Page 119 of Sins or Secrets
“This is gorgeous,” Bree mutters looking around with the same admiration I feel.
I look at Joey who looks as proud of herself as she should. She knows she did a good job.
“Thank you. I told you I was the expert,” Joey replies. “And what do you think Ms. Cambray?”
“I think it looks perfect.” My answer undoubtedly surprises her.
Three days ago when we first met, the jealousy that raged through me prevented me from doing what we were supposed to do. She’s done such a great job that I seriously doubt my jealousy could interfere today.
“Thank you. Well, it’s done and it’s exactly what you wanted with your six millimeter mirrors. And, you know what, I think you were right. There is a difference and I can see it. The place looks great even if I do say so myself.”
“I owe you an apology for the other day. I was really out of line for the way I behaved.”
“Not a problem, you assumed I was flirting with your boyfriend and you were very right.” She gives me a hard stare and I get the feeling that if this was a different setting and she wasn’t on a job she’d say a little more than that. “Anyhew, I’d better go. Call if you need me. I doubt you will though.”
Bree and I watch her as she saunters away, hips swaying like she has a tune stuck in her head.
Bree is the first to laugh. “Oh my God, what a character.”
“It’s called confidence my dear,” I laugh.
“I wish I could be like that.”
“Oh please, you don’t need to be like that.”
“I don’t know. It would help. I keep attracting the wrong kind of guy. Assholes. I want someone who’s just the right kind of badass, but sweet. Now you’re sorted you can tell me what’s like to be with a man like that.”
I smile. “I’m not sorted. This no strings thing worries me.” I told her everything and of course she was happy for me.
“Don’t let it.” she shakes her head. “You’ll spoil it if you worry. I know you can see my point, which is exactly his point. Just enjoy each other. Like you have been.”
I laugh again. “Yeah we have been.” I look around the studio and my smile widens. “Well this is it. The beginning. We can be ready for the first class in a few weeks.”
“Sure can. I can’t believe it’s all ready to go.”
“Four months of dancing and teaching.” I nod and think about it.
Four months of dancing and teaching and then… the place will be sold.
“It should be fun. I love anything like this.”
“I hope we find someone who wants to buy the house with the studio. It’s probably going to be impossible and we have no right to insist on that, but the dream will be gone when the place comes down.”
“I know. I was thinking about that the other day.” Bree nods and sighs. “I hope you find someone like that too. Have you guys talked about the house sale?”
“A little bit. A few weeks back before we got together, I told Logan I was applying for jobs in New York so he said he would take over business when I’m gone.”
“Well at least you have things sorted out. I think he’ll make sure the house goes to the right people. If it’s anyone from around town I think they’ll know what this place meant to Lilly, and you guys too.”
“Yeah.”
“Until then, let’s really get this plan underway.” She squeals rubbing her hands together.
Excitement fills me too and I think again of how I wanted my own dance studio. Building this one with the designs I wanted, and the damn six millimeter polished edged mirrors feels like mine.
I saw a silent thank you to Lilly for giving me that feeling she must have had when she ran her school here.
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