Page 95 of Surviving the Merge

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Pointing at me, Damon said, “You’re his best friend, which makes you my best friend by default. You’re supposed to want the best for me.”

Damon always liked Sam—because she had parts that didn’t interest me—but ever since she created the Benji masterpiece, he’d counted her as one of his own.

“Soooo, by that same thought process, Ashton is Justin’s best friend too, right?”

“Ash is mine,” he growled, and Sam keeled over with laughter.

I rolled my eyes. His possessiveness amused her, and he fell for it every time.

* * *

“Oh my god,Pete, you were spectacular!” Sam shouted backstage, doing a little dance that left me seasick. “Justin, did you see him? He did like ten spins back to back and then that leap! You saw him, right?”

Laughing, I placed my hands on both her shoulders to keep her from floating away. “Sam, I choreographed the whole thing, remember?”

“Oh, yeah. Everyone did so well. I’m so proud of you guys.” She kissed Pete smack on the cheek before running off to congratulate the other kids huddled a few yards away talking excitedly. They startled when she rushed over squealing and grabbed Debbie under her armpits, spinning her around in her arms.

I looked over to Pete, who stood with a palm to his cheek, gaping open-mouthed at Sam. “Hey, are you okay?” I asked, snapping my fingers in front of his face.

“I am never washing this side of my face again,” he pledged.

Chuckling, I informed him that he had red lipstick on it.

“I don’t care,” he replied.

“Oh, there you are!” Chancellor Davis approached; his smile made the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes more prominent.

“Chancellor Davis, hello. I’m so glad you could make it,” I said.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” He pushed his tortoiseshell glasses up the bridge of his nose and adjusted his tweed blazer. “You must be Pete?”

I nudged Pete’s shoulder to get him out of his shy stupor.

“Ah... yes, I am. It’s so nice to meet you, and, ah... thank you for coming.”

“Oh nonsense. My pleasure, young man. You were outstanding tonight! Tell me, how long have you been training?”

“Since age four, and I’m sixteen now. So, ah, four years.”

“He means twelve years, Mr. Davis. He’s nervous. Forgive him.” I squeezed Pete’s shoulder in silent support.

“Well, that’s completely understandable. Tell me, Sir Pete, what are you doing here? With your talent, you should be in a more formal dance school competing for a spot at Glifton or Brinshill University.”

“Umm, well... I... ah—”

“He came here to find acceptance and love. In the process, he found his strength. Now, he’s ready for anything,” I said.

Pete smiled at me, his eyes saying,Thank you.

And mine said,Anytime.

“Splendid.” Mr. Davis clapped his hands together. “I’d like to refer you to our apprenticeship program. This will allow you to observe and learn from some of the best in the business. You’ll study under a Ballet Master—anacclaimedBallet Master if Justin comes back.” He winked at me. “You’ll also have your own solo as the opening act for our winter performance. It’s the biggest performance of the year. It will be a lot of hard work, and you’ll need to show up for practices every Wednesday evening and all day Saturdays. It won’t be easy, and I’m sure it will be even harder commuting from here?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll find a way to make it work. That is, if Pete wants to accept your offer?” I asked, staring at Pete.

“Yes!” Pete blushed at his own exuberance. “I mean... yes, sir.” He stood taller, finding his voice. “I won’t let you down, I promise.”

“I don’t believe you will. May I have a moment alone with Mr. Daniels?”