Page 45 of Past

“Nice job, guys. See you next week,” I say, picking my towel up to wipe my head. I grab my bag after rolling the mats up in the room and putting them away.

Izzy and Maisy aren’t in class today because Maisy said Jake kept her and Seb up all night teething, and Izzy has gone to help so they can get a little sleep. Poor little man. I will pop into the shops and get him some ice lollies to sooth his teeth. Hopefully, I can find the sugar-free baby ones I’ve seen Maisy give him.

“So? You finally got what you wanted?”

I turn from locking the cupboard door and see Lily walking over to me. She looks perfect, as usual; her long, red hair in a bun, while she’s wearing tight jeans and an even tighter, blue top.

“What?” I ask.

“Elliot. You finally have him to yourself,” she says, stopping close to me.

“Yes, I do,” I reply. I don’t mean it sound cruel, but I know it does. Lily always knew how I felt about Elliot, but she started dating him anyway. We stayed friends, but she was never a good friend to me. I think she just kept me close so she could keep me away from Elliot.

“Don’t expect it to last long. I knew he always wanted you, but it was me he always came to. I know all about your father.” She steps closer.

Elliot told me that Lily used to come to The Cage. He said he never really cared that she was there. Nothing like the reaction I got when I went. I don’t understand how she could go and watch him fight all those years and still be a bitch to him by cheating on him.

“I know because Elliot invited me to every fight. He wanted me there, and he was my best friend. Feelings like that don’t just go away. Did he tell you we planned our future together? The club he bought, I helped him choose,” she says, trying to make me jealous. I hate that it is working.

“I don’t have time for this. You’re a two-timing bitch and a crappy friend,” I tell her and walk around her to the door.

“He won’t stay away from me. Just wait and see,” she says behind me.

I don’t believe a word. I know Elliot isn’t crazy enough to go back to her. He would tell me if he saw her; at least, I hope he would. I don’t have any exes around, but I would tell him if I was chatting to one.

“Can I have a word, Allie?” Harley asks me as I walk outside the room. Harley is dressed in a blue suit, which gives him a scary mixed with sexy appeal. His hair is long, and I’ve never seen it down; he keeps it in a knot at the back of his head, and he sometimes has braids down the side. Harley has a slight stubble, which suits him.

Why did God have to make all the King brothers so attractive?

“Sure, what’s up, Harley?” I ask him, thankful for the distraction from Elliot’s ex.

“My office,” he says, nodding his head in the direction of the right corridor, and I follow him as he walks toward his office. Harley shuts the door behind me, and I take a seat in the chair opposite his desk while he takes his seat on the other side.

“Why do I feel like I’m back in first school and I’m about to get told off?” I ask, and Harley laughs.

“No idea. I want to speak to you about your dance classes.”

“Oh, go on then,” I say, leaning back in my seat.

“The instructor who was meant to take over from you, can’t. I’ve had over fifty children and parents sign up on a waiting list for more dance classes. Everyone has asked for you. I want to offer you a job.”

“That’s a lot,” I say.

“Yes, it is. The job would be very well-paid, and you would have your choice of the new rooms or the one you have. You would be given a free gym membership and be able to hire a dance assistant. We would be able to offer new classes in the week.”

“I'll have to think about it. I’m in university now, and I have a few more years before my course is finished,” I tell him.

“I understand. I will find someone else until you finish. But, if you change your mind, let me know.” Harley nods, a simple smile on his face as he leans back in his chair.

“Thank you, Harley,” I say, and he nods.

“One more thing.”

“Yes, what’s up?”

“Does your father know about you and my brother?” he asks me.

“Kind of, but not that we are still together. It’s complicated,” I say, looking away. It’s not like I can tell him about my dad’s warning.

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