Page 65 of Just One Bite
We arrive at the ballet studio, and a group of women and men are all standing around swaying anxiously. Everyone is dressed in leotards and tights, and I stick out, but no one cares because they’re all mumbling their worries to each other. Olivia’s got that determined look in her eyes. She’s in a light-blue leotard and leg warmers, with some see-through fabric covering her shoulders, and I think it may be the best thing I’ve ever seen her in.Okay, fuck.
Now that we are actively crossing boundaries, it would probably help for me not to think about her like that. I need to keep my urges in check. And today is all about Olivia.
I try not to be happy about giving her an orgasm on what is likely the most stressful day of her life. But I am. I love helping.
The director comes out with Octavia beside her, and I give Olivia a comforting squeeze. Zant was right about the smell of hairspray. The whole room is enveloped with it. Everything I know about Octavia is what Zant has told me, but she’s mirroring the director’s updo today, down to the little pieces by her face.
“Okay, everyone. I’ve got the list here. Please be aware, if you are not accepted into the company, you are still free to use the studio and attend our weekly all-open classes.”
She starts down the list on her clipboard, and Olivia’s heart drums erratically. She’s bouncing, so I place my hand on her head to steady her.
The minutes tick by and the room stays at a low whisper. I’m taking in the amount of mirrors and the muted orchestra music playing in the background when I hear it.
“Olivia Osborne.”
She reaches for me with a staggered breath.
“That’s good, yeah? You’re in.”
She’s nodding, her eyes wide and glossy. There are more names, but she’s still holding on to me.
“Alright. That’s all for now. We will decide on our first performance by voting this afternoon.”
The whole room erupts into chatter and excitement. I keep a protective field around Olivia while they push around.
“I did it.”
“You did it!”
She wraps her arms around me, and I smother her, then she stands back with her eyes sparkling as she wipes the wetness from them.
“Hey, Olivia.” A lanky man with fluffy brown hair comes up to her and waves.“Congratulations.”
“You too.”
“Oh, hi, Parker.” He turns to me with a smile.
“Hey, congratulations, man.” I extend my hand, and he awkwardly shakes it.
“Thanks …”
Shit. I’m not blending into her world. Is shaking hands not a cool congratulation thing? In Rage, it’s a little formal but widely accepted, and this is much more formal than my sport.
“I’m going to go talk to Octavia real quick, I’ll be right back,” Olivia says.
There’s a silence between this guy and me, and his unease is lingering in the air.
“So, uh, so it’s likely I’ll be one of her partners …”
“Oh, cool. What was your name?”
“Theo. I just want you to know it won’t be weird. I’m not trying to date your girlfriend … or mate.”
“Oh.” I’m surprised he even cares enough to bring it up. “Good.”
“The last thing I need is Parker Owens barreling in here to beat me up for touching her waist.”
I chuckle. “I wouldn’t … but I might if you drop her.”
