Page 80 of I Got You

ME: You’re smart. You figure it out.

ME: We choreograph, work together online, and you work with a backup until I get there. I’ll be ready.

DANNY: That might work, but it’ll be tricky.

ME: My ankle may not hold.

DANNY: Let’s do it. I’ll see when I can make it out so we can get started. Time is ticking, so hopefully, in a couple weeks. I’ll only be able to come for a couple days at a time.

ME: Works for me.

DANNY: I don’t deserve to dance with you again, but I’m really glad I get the chance. You’re going to tear up the stage.

ME: We’ll see. It’s been a long time.

DANNY: Maggie, you've never known how good you are. Now, we’re going to show the world.

∞∞∞

I’m on a hunt to find the Easter egg that is Shane’s office. It’s the first time I’ve ever been in the bowels of the practice facility, but it’s like a maze with no signage.

I turn a corner, hearing voices as I inch along, searching for the big grizzly bear that is my husband. His support and confidence yesterday meant the world to me. When his massive arms came around me, the ones I’d missed the day before, they were like a warm, cozy blanket, and I felt like I could actually do this.

A couple guys walk toward me as a few windows lining the wall provide the dark hall with the glow of fluorescent lighting. Peering in, I see what resembles tiny offices, and I think I might be getting close. Tucked back in the corner of the building, I find the big guy. His giant frame is squeezed behind a desk that looks like it was made for an elf, and he’s wearing those freaking glasses.

“Hey,” I say, pulling his attention from his computer.

“Hey.” His expression barely changes, but I still know I surprised him. He pulls off his glasses and sets them on his miniature desk.

I look around his tiny, sparse space. “How do you fit in here? You could be like a jack-in-the-box. Fling open the door, and the bear pops out.”

“You’re ridiculous,” he says, trying not to smile.

“This is ridiculous.” I wave my hand around the small space.

“I try not to be in here. It’s claustrophobic.”

“Really.” I’m small and feel like I’m stepping into a real Polly Pocket world. I hold up a bag. “I brought you lunch. It’s just a bagel and cream cheese, but it’s something.” I pull a bottle of water out of my bag and set it on his desk.

“Thanks. What are you doing here?” He looks in the bag.

“Oh, I just thought it was finally time to check out your digs, but I’m sorely disappointed, Grizz. This is like a teeny tiny holding cell.”

He looks at me from under his thick, dark eyelashes, unamused. I rest against the wall directly in front of him because there’s nowhere else to go.

“The current pain in my ass is supposed to be here in a few minutes, although I expect him to be late.”

“Nice to know that’s not my title today,” I sigh. “So, Chippy, what are you going to do with him?”

Shane rests back in his chair. “I don’t know. He’s got potential, but he’s not going anywhere if he doesn't control his temper and attitude. I can’t have him thrown out for unsportsmanlike conduct again. No one will even look at him if he doesn’t keep his cool.” He pauses. “I think he’s actually a good kid, just misguided.”

“Huh. Well, you’re probably the perfect person to knock some sense into him.” I smile.

Shane rubs his face. “I have no idea what to do. I’ve already talked to him twice and threatened to bench him. It’s like talking to a wall.”

“Then kick his ass to the curb or at least make him think you have.”

Shane takes a bite of his bagel. “Did you eat?”

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