Page 71 of Flirty Dancing

Mateo helped Stewart clamber to his feet. “Everyone back here for a rehearsal at one,” he announced, trying to brush the wrinkles out of Stewart’s suit.

“Yes, Mateo. You’re absolutely right.” Stewart sighed. He bent to pick up Judy and stroked her shiny fur. “Let’s see if we can’t tidy some things up.”

They mumbled their agreement. Beau and Ben studiously ignored each other while Caleb and Mateo glared across the circle. It was going to be a long day.

Archer slipped out of the theater on his own, not really feeling up for conversing with anyone yet. But he was only a few steps up the path when someone called his name.

Eileen waved at him from a bench down a branching pathway. “Archer!” she said as he approached. “Good morning.”

“Morning, Ms. Lamb.” In the silence that followed, he knew they were both thinking about the shit show last night.

But Eileen just cocked her head and smiled from under her peach-colored sun hat. “Did you ask Mateo about coming for tea?”

“Oh, um… yeah, things have been kind of crazy the past few days.”

“Hmm, yes, I noticed the missing bodies last night, and all the new partners. Not to mention the unhappy faces.”

Yup, Eileen really didn’t miss a thing. “Yes, er… Mateosaid he would check his schedule…” Archer trailed off lamely.

She nodded. “I understand. If he changes his mind, I’m always available. Even if you don’t want to talk dance, I’d love to whip up some raspberry scones for you.”

Archer’s heart warmed. “Thank you, Ms. Lamb. You’re too kind.”

She patted his hand. “I know how it is, when things don’t quite work out how you planned.”

“What do you mean?” he asked her.

She gave him a knowing look. “Another time, perhaps. I saw Mr. Harpham-Lale in the audience last night, so I imagine you have rehearsal to get to. You have a good day, Archer.”

Archer grabbed a salad to go from the dining hall and took it down to the lake to eat by himself. There was a small sandy patch tucked into a copse of trees not far from the theater where he could flop onto a log and have a few moments of quiet. He studied the lake as he chewed, sunlight jumping off its surface in sharp white sparkles, the distant happy shouts from the main beach and chattering birds washing over him in a soothing medley. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath while the warm summer breeze played with his hair.Breathe, he reminded himself.

Things had felt off with Caleb since the hike, but he chalked it up to the mess the show had been last night. Archer figured once things settled down, it would feel normal with Caleb again. After all, their relationship was meant to be light and fun, not something to stress over. He finished his salad and took a few more deep breaths before gathering himself and heading back to the theater.

The whiteboard was out when Archer got back early, and it looked like Mateo and Stewart had mapped out all six of their shows with new partners so Beau and Ben wouldn’t have to dance together. Mateo was standing back, gaze flitting over the board.

“Did you get a chance to eat?” Archer asked him, studying the names for tonight’s show.

Mateo nodded. “I had an apple.”

“Okay. Make sure you have a proper dinner before we go on, though.”

Mateo sighed, idly popping the cap off and on a whiteboard marker. “I don’t need you to look after me, Archer.”

Archer blinked. “I’m not looking after you, I just…” The wordscare about youdied on his tongue. “I’m only trying to help.”

Mateo plunked the marker down on the ledge and ran a hand over his hair. “I know. Sorry.”

Archer opened his mouth to say it was okay, but Mateo turned on his heel and marched off, saying something about needing to talk to Stewart. Archer watched him go.Okay. He really doesn’t like me. Time to let it go, Arch.

Caleb popped up beside him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Hey. I didn’t see you at lunch.”

“Hi. Yeah, I needed a little quiet time. Things have been…” He looked around, shrugging.

“I get it,” Caleb said, taking his hand and kissing his knuckles. “It’s going to be okay.”

They were startled by a gasp from Betty. Her eyes were wide as she gaped at the backstage door.

Archer whirled.What now?

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