Page 165 of Tainted

Sonya smiled warmly, setting her tea down. "Zara, it’s good to see you again.”

“Where have you been?” Banana Girl asked.

“At the club helping Rajah with her routine.”

"That’s exactly why I wanted to talk to you. I know you’ve taken a step back from dancing for obvious reasons." Sonya shot a glance at Nana before turning back to me. "But I wanted to extend an opportunity your way."

"What kind of opportunity?"

"I’ve been tied up with many things lately, but I’m looking to expand the studio. I need someone with the creativity anddrive to help push the boundaries. You’d be helping choreograph routines, teaching, and managing some of the new projects.”

My head spun. Sonya's studio was one of the best in town, and working alongside her would be a dream come true. Then reality hit. How could I take on something like that when I was pregnant?

“That’s an amazing offer, Ms. Sonya. But I’m not sure I’m in the best position right now.”

“Do you know I was six months pregnant with my son when I auditioned for Dancing Shadows?”

“Chile, I remember,” Banana Girl added.

“If it weren’t for my girl here offering to babysit even when I didn’t have anything to pay her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Sonya’s eyes flickered with understanding. "Lily told me you’re expecting.”

I glanced at Banana Girl, then back at Sonya, my heart racing. "Oh, did she?”

Sonya nodded, her gaze still on me. "I know it’s a lot to think about, but this could give you a way to stay connected to dance without the physical demands of performing."

I could feel the weight of her offer settling over me. It was everything I wanted but with a new layer of responsibility.

"I don’t need an answer right away," Sonya said, standing up. "Just think about it. You’ve got the talent, Zara. This could be a fresh start."

I nodded slowly, still trying to process everything. "Thank you, Ms. Sonya. I can’t thank you enough for even considering me.”

Truthfully, I didn’t feel worthy of the offer. I didn’t go to school to study dance or have any experience outside Utopia. There had to be somebody somewhere more qualified than me.

Sonya smiled and gave Nana a quick goodbye before heading down the porch steps. After she left, I sank back into my chair.

“I hope you’re not actually thinking about saying no.”

“It’s a lot to think about,Mouth of the South. You’re just out here telling my business.”

“Oh, hush. If you told me yourself, I’d know not to tell anybody, but since you didn’t,” she shrugged, her mouth winged down.

“I was going to tell you, Banana Girl. I just didn’t know what to say.”

Nana squeezed my hand again. "I know you were baby.”

I nodded, forcing a small smile. I hung out with Banana Girl until my lids grew heavy. Part of me thought about staying the night. Then I remembered I’d just be doing what Kenyon accused me of earlier.

After I grabbed a few things from my room, I drove back to Kenyon’s house. When I walked in, the lights were low and too quiet. Then I saw Sydney sitting on the couch, legs crossed, like she belonged there.

"Where’s Kenyon?"

She looked up from her phone, not at all surprised to see me. "He’s out."

I wasn’t in the mood for this, so I headed for the stairs. It was better for everyone after the way she acted earlier.

"Zara.” she stood up, crossing her arms as she faced me. "I was out of line earlier. It’s Hearing about your pregnancy messed with my head.”

I frowned, not sure where she was going with this.

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