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twenty-two

Lane

I’ve come to the conclusion that whoever designed leotards is evil.

I’m here to watch my daughter at her ballet lesson, and all I can focus on is how fucking good Olive looks right now.

I can’t help but notice how her white leotard hugs her body perfectly, skin-tight and enticing.

Pair that with white tights and a light pink ballet skirt, and I know that the image of her right now will be running through my head on a loop during some alone time.

When I finally tear my eyes away from her body, all I can see is the genuine joy on Sage’s face as she works with Olive. She’s learned so much, and she’s having the most incredible time while she does.

As much as I like Olive, I know nothing between us could ever work if my daughter didn’t like her, too. But with the way Sage looks at her like she hung the damn moon, there’s nothing stopping me from going all in with my Ballerina.

All I need is a chance to talk to her alone after the lesson today.

So, I just wait patiently and watch as they dance. I can see Sage’s confidence grow with every lesson, and I know by the spring recital, she’s going to be absolutely amazing, especially with Olive as her teacher.

I know she took some time away from ballet, but to my untrained eyes, I can see that she’s a natural.

The way her body moves leaves me awestruck.

She’s incredibly flexible, and I will myself to not consider what that would mean for something else.

She’s graceful and demure and so fucking pretty .

I love getting to see Olive do something she’s so passionate about.

In sharing that, she’s giving my not-quite-three-year-old daughter something to be passionate about as well. As a dad, what more could I possibly ask for?

But since Sage is technically still two, she acts like a two-year-old. When their lesson is winding down, she starts running around the studio instead. Olive is surprised at first but decides to roll with it.

I’m now watching my daughter and the woman I’m so captivated by running around the studio together, their loud laughter echoing through the room. And I just look on with the brightest smile on my face.

The door opens behind me, and Eileen pops in. “What’s going on in here?” she asks curiously. “I could hear you all the way down in my office.”

“Sage seems to be tired of dancing for now, and she led me on a high-speed toddler chase,” Liv laughs.

“She’s lightning fast,” I chuckle. “I’m constantly chasing her around to make sure she doesn’t run into traffic.”

Eileen grins and shakes her head, walking over to Sage before bending to her level. “Sage, are you giving Olive a hard time?”

“No, we have fun!” my daughter beams, her smile all teeth.

“That we were, sweet girl,” Olive says, rubbing her hand down Sage’s back. I love the relationship that she already has with my daughter.

“Eiween dance?” Sage asks, looking right at Eileen.

“Well, how could I ever say no to a face like that?”

My daughter lights up as Eileen takes her hand and helps her spin around the room.

Olive makes her way over to me while they do.

I whisper to her, “If they weren’t here right now, I’d already be kissing you, Ballerina.”

She bites down her grin, cheeks slightly flushed. “And if they weren’t here, I’d be okay with that.”

I smile at her softly. “I love watching you with my daughter.”

“I just love her. She’s sweet and fun, and she tries so hard. She’s kind of hard not to obsess over.”

“Believe me, I know the feeling,” I laugh. “Everyone around us loves her, too. She’s the only blood family I have left, but we still have plenty of family.”

“That’s so sweet,” Olive smiles. “I love that your friends treat her like family.”

“Our friends, Liv. They’re your friends now, too. Even Rory’s dad, though, adores her. Sage is practically his granddaughter. We’re really lucky to be surrounded by the people we are. That includes you.”

I look right into her eyes as I say that, mind lost in the depths of green. The shade is so deep and rich, more akin to a forest than an emerald. It’s not a shade I’ve seen before, but it’s absolutely beautiful.

“I’m lucky to know you two as well, Lane,” she says softly. “I’ve only known you for a month and your daughter for two, but I like the impact you’ve already had.”

I can see Eileen across the room, watching us with curiosity, obviously sensing this isn’t a completely innocent conversation. Her lips tilt up in a smile before she goes back to dancing with my daughter.

“What are your plans for Friday?” I ask Olive, not missing my opportunity.

“I don’t have any plans,” she replies. “Why?”

“Because I’d like to see you. We could grab dinner.”

Olive smiles brightly. “That sounds fun. I’m sure Sage would love it if we went back to Cheese the Day.”

I let out a light chuckle. “Without Sage. Let’s grab dinner without my daughter.”

She stares at me now in surprise. “J-just us? Like a… date?”

“Yes, Olive,” I smirk. “Exactly like a date. Because I’m asking you on a date.”

“You want to take me on a date?” she questions breathlessly.

“More than you know. So let me take you out Friday night. I’ll have someone watch Sage so you and I can enjoy some time together.”

“Yes,” Olive says in a rush before quickly regaining her composure. “Yes, I’d love that, Lane.”

“Perfect,” I grin widely. “It’s a date.”