Page 155 of Irreversible

I force back tears as I step off stage and own the new life I’m building for myself.

I did it.

And I’m pretty sure I killed it.

Adrenaline soars through me, harnessing my smile, as Queenie greets me behind the stage in a tiny back room. I race over to her, hooking my bralette back into place, out of breath. “Holy shit.”

“Holy shit, indeed.” She props her shoulder against the wall and grins. “I’m impressed. It’s rare a new dancer delivers such a flawless routine on her first night.”

I’ve always enjoyed dancing. Generally, it was in front of my full-length mirror while Coldplay poured from my playlist and my tarantula silently judged me from his terrarium, but it’s always been a part of me. I’m becoming more like my mother every day.

Ariel gives me a high-five, while Latte, another fellow dancer, lifts her hands with spirit fingers. I already feel a kinship. A new family unit.

“That was terrifying,” I breathe out, feeling wild-eyed and dazed. “But liberating in a way. I felt…human again.”

“You looked so confident up there.” Ariel tightens her ponytail, gearing up for her own routine. “A total pro. You’re going to outshine all of us in no time.”

I swallow, nodding my thanks. “Good luck. You’re going to do amazing.”

“Yeah, I got this.” The DJ announces her, and she takes off, sweeping past me.

Queenie takes me by the hand and leads me back to the dressing room. “Let’s get you changed. I just had you scheduled for one dance tonight. When can you come back?”

“I’m free all week.”

“Fabulous. I’ll work on your schedule. Can you be here tomorrow?”

“Absolutely.”

I spend the next twenty minutes changing into athletic shorts and a tank top while I scrub the makeup off my face, listening to the roar of the crowd from down the hall.

Queenie approaches as I grab my purse out of the locker. “Do you need a ride home, Angel Baby?”

“No, I’m good. I walked.” I give her a firm hug before turning around. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you then.”

The October night air is warm and fragrant as I make my way out through a side door. My street shoes clap against the metal steps, rattling in time with my pulse. I’m still feeling the high, the confidence. The telltale buzz of new beginnings.

As I turn the corner, there’s a man leaning against the weathered brick, smoking a cigarette.

I falter.

Our eyes meet through the glow of an overhead streetlamp.

Slowing my steps, I squeeze my purse strap, glancing around at the still-lively street as cars whiz by and people gather in small groups.

My attention flicks back to the man.

The same man I noticed watching me.

He lowers the cigarette, blowing a plume of smoke up toward the sky before settling his dark eyes on me. He doesn’t speak.

“Hey. I saw you in the club.” I’m a few feet away, but I feel the heat emanating from him. Something potent.

I wait for his reply, for the sound of his voice, but his mouth snaps closed. Jaw tight, he just stares at me, wordless. A muscle in his cheek jumps as his eyes roll over me.

He’s incredibly attractive.

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