Page 24 of Comeback
“It needs a good cleaning,” I admit with a grin. “But I’m not afraid of the work.”
She’s still looking at me in a way that tells me she likes me but isn’t convinced. This is my opportunity to make sure she knows what it means to me.
“I wanted the space before I met you, but now it feels like fate or something. Maybe that’s presumptuous, but I’d love to honor your memory and Charles’ by opening a new dance studio there. I will work hard and give it everything I have. It’s been my dream for so long. It might take some time, but I won’t give up.”
I force myself to stop talking. I’ve made my case. Though I’m not above begging if it’ll help.
Eleanor extends one arm across the table. “I don’t believe in fate, but I do believe in you. You have passion and spunk.”
I glance down at her open palm and place mine in hers. She squeezes gently.
“Does that mean you’re going to rent me the space?”
A small laugh leaves her lips. “That’s exactly what it means.”
I am still on a high when I get back to the apartment. I called my mom and dad to tell them the news and then I texted Olivia, and I’m still beaming. I can’t wait to share with Brogan. I know he’ll be excited. He’s always excited.
Unfortunately, when I step into the apartment he’s nowhere to be seen and instead Archer and his teammate Tripp are in the living room.
“Sister Six!” Tripp calls from the couch, raising one arm to me.
“Hey, Tripp.” I set my purse on the counter and smile at him.
Archer briefly meets my gaze, and I get a tiny chin jut as a greeting.
“Where’s Brogan?” I ask them.
The apartment is too quiet for him to be here unless he’s sleeping.
“He and London are out on a date, staying in some swanky hotel for the night,” Tripp says. “He sent me over to keep Archer company.”
“Is that why you’re here?” Archer asks him. “I thought you were letting me kick your ass at Street Fighter.”
“I’m not letting you do anything, sadly.” Tripp tosses his controller onto the couch beside him.
Their bickering fades to the background as my disappointment takes front and center. I hadn’t even realized how much I was looking forward to celebrating with Brogan until now. I just knew he’d be so excited and make a big deal out of it, and I guess I wanted that tonight. My parents are too far away to meet up for a last-minute celebration, and Olivia has to work tonight.
“What about you?” Tripp asks, drawing my attention back to him and Archer. They’re both looking at me.
I blink away the fog. “Sorry, what?”
“What are you doing tonight?” Tripp asks me. “Wanna hang out with me? Archer isn’t any fun.”
“She works nights,” Archer says before I can answer for myself. I can’t tell by his tone if he’s trying to be helpful or make sure I don’t interfere with their night of gaming.
“I’m off tonight.”
“Then you gotta come out with us. We’re going to a new bar down the street.” Tripp grins wide and I finally come back to reality. The one where Tripp thinks it’s no big deal to invite me to hang out with him and Archer. Does he not know how much Archer dislikes me?
He wouldn’t even call a truce, and then chastising me, claiming I didn’t know about family. I get angry again just thinking about it.
“Thanks for the invite, but I have plans.”
Archer looks relieved. Ugh. Hot, frustrating jerk.
“Doing what?” Tripp asks.
I wasn’t expecting to be put on the spot and my brain goes empty. It doesn’t help that I have very few friends here.
