Page 27 of Valley

I restarted the track, and we began again, this time with even more intensity. The room buzzed with determination and the shared thrill of dance. I led them through the routine, my voice guiding them, my passion igniting theirs.

As the song ended, the class erupted into applause, cheering for themselves and for me. I beamed at them, proud and exhilarated and able to forget my hurt, if only for a few minutes.

“Awesome work, everyone! You killed it today,” I praised, high fiving my students as they gathered their things. “Keep practicing, and we’ll take it up a notch next week.”

As the class filed out, I took a moment to catch my breath, feeling a sense of fulfillment wash over me. Teaching dance didn’t feel like a job. I enjoyed it too much, and it was my way ofgiving back and inspiring others. And every class, every student, reminded me of why I loved it so much. If only it paid more, but until I could afford my own studio, I would take what I could get.

“Miss Madeline Wolfe! You have some explaining to do!”

I turned to see Casimir and Daphne marching into the room, their expressions a mix of determination and concern.

“Why is that?” I asked, feigning ignorance despite knowing all too well. I sat cross-legged on the floor, watching as they settled beside me.

“What happened?” Casimir’s voice softened, his eyes searching mine.

“It’s not important,” I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You’ll feel better if you talk about it,” Daphne urged. “Valley did something to hurt you. Ava saw you leave with Sean and said you looked upset.”

“You know you can trust us,” Casimir added, his tone gentle but firm. “I’d kill for you, girlfriend, and might have to after this. Now spill.”

“He used me,” I confessed, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. “Everything seemed perfect, but then he kicked me out of his room and vanished.”

Casimir pulled me into a tight hug. “Why that little bitch.”

“That doesn’t sound like Valley,” Daphne said, wrapping her arms around us both. “He’s never been serious about anyone, but he’s always been a sweetheart. I’m shocked.”

I took a shaky breath, trying to steady myself. “No one was more surprised than me,” I admitted. “I told him I didn’t want a one-night stand. He promised me more.” I let out a bitter laugh. “But he lied.”

“He hasn’t even tried to explain?” Casimir pressed.

“Not a word,” I whispered. “I don’t know how I’m going to face him tomorrow night.”

“With your head held high and a middle finger in the air,” Casimir declared, demonstrating for me, making me giggle through my tears.

“I went through this with Hillbilly,” Daphne shared. “You have to be strong and show him you don’t care. Don’t let him see your pain.”

I took her hand, my smile tinged with sadness. “I wish I were like that, Daphne.”

“You’re so beautiful and sweet. I can’t understand why he’d do this,” Casimir said, hugging me again.

“Because, Cas, I’m a dancer. Men see us as disposable. Good for one thing,” I replied honestly. “I need to rethink my career. This hopeless romantic wants her happily ever after, not the same heartbreak over and over.”

“Girl, you’ll have your Cinderella moment, I promise,” Casimir said with a squeeze of my hand. “But for now, hold your head high and your nose higher.”

“He’s right, Madeline,” Daphne agreed. “Never let a man steal your joy. Know your worth and run with it. It’s hard, and your heart will ache, but stay strong.”

“Momma.”

I looked up to see Dad in the doorway with Ellie on his lap, his expression concerned. “Ellie and I thought we’d stop by,” he said, wheeling further into the room and setting Ellie down. She ran to me with a squeal.

Casimir and Daphne stood. “Daphne, this is my dad, Chris,” I introduced them. “Daphne is a friend.”

“Nice to meet you, Daphne,” Dad said, smiling. “And good to see you again, Casimir.”

“Chris, I keep telling you to paint that chair, give it some oomph, a made-for-speed theme,” Casimir joked, shaking his head. “No one listens to me.”

Dad laughed. He loved Casimir’s unfiltered humor. “Some men don’t need to draw attention. Silent but deadly.”

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