Page 80 of The Way We Dance

“What? You dance?”

“Psh, you know it. And I love it. It helps me play better. And more than anything, I have learned that dancing is tougher than football. You have to be stronger than strong and super special to be able to handle dancing.”

“Is that how you caught that touchdown against Seattle last week?”

Shit, this kid was on top of things. “It helped. Miss Metro taught me how to assemblé and I got both feet down in the end zone.”

“I cannot wait to tell the guys at school,” Sam laughed. “I bet they think you are too cool to do ballet."

I didn't even flinch. That was exactly what I wanted him to do. What did I care if a few middle schoolers laughed at me? At least they would be laughing with Sam and at least they would realize that dancing didn't mean you were weak, or wimpy.

I stood up and nodded to a smiling Mrs. Watson. “How is your son?”

Her face fell, knowing I was asking about Reggie, and she shook her head. “He left the hospital and got right back on the streets.”

Fuck. “I am so sorry.”

“I’m just going to pray and pray, Mr. Black. It's all I can do.”

I thought about my brother for a minute. He was in a shit storm and if he wasn't dead yet, he would be soon, or in jail. Especially if he lost a hundred thousand dollars worth of drugs. Truthfully, I wasn't a praying man, but as a sentiment, I guess it was all I could do as well.

I hugged them both before letting them go, hoping I got to see them again soon. Depending on how things went with Giselle tonight, I wasn't sure I would be back. I was going to do everything I could to let her know how much I cared about her, but who knew how she was feeling at this point.

Trying the door again, I pulled and noticed it was unlocked and I was kind of upset she hadn’t relocked it. Why did she always forget to re-lock it?

I guess I was just as guilty.

To my surprise, Giselle was prancing gracefully on her feet back and forth. After a gunshot, you would think she would be down a bit longer, at least have a limp. But she was as graceful as ever.

She looked different in other ways though, I just couldn’t pinpoint it. Of course, her back was to me so I hadn’t seen her face yet.

I cleared my throat so she knew I was there and she elegantly turned around. A hand flew to her mouth and her eyes widened.

There was no scream but it was almost a complete reenactment of the night we met. Only this time, it wasn't Giselle. It was an older, but just as beautiful, version of her.

“Where is Giselle?”

“Who are you?”

“I’m Ty Black.” I swallowed because something about this woman made me feel inferior. Like I wasn't even in the same league, much less the same playing field. Where Giselle was poised and professional, this woman exuded sophistication, refinement, and elegance on a whole other level.

“Ty?” She smiled. “So you are Ty.”

“Heard of me?” I smirked, but tried to keep the cockiness out of it.

“My daughter spoke of you,” she glided, literally glided to me and raised her hand for me to shake. “I am Galena Metrovik, Giselle’s mother.”

I took her hand and shook, her hold on me was firm and powerful. So this was Giselle’s mother? Actually, I saw it. They looked a lot alike, even had the same slim frame and petite stature.

“Where is Giselle?” I repeated my previous question.

“Home,” she held my eyes and didn't say anymore. She was extremely intimidating. I understood everything Giselle told me about her, and just like Giselle, I had no idea how to navigate our conversation.

“I knocked on her door a few times,” I admitted. No one ever answered.

“Yes, I know,” she backed away and kept tending to the things she was doing before I got her attention. “We hid behind the couch the first time.”

I looked up at her words and she winked at me, a small smile tilting the side of her lips up. Instantly, I felt lighter, more at ease. Galena had jokes, and Giselle had obviously been talking about me more than just who I was.

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