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My body moves on autopilot as I get ready for our dance class.
I’ve been so excited to attend again, but now, all I feel is dread.
I never should have told Kieran I had a date.
What if he’s downstairs waiting for me?
Waiting for my date?
Not only have I lied to him, but I’ve potentially implicated one of his best friends.
Before I reach for my purse to head out, I grab my cell.
Effie: I screwed up. I told Kieran I have a date tonight.
Brax: Is that your way of asking me out?
A laugh erupts from my throat.
Effie: No, it’s me warning you that he might do something stupid.
Brax: What’s new there?
Brax: I can handle Kieran.
I sigh, irritated that he’s not taking this seriously.
Effie: He didn’t take it well.
Brax: I wouldn’t have expected him to.
I hesitate, unsure how to respond.
Brax: You’re not doing anything wrong. Hold your head high and put on your dancing shoes. See you soon.
“Fuck,” I hiss.
My hopes for him giving me a reason to cancel were futile.
Deep down, I knew they would be, but still.
Stuffing the last of my things into my bag, I throw it over my shoulder before grabbing my purse and heading out.
The whole way to the parking lot, I’m looking over my shoulder.
I wouldn’t put it past Kieran to follow me.
But as I make my way across town, I don’t see any evidence that I’m being tailed. Not that I have any experience with such things.
By the time I park outside the studio, I’m confident that I’m alone, and with a new sense of excitement for tonight, I head inside.
Unlike last Monday, I walk through the building with my head held high, like I belong.
It’s nice.
The lady at the reception desk welcomes me back, and I walk toward the class with the warm fuzzies from being remembered.
No sooner do I step inside, Brax turns to look at me with a wide smile on his face.