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“April, breathe,” he says, but I can hear the smile in his tone.

“Sorry.” I inhale. “I called her.”

“Who? Your mother?” he asks cautiously.

“I did. She wants to meet me. The weekend after next.” I say, hoping he’s not going to tell me he has other plans and can’t make it.

“I’m proud of you,” he says. “I’ll book us a room. There’s a Frazer Hotel nearby. We can meet her there.”

A flood of warmth takes over my body, and I sink back into the chair.

“Thank you. Thank you for encouraging me to do this.”

“It’s all you, little dancer. I’m along for the ride. I want you to have your dreams. Help make them happen, anyway I can.”

The wordsI love youstick to my tongue. I want to saythem to him, know I mean them, but I can’t. Not yet. I have a few more things to do. Meeting my birth mother is one of them.

“Will I see you tonight? I can come over and cook dinner,” I say. Wanting, no, needing to be close to him.

There’s a pause. “I’d love that,” he says, his tone lighter.

I can’t keep the smile off my face. “I’ll see you later,” I say before ending the call.

I have a skip in my step as I head back to the dance studio for my next class. Only a few more weeks here, and then I’ll be moving back to my studio. I’ll miss the banter and the companionship of those I’ve met here. Although I know it’s not over.

“Wow, you look happy,” Scarlett says, stepping into the studio.

I tilt my head. “I am,” I admit, a grin spreading over my face.

Scarlett steps forward. “You and Cal? Have you sorted out your differences?” she asks.

I know she’s been concerned since I moved into her apartment.

“We’re getting there,” I admit.

I take a deep breath. I'm not sure if I should tell her what’s going on, but I'm not sure I can keep it to myself. The bubbling in my chest wants to explode.

“I just spoke to my birth mother,” I say, opening my eyes wide and waiting. Not sure what reaction I’m expecting.

It’s Scarlett’s turn to look shocked, but she grabs my hands and squeezes. “I’m taking it, it went well. You’re practically vibrating.”

I screw up my face. “I don’t know. Cal and I are going to meet her a week on Saturday. I’m confused.” I shrug my shoulders. “I’m not sure how to feel or what to say. She abandoned me when I was three. I haven’t seen her since.”

Scarlett pulls me into her arms.

“All you need to do is listen. See what she has to say. There are no hard and fast rules. Whatever happens next, you can draw a line under the past.” She gives me another squeeze before releasing me.

“Thank you,” I say, my throat tight. She does not know how much her words resonate.

“You’re welcome. I’m going to miss you when you leave,” she says.

The door to the studio opens, and the next class enters. I see Lottie in the back, so I wave over. Eli never brings his daughter, it’s usually his wife, ex-wife.

“I’ll leave you to it,” Scarlett says, heading for the door. Before she reaches it, she turns back. “Can you come and see me before you leave? I have a proposition for you. There is a certain rock-star who needs choreography for his new video. I think your style will fit. I want to know if you’re interested.” Scarlett grins, and I scowl at her. How can I turn down an offer like that?

“That’s cruel,” I call after her.

“I know, speak to you later.” She leaves the room laughing, and I shake my head.