Page 74

“Oh, hi Caleb. Scarlett said to send you straight through.”

“Thanks, Kylie,” I say, waiting for the door to buzz before pulling it open.

We enter a corridor with glass walls and doors along one side, allowing views of multiple dance studios. A class is taking place in the one ahead of us. The dancers are not much younger than April, their bodies moving in sync as they twist and spin. My mind goes back to her body twisting and turning on the terrace. April moves towards the class as if in a trance, unable to take her eyes off the dancers. Herlove for her profession is clear, and I know I’ve done the right thing bringing her here.

“Caleb.” Scarlett’s voice draws my attention. “Kylie said you’d arrived.”

I walk towards her, sweeping her into a bear hug.

“Good to see you, Scarlett,” I say.

“You too, Romeo,” she says, patting my cheek and making me scowl. Her laughter echoes down the hall.

“Hi,” she says, turning to face April. “You must be April, I’m Scarlett.”

She holds out her hand to April, who steps forward taking it in her own.

“Pleased to meet you,” she says, although I can hear the nervousness in her tone.

Scarlett smiles warmly.

“I wanted to meet you,” she says to April. “When I realised it was Caleb’s building and the flash mob, I had to call.”

“Oh. Oh!” she says as Scarlett’s words sink in. “You called Cal?”

Scarlett turns her gaze to me, her eyes twinkling.

“I did,” she says, returning her attention back to April. “Your routine impressed me.”

April’s cheeks darken at the compliment.

“Thank you,” she says awkwardly.

I can see the confusion on April’s face. She has no idea why she’s here.

“Maybe you should tell April, why you wanted to speak to her,” I say to Scarlett. “I haven’t said anything. I thought I’d leave that to you.” I tell my longtime friend.

“Perfect. Let’s grab a drink.”

Scarlett turns and leads us into a cafe. It sits at the end of the corridor, on the other side of the dance studios. Large glass windows overlook the car park.

“What can I get you?” she asks.

“Water for me, please,” April says.

“Caleb?”

“Coffee, black, thanks, Scarlett.”

Scarlett moves over to the counter and speaks to the girl behind it before returning and taking a seat.

“I have a proposition for you,” Scarlett says, turning to April.

April stares at her wide-eyed, and I want to chuckle. It’s fun watching her fangirl. “I heard what happened. Caleb told me. He also told me your dance school helps the kids in your neighbourhood. Gives them a focus.”

April nods but stays silent.

“In the US, I did something similar, helped in local schools. Created somewhere for the kids to go.” She touches her lips. “What I’m trying to say is I understand its importance.”