Page 20 of Desire

“My confidence is the reason I’m doing the dance show. I’m not allowed to work in Hollywood again, as per the terms of the contract, but I can do this and being near my home makes it perfect for me. I miss having a challenge in my life, but it doesn’t have to be acting. I love seeing Izzy’s face as she watches me achieve something. I’m doing the contest for both of us. To prove to myself I can do it, and to help her understand that even when bad things happen, you don’t have to be a victim.”

“I can’t think of a better reason, and I’ll be there working with you and supporting you every step of the way, but you need to talk to me if something is bothering you. Are you just finding the salsa really hard, or is it something else?”

I pull away from Leo for this part of the conversation. I’m shaking as I find my handbag and retrieve my phone from it. Ever since I got the message, I keep looking at it. Of course, I forwarded it straight on to my lawyer, but I couldn’t delete it. I also couldn’t block Simon’s number, because I need to know what he’s planning. He wants to take my little girl away from me, and I can’t let him do that. I’ve barely slept the last few nights. I keep debating whether to leave the show, but every time I decide to quit, I think about the delight on Izzy’s face when she sees me performing.

My lawyer assures me Simon has no way of terminating the contract and getting Izzy back, but I don’t know anymore. I’m so confused by it all and completely terrified I’ll do something wrong and lose her to him. I’m so afraid he’ll beat her like he did me…maybe even kill her. That was the worst nightmare I had this week when I did finally manage to get some sleep.

I hand Leo my phone, and he looks down at the message. It still says it’s from an unknown number, but the meaning behind the words is clear.

“Is this from who I think it is?”

I nod.

“Yes, he phoned me on the first day I was at training. Someone from the show is obviously in contact with him. He’s got spies all around the entertainment world, so it could be anyone. That message was sent after we finished first on the leaderboard. I’ve done nothing wrong appearing on the show. My lawyer has confirmed it’s completely within the terms of the agreement, but I guess Simon doesn’t like the fact I’m being featured in the spotlight. Especially as he doesn’t have a movie out until next year.”

“That man is an asshole. He needs to be taught a lesson.” Leo breathes deeply to control his temper. He looks down at my phone again and then back at me. “Have you sent copies of this message to your lawyer?”

“Yes.”

“Right then, we’re going to put all this worry to bed and forget about him. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. You’re doing nothing wrong.” Leo presses a few buttons on my phone. I instantly reach out to grab it from him, but he pulls it away and presses a few more before handing it back to me. “The message is deleted and his number is blocked. You’ve nothing more to worry about from him now. Your lawyer can deal with him, and we can get back to dancing. We have a lot of time to make up for.”

“Leo, it isn’t that simple,” I protest while at the same time wondering how I can unblock Simon’s number. I’d rather know what he’s up to than have him working on a plan behind my back.

“Yes, it is, Elise. Simon is out of your life. He has no say over Izzy, and if he tries anything, then the contract gives you the upper hand.” Leo pulls me into his arms and tilts my head up so I’m looking directly into his face. I can’t help but get lost in the dreaminess of his eyes. “If he tries to take Izzy, then he voids the contract, and you can scream from the rooftops about what he did to you. You can be a confident and determined woman, knowing you have right on your side. You hold the power in your hands to destroy his career if he doesn’t leave you alone. Believe in that and in what you are doing for Izzy. You made the correct decision for her at the time and are continuing to make the right decisions for her now. You worry that she doesn’t see you as strong, but I’ve seen her watching you in dance practice. She’s in awe of you. She loves you and worships you. You’re her strength and her guidance. Now, I’m not leaving here until you show me you can remember the steps I taught you.” Leo taps me on my head. “Because I know full well they’re in there. They’ve just got lost because of all the worry and panic. Neither of which are necessary.”

Leo steals my phone again, and the next thing I know, ‘Conga’ is playing on the sound system in my house. This time, I remember the steps.

Chapter 10

Leo

The next few weeks blur into a haze of dance practice and Saturday night shows. It’s something I’m grateful for because I get the chance to see Elise break out of her shell and blossom. I try not to think about her ex-husband, because every time I do, I want to find him and give him a taste of what he did to her. He abused her and took advantage of her while she was fragile. I won’t let him destroy her again. She’s flourishing too much to let that happen.

She’s doing amazingly in the competition. We’ve performed so many dances now—a tango to ‘When Dove’s Cry’, a Charleston to ‘Fat Issac’s Grand Slam’, a quickstep to ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’, and a paso doble to ‘It’s my life’. Last week, it was an American Smooth to ‘Cry me a River’, one of my favorite songs to dance to. I was beyond proud of Elise for the way she performed it and even more satisfied when she received tens from two of the judges. Of course, we’re nowhere near the final rounds yet, so a top score from Denzel is impossible. He’s so stubborn.

This week, we have a rumba, one of the hardest dances for a celebrity to master. Today was the first day of training for it, and when we’d finished, Elise looked exhausted. We really have done nothing but work, so I gave her the afternoon off, and now I’m meeting her and Izzy for dinner.

“What would you like to eat, Izzy?” Elise questions her daughter as they both read through the menu of the retro diner Izzy chose. I would have preferred the French place down the road. It’s more authentic to the area, but we all agreed it was Izzy’s choice.

“Please can I have a burger, Mama?”

“Of course you can. I’m guessing with lettuce and mayo, no cheese?”

“Yes, please. Can I have fries as well?”

“Someone’s famished.” Elise shakes her head and smiles at her daughter.

“I think I’ll have the same, but I’ll also have cheese on my burger,” I say to Elise with a chuckle. Izzy joins in with me and rolls her eyes.

“Well we might as well just make that three burgers then.”

We all place the menus down on our table, and the waitress instantly comes over and takes our orders. She returns with two waters and a lemonade before leaving us alone to talk.

“What dance are you doing this week, Mama?” Izzy asks and then blows through her straw making bubbles into her lemonade.

“Izzy!” Elise’s tone warns her daughter to stop what she’s doing, and the little girl immediately begins to suck her drink through the straw instead.

I’ve spent very little time around children, but there’s something about Elise’s daughter that captures my attention. She’s like a mini version of her mama mixed with a bit more of a tomboy nature. Elise always dresses in skirts, but I’ve only ever seen Izzy in jeans or shorts. She’s got amazing knowledge of sport as well. I did wonder if it was Simon’s influence, but Elise assured me she’s only been this way since they moved to New Orleans last year. Izzy is happy, and that makes Elise happy too.

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