Page 51 of Hooked on a Demon
“Remember,” Eliana calls over the music, “passion. You are fighting for the woman you love; have it come through in your movement.”
She steps to one side of the room, watching their entanglement. “Good. Good.” She moves to the other side. “Benni, a little more force and extension. Perfect.” Back to the center. “Alright, big finish.”
The three leads complete their final sequence, bringing the piece to a close with perfect timing as the music comes to an end. “Well done!” She claps alongside the ensemble. “A couple of minor tweaks and you’re all set.”
Looking around the room, she’s met with broad smiles and looks of accomplishment. They pat each other on the back, and she overhears celebratory comments, and she has to agree with every single one of them.
“Alright, all, that is the end for today. We will meet again on Wednesday for our first rehearsal in the theater.”
The students clap for themselves, and maybe for her. “Oh, and one more thing,” she yells over the chatter, “you all should be so proud of the work you’ve done. This story you’ve created is fabulous, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it on the stage.”
She claps, and others join. As she watches them pack up, there are definitely a few blushing cheeks. She knows how hard it is to accept the accolades. But with any luck, she’s not the only one leaving tonight with a fuller heart and a deeper love of dance.
CHAPTER31
Eliana
Declan
Hi beautiful.
I hope you have a great day.
Eliana
Thanks
Can I see you tonight?
I have another rehearsal
That’s fine.
I’ll pick you up. What time are you done?
8:30
I’ll be there.
Her face warms as a blush creeps up her neck and rosies her cheeks. Her fingers find their way up to her lips and lightly brush them, remembering the feeling of his on hers.
As she slides her phone into her back pocket, arms wrap around her from behind, and her body freezes on instinct. Kaia’s face appears in her peripheral vision, and she feels her shoulders relax and the knot in her stomach loosen. She’s never liked being surprised, let alone from behind, but some days it’s worse than others, and unfortunately, today is one of those days.
Kaia hops in front of Eliana, bubbling with the energy of an over-caffeinated squirrel. “You ready for lunch?”
Eliana blinks and shakes her head to clear the lingering tension from being grabbed. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m good.”
“Good, 'cause I am so hungry I could eat a troll,” Kaia says, looping her arm around Eliana’s and guiding them into the restaurant.
The host greets them and takes them to their table, then leaves their menus and lets them know their server will be over shortly. The moment they are alone, Kaia’s eyes drill into Eliana. “Alright, spill the cauldron water.” Kaia opens the bottle of water already on the table and pours each of them a glass.
Eliana laughs. Always right to the point. “About what?”
“Oh, don’t play clueless gnome, you know what.”
Eliana smirks, opening her menu. She hasn’t been at The Grazing Hag in some time, so she’s curious to see what’s new. Kaia, clearly not amused by the lack of response, kicks her under the table.
“Ow!”
