Page 12 of Tension
The skepticism in her words hangs in the air, and I nod. “I will. I want to prove myself.”
Vaeda’s lips press into a thin line, and for a brief moment, I think I see something like reluctant approval flicker across her face. “Good. Don’t waste my time,” she warns before turning and walking away.
Her words echo inside my mind as I gather my things, her biting tone cutting through the post-class fatigue. She doesn’t trust me yet, that much is clear, but there’s a challenge in her distrust, one that fuels me. I am an addict chasing my next fix after all, and Vaeda’s approval has gripped my fixation.
As I’m zipping up my bag, Yvonne strolls over, her smile easy and inviting. “Good class today.” Her warm smile does little to erase the sting of Vaeda’s icy demeanor. “What did she mean by your reputation earlier?” She nods toward Vaeda, her eyes drifting over my shoulder.
There it is. I knew she would ask, and yet, I don’t have an answer for her. I don’t want to lie, but I’m not telling her anything either. “It’s a long story.” I shrug as her eyes flick back to mine, that look of confusion settling over her features once again.
The weight of her scrutiny makes my skin prickle. She’s trying to figure it all out. She doesn’t have a clue about who I once was, but she knows there’s something I’m hiding. The idea of having to explain my sobriety one day looms large in my mind, a hurdle I’m not sure I’m ready to face.
I wonder if she’ll push for more, and my heart races as I wait. “A few of us are heading out for drinks. You should come,” she states instead, slinging her jacket over one shoulder as I exhale with relief.
I hesitate, my chest tightening. “Thanks, but I think I’ll pass. I’m pretty wiped out.”
Yvonne tilts her head, her grin turning teasing. “Worried you won’t keep up? Come on, just one drink.” Alcohol was never my true problem, but it did open the gate to abusing my prescription.
“I’ll take a rain check.” I stay firm with a polite smile, trying to keep my tone light. “Next time, maybe.”
She shrugs, her eyes sparkling. “Suit yourself. Don’t work too hard.”
As she walks away, joining Kari and Adam near the door, I catch a glimpse of Vaeda from the corner of my eye. She’s standing near the office, her gaze locked on me. Her expression is masked, but there’s a distinct energy shifting around her, as if she’s sizing me up even now.
The walk back to my building is quiet, the sounds of the night helping to steady the whirlwind of thoughts in my head. I scale the fire escape quickly, the rhythm of my steps matching the beat of the Cha-Cha still echoing in my mind. Tonight, I feel the edges of something I haven’t felt in a long time. Control. A small victory, maybe, but enough to keep me moving forward.
VAEDA
The cool night air brushes against my face as I step out of the studio, tightening my coat around me. I’ve always found solace in the quiet after a class, but tonight, the lingering image of Yvonne flirting with Mateo twists in my mind like a thorn.
Yvonne, with her easy confidence and playful demeanor, had no hesitation in inviting Mateo out for drinks. The way she leaned toward him, smiling like he was her next conquest, made my teeth clench. Not because I care, well not like that,but because it’s reckless. She doesn’t know anything about him, about the demons he’s fighting.
My steps echo against the sidewalk as I make my way home. I’ve seen many women like Yvonne flirt before; it’s harmless and part of their charm, but Mateo is fragile, whether he wants to admit it or not. There’s something in his posture, in the way he carefully avoids meeting my eyes too long, that screams he’s holding on by a thread. Yvonne’s casual advances could unravel that thread, and I won’t let her risk it for the sake of a fleeting crush.
The studio wasn’t without its usual challenges tonight either. Mateo stumbled slightly during the second run of the Cha-Cha sequence, his foot slipping off rhythm. Yvonne laughed it off, brushing his arm and offering encouragement, but the exchange grated on me. Encouragement isn’t what Mateo needs; he needs discipline. He needs structure, not soft smiles and flirtatious glances.
I’ll have to speak to her in the next class. Nothing dramatic, just a quiet word to pull her aside and remind her to keep things professional, and if she presses, maybe I’ll mention Mateo’s history. Not the details, it’s not my story to tell, but enough to make her think twice. The last thing he needs is distractions or complications. Grey may see him as our star dancer, but I still see a risk.
By the time I reach the penthouse, my irritation has settled into a simmering frustration. Gerardo greets me at the door, his broad smile like a cooling balm over my mood for a moment. Until I remember my discarded lingerie bag in the corner of our closet. I wanted to wear it for him the same night I brought it home, but he was late getting in and groaned with exhaustion as he dragged himself into the shower.
The frustration I felt that night returns twofold as I step inside, forcing a smile to my lips. He’s dressed casually, his handsdusted with flour, the scent of fresh bread wafting from the kitchen. My stomach growls with hunger as I swallow down the ire growing inside me.
“You’re home late,” he says, leaning in to kiss my cheek. His touch is warm, familiar, but tonight it feels more grating than comforting.
“Long class,” I reply, slipping off my shoes and hanging my coat by the door.
“How did it go?” he asks as he heads back to the kitchen. “Are they improving?”
“They’re fine,” I force out the pleasantries, following him. The words come out sharper than I intend, but I don’t correct myself. I’m too wound up to soften my edges.
He glances over his shoulder, sensing more than I let on. “Who’s causing trouble now?” he teases, his tone light but curious.
I sigh, leaning against the doorframe of the kitchen. “Yvonne,” I admit. “She asked Mateo out after class. It’s unprofessional.” When his features flick with confusion, I take a deep breath to stave off the anger and remind myself he doesn’t know everyone in my classes. “Yvonne is in the Advanced Class and partners with Mateo.”
Gerardo pauses mid-knead, tilting his head toward me. “She asked him out? Like on a date?” His grin only fans the flames burning inside me as I rub at my temple.
I nod, crossing my arms. “She’s too flirty and reckless. Mateo doesn’t need that kind of attention. He’s complicated.”
Gerardo’s lips twitch into a small smile as he resumes his work. “She’s young. Let her have her fun.”
