressing his hand firmly against her side. She winced. “Sorry.”

“I’m fine. I’ll be fine.” She sucked in a breath as he pressed on an especially tender spot. “How do you know what you’re doing?”

“My mom’s a nurse,” Jayson said. “I’ve learned a lot from her.” He gently probed the area. “Did it start hurting again? You didn’t look like it bothered you much on stage.”

She nodded, teeth clenched. “I can push the pain away when I’m dancing, but it returns with a vengeance after I stop.”

“You need to see a doctor.”

She saw Martin walk out on stage. When he saw them, he hurried over. “I called the clinic. They’ll see her if she needs it.”

“Clinic?” Sabrina asked.

“We have a deal with a local clinic if any of my dancers get injured.” Martin looked at her. “You look like it’s hurting again. She whacked you pretty good, eh?”

Teeth still clenched against the pain, she nodded. He frowned.

“I think they’re just bruised,” Jayson said.

“Good. Less recovery time before getting back into the studio.” Martin grinned. “I didn’t say that.” He winked at her, then looked at Jayson. “Can you get her to the clinic?”

“Yeah. I’ll grab a cab.”

“How far is it?” Sabrina asked.

“Couple blocks.”

Sabrina shook her head. “Give me a few minutes and I can walk. Just need to catch my breath.”

Martin chuckled. “Well, I don’t have to worry about you missing performances or rehearsals, do I?”

She tried to smile. “I’ve danced through worse.”

Martin frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. But I’m glad to know you’re strong. Just don’t push it.”

With a little effort, she smiled at him.

“Take a cab and get to the clinic. They’ll give you something for the pain.” He turned to Jayson. “She’s staying with you and Liz?”

He nodded.

“Good. Make sure she rests. I’ll call you after I post the lists and give you the results.”

“Thanks, Martin.”

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