Page 47 of Protecting Jess

“It is. You know what we need to do, right?”

“What?”

“We need to go out and celebrate with champagne, not coffee.” Kaley was dragging her to the door when Jess’s senses returned and she dug her heels in.

“Wait! Stop! What about you? What happened to you?”

Her bestie’s smile dropped a little. “I’ve been let go.”

The happiness she’d been feeling moments ago drained out. “What? No. Kaley!”

“It’s okay.” Her friend lifted a shoulder. “I knew it was coming. I haven’t been giving it my all the last couple of months. And, if I’m totally honest, I’m kind of tired of all the traveling around. I’m going to pack up my room at the apartment, and I think I’m going to go home for a little bit and then decide what I’ll do next.”

Mixed emotions warred within Jess. The thought of living in that apartment in New York without Kaley was something she didn’t want to contemplate. Sure, their other roommates were dance company members, but having her best friend there made living in the cramped space bearable.

Yet, she was so happy that she was going to be the lead dancer of the Baxter Company. Her workload would increase, but so would the money she earned, and she would be the face of the company. Her picture would be on all the posters around the country.

“I don’t know what to say,” Jess said eventually.

“Nothing. You don’t have to say anything. And just because my contract wasn’t renewed doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate what’s happening to you.” Kaley grabbed her hands and squeezed. “Honestly, Jess, I’m so damn happy for you.”

“Thank you for being an amazing friend,” she choked out, tears clogging her throat and eyes.

“Always. And I’m going to be front and center on opening night. That I promise you. Now wipe those tears and let’s go have that drink.”

“Let’s.”

When Jess got to the bar or wherever they were going, she was going to text Finn with her news. No, this was too good to tell over a text. She wanted to see his face when she told him.

All her dreams were coming true. She was leading the dance company. And she had Finn, something she’d always assumed wasn’t going to happen, but it was.

Nothing could stop her happiness.

Nothing at all.

Sixteen

The walk to the wine bar didn’t take Jess and Kaley long. They were seated outside, close to the sidewalk barrier, with two glasses of champagne in front of them, along with a small charcuterie board.

There were people moving up and down the street, but Jess wasn’t paying any attention; she was watching her friend.

Was Kaley really okay with having her contract terminated?

There were other dance companies she could join, but Baxter’s was one of the best.

She seemed fine. There was no sadness in her eyes at all. It definitely looked like she was at peace with the decision that’d been thrust upon her.

“You really are okay, aren’t you?” Jess asked after they’d taken their fill of the delicious meats and cheeses.

“I am. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but I do know I’m ready to settle in one place.”

“I wish that place was New York. I mean, you could still stay at the apartment,” she suggested hopefully.

“And be by myself for weeks on end, while you’re all off touring around? No thanks. I love New York, but I’m ready for something a little less busy.”

“Good luck finding a city in the US that’s quiet.”

Kaley looked around. “I don’t know. Here seems pretty chill.”

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