Page 8 of Shattered Rhythm

Today is Friday, and I just got back from a shopping trip for some lighter clothes. I picked up some workout clothes that I can use for dancing, as well as some casual outfits for going to class. It was a whole new experience for me, being able to purchase whatever I wanted without any input from Liam. He used to tell me what I could and couldn’t wear, but having the freedom to choose for myself is truly liberating.

I peel open a banana and take a bite as I ponder which of my new clothes to wear today. After a moment of consideration, I decide on a pair of high-waisted black leggings and a tight black crop top with long sleeves. The outfit shows a sliver of my stomach, and I like the way it looks on me. I tie my hair up into a high ponytail and grab my gym bag. Since it’s hot outside again, I decide to let the roof down on my convertible. I slip on my sunglasses and hit the road.

I’m filled with excitement as I anticipate trying out the choreography I worked on in class this week. It’s an emotional piece that I know will likely wreck me, but I’m hoping it will be my best work yet. As I enter the studio, I spot Chris at the register and give her a quick smile and hello as I pass by. Walking past the boxing area, I notice Jaxon deep in conversation with someone, so I pick up my pace and head into the studio, where the class that was in session is just wrapping up.

Everyone is getting down, so I step onto the floor. The teacher turns to face me, and for a moment, I can’t help but wonder if looking good is a requirement for working here. He has a cocky smile on his lips as he takes in my appearance, then a look of intrigue takes over his face as he walks over to me. He’s maybe five-foot-eleven and has curly, dark blond, shoulder-length hair. The top part of it is pulled into a man bun, while the lower part is loose, with a few strands of curls hanging around his face. He has some long stubble, and his deep blue eyes are twinkling with humor at me. His gray sweatpants hang low on his hips, and his white tank top is formfitting, showing off how lean and fit he is. He has two black bands tattooed on his upper left forearm, one a bit wider than the other. I’ve heard that such tattoos can represent people that a person has lost. I even considered getting three black bands myself, but I always chickened out in the end. Looking at this man, I can’t help but wonder who he mourns so deeply, but if he’s still grieving, it certainly doesn’t show. Instead, he exudes the confidence of a player.

“Hey, I heard we have a new dancer in town. Nice to meet you. I’m Chase,” he says, extending his hand for a firm, friendly shake.

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Liv. Sorry if I interrupted, I can wait.”

Chase grins at me. “Oh, no worries. I’ve spent enough time up here today. The stage is all yours,” he says with a wink that oozes flirtation before hopping down off the stage.

Oh, he is dangerous.

I connect my phone to the sound system and search for the song I’ve chosen, “Train Wreck” by James Arthur. I make my way to the middle of the floor, but instead of the song I chose, “Unsteady” by X Ambassadors starts playing. My heart drops, and I scramble back to my phone, stumbling over my gym bag in the process.

Fuck, I thought I deleted this from my phone.

When the right song starts to play, I get back on the floor and sit down in the middle, my elbows on my knees and my head in my hands. I position myself with my back to the front of the stage and wait for the right moment. As the first verse of the song begins, I bend myself backwards, letting my hands swipe across the floor on either side of me, then lower my back to the floor and let the music guide me. My arms make their way up, my hands reaching for the ceiling, then I roll to the right until I’m on my knees, facing the front of the stage. I rotate my head, my ponytail swishing with the movement, then stretch myself to the ceiling before extending to the front and getting on my hands and toes, preparing for the next part of the dance. After getting to my feet, I hold my head in both hands and turn to the side, letting the emotion of the music and the movement overtake me.

* * *

Chase

I can’t resist watching Liv dance again, especially after thinking about her so much since Wednesday night. So I sit in the audience, ready to watch her performance, but I don’t think she notices.

Liv starts her routine with her hands gracefully sweeping across the floor while she’s bending backwards, and my heart rate quickens. The way she dances is mesmerizing, each movement flowing seamlessly into the next. As the music builds, Jaxon lowers himself into the chair next to me. I’m surprised to see him in my studio since he rarely comes here, so I frown at him, but he just shrugs in response. I turn my head and see River and Ryder standing behind our chairs, also watching the performance.

“What kind of dance is this?” River asks.

“It’s called contemporary,” I reply.

Just as I finish speaking, Liv rocks up from her knees and transitions into a standing position without using her hands.

“Holy fuck,” Ryder whispers in awe.

When the song reaches the part where the lyrics sayPull me out of the train wreck, Liv reaches out her hand in some help me gesture while pulling at her wrist with her other hand. The performance is so intense, her face looks like she’s in pain.

“Fucking goose bumps.” River whispers, just as I can feel the goose bumps rising on my own arms. Even Jaxon seems impressed, despite his usual aloof demeanor. He’s sitting on the edge of the chair with his elbows on his knees.

As the song nears its end, Liv is lying on her back, kicking at an invisible force before turning over to her front and lying still. After a moment of complete stillness, she gets up to her feet again, and Ryder applauds wildly, making whooping noises. River elbows him in the side, and he stops with a whispered “Ouch.” Liv, still breathing hard, zeroes in on us, and I smile at her.

“Don’t mind Ryder, he’s an idiot.” I say.

“Hey!” comes from behind me.

“That was fantastic!” I continue.

“Thanks,” Liv says, her face turning redder by the second.

“You’re so good!” Ryder chimes in.

“Yeah? So where are my twenty bucks?” Liv asks, her smile taking over her whole face.

Ryder barks out a laugh, but Jax looks confused.

“You know each other?” he asks.

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