Page 87 of Surviving the Merge
In the morning I reached for Damon but found an empty cold spot instead. Stepping into the hall on the balls of my feet, I heard the faint sound of his voice coming from the living room. I allowed him his privacy and went to take a shower before heading to the community center.
* * *
“You’re being too fancy,Mr. Justin,” said Samuel, the center’s ten-year-old, wise-beyond-his-years resident hip hopper.
I agreed to allow a small segment of our show to include more modern moves and music. He’d shown me this one particular dance at least ten times, and althoughIbelieved I’d nailed it every time, according to Samuel, I had it all wrong. He tried, with an endearing professionalism, to hold onto his patience.
“What do you mean‘too fancy?’”I laughed at his exasperation.
“Your posture’s too perfect. The angles you’re cutting are too sharp. You need to be more relaxed,” he said. “More... sloppy.” It visibly pained him to have to resort to such a word as “sloppy.”
“My past dance instructors would all have heart attacks if they heard you.”
“You’re too classically trained. I don’t think there’s much we can do for you,” he said, fists on his hips, shaking his head apologetically.
Hiding my smirk at the serious expression on his face, I asked that he not give up on me so soon. “Besides, I’m not the one that has to learn it anyway. You come up with a two-minute routine, I’ll approve it, and then we’ll teach it to the other kids. Deal?”
“Deal! But you still need to learn it. You’re always telling us not to give up.”
“Touché, Samuel. Touché.”
He scrunched up his nose. “What does tissue have to do with anything?”
I chuckled. “Has anyone ever told you you’re adorable?”
“My mom has a time or two.” His eyes rolled. “But don’t let Debbie hear you say it,” he whispered.
There was a knock on the opened door. It was Pete.
“Ah... do you have a second?” he asked.
“Hey, Pete, yeah. Samuel and I were finishing up here anyway.” I gave Samuel the scout’s honor sign.
“Byyyye, Mr. Justin!” Samuel raced out the door.
“No running!” I shouted before turning my attention to Pete. “I haven’t made any final decisions yet, but I have it on good authority that you’re a shoo-in for the male lead in the fundraiser performance.” My smile reflected my pride for all his hard work.
“I actually came to talk to you about the proposal you made to me earlier,” he said.
“Oh. Made up your mind so soon?” I’d spoken to the chancellor at the OBH about Pete. He agreed to come watch the performance, and if he liked what he saw, he would recommend Pete for the winter apprenticeship program.
“I’d like him to come. I... I think I’m ready.” He looked to me for validation, and I gave it with pleasure.
“Iknowyou’re ready. You’re going to blow everyone away,” I said. He gave a toothy smile.
“Where’s your load?” I peered around the room.
Rolling his eyes dramatically, he said, “I know, I know. I’m good enough for you.” He smirked, adding, “I’m good enough for me too.”
“Wow, you kids grow up so fast,” I said with mock emotion.
I changed, and we headed down to Sam’s class together. Pete was already scheduled to take it. I planned on surprising her with my attendance. “Hey, how about a game of basketball after class tomorrow?”
Pete shrugged. “Sure, I think I can take you this time.”
I laughed. At the sight of Sam approaching, Pete hurried to his corner, hiding behind his easel.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” Wrapping her arms around my waist, she gazed up at me, smiling.
